--- title: "Switzerland's Bernese Oberland Region Offers Unconventional Family Vacation Activities" url: https://newscentral.site/switzerland-s-bernese-oberland-region-offers-unconventional-family/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Travel" published: 2026-11-07T14:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-11-07T16:31:17.111Z id: cef93cce-b82c-4402-8d19-bfc43b065a72 source: "Conde Nast Traveler https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-way-to-eat-swiss-fondue-floating-on-lake-brienz" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/switzerland-s-bernese-oberland-region-offers-unconventional-family/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Switzerland's Bernese Oberland Region Offers Unconventional Family Vacation Activities A family vacation to Switzerland's picturesque Bernese Oberland region had reached a turning point - finding an activity that would captivate the attention of adult children and their partners. As chief planner, I sought something unconventional to break the ice and create lasting memories. My search led me to Interlaken, where a unique experience caught my eye: floating fondue on Lake Brienz. It was exactly what I had been looking for - an unorthodox yet appealing way to enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a breathtaking setting. With over 30 visits to Switzerland under my belt, I've had the privilege of experiencing many of its natural wonders firsthand. From skiing and hiking to whittling my own cow from a block of wood, I'm no stranger to this beautiful country's offerings. As we were about to settle into our accommodations in the Bernese Oberland, I knew that getting everyone excited about family time required something more than just exploring iconic sites like Grindelwald, the Jungfrau, and Eiger mountains. A unique culinary experience was just what we needed to get everyone excited about family time in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. I had heard about a company called Outdoor Switzerland that offered a Cheese Fondue Float experience on Lake Brienz, and I thought this could be the perfect way to win over our group's hearts through their stomachs. The experience had evolved from raclette, which involves scraping toasted cheese onto boiled potatoes, to fondue, Switzerland's national dish, served in ceramic caquelons. Reviews of the tour praised the delicious cheese and wine, as well as the fun atmosphere. The day of the tour turned out to be a perfect September Sunday, with glorious temperatures and bluebird skies, and we were grateful for the leisurely five-minute bus ride from Interlaken's downtown area to the launch site in the small village of Bonigen. The boat glided smoothly onto Lake Brienz, its tranquil surface reflecting the surrounding mountains like a perfect mirror image. The lake's depth is impressive, making it the deepest in the country, and its scenic beauty is undeniable. As we settled into our seats around the tablecloth, Hild began to row us further out onto the lake. The scenery was breathtaking, with towering peaks rising up on either side of us, their reflections creating a sense of symmetry in the still water. The fondue pots were already set up and ready for use, containing a prepared cheese mixture that would soon be bubbling away. I poured it into the heated pots, and the aroma of melting cheese filled the air as it began to warm through. As we waited for the fondue to reach its perfect temperature, my son took charge of the music, playing lively Alpine tunes on the Bluetooth speaker to set a festive mood. A passing cruise boat on Lake Brienz caught sight of our floating fondue party, prompting a friendly exchange of waves and toots from the ship's horn. We enthusiastically returned the greeting, waving at the passengers as they smiled and waved back in response. The warmth of the cheese had finally reached its peak, allowing us to indulge in the pleasure of dipping bread cubes into the melted goodness amidst celebratory toasts for our family adventure. As the fondue pot continued to heat up, it transformed the remaining cheese into "la réligieuse", toasted cheese bits that are typically scraped from the bottom of the pot. The Cheese Fondue Float experience on Lake Brienz in Interlaken is available for booking through Outdoor Switzerland's website, as well as GetYourGuide and Viator. This unique activity can be booked between September and April, weather permitting. Guests should prepare for the colder months by bundling up with coats, beanies, and gloves, as they'll spend up to an hour and a half on the water. Private charters are available for groups of up to eight people, and children over eight years old are welcome to join in on the fun. For those who prefer dessert, Outdoor Switzerland also offers a Swiss Chocolate Fondue experience that pairs perfectly with blankets, hot tea, marshmallows, and fruit dipped into creamy melted chocolate while being rowed along the picturesque Brienzersee. --- Source: [Conde Nast Traveler](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-way-to-eat-swiss-fondue-floating-on-lake-brienz) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/switzerland-s-bernese-oberland-region-offers-unconventional-family/