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Switzerland & Austria Travel Articles
Boat Travel


Rail Europe our partner
Buy Swiss, Austrian, and other European rail passes in your local currency before you leave home. (Some passes are valid on boats.)


General Information

Lake steamers
Cruise Switzerland's lakes on commuter boats and historic paddlewheelers. The boats often stop near railway stations, and in most cases you can travel free with your Swiss Pass.

Itineraries/Excursions

Boat Cruises from Biel/Bienne
Tour three lakes, a canal, and a river. (You can even bring a bicycle along.)

Lake Lucerne by steamer
Cruise 3-1/2 hours to Fluelen, or combine shorter segments with train transportation as you explore Switzerland's most popular lake.

Lake Zürich by steamer
Cruise two hours to Rapperswil, the historic "town of roses," or sample the Zürisee's attractions aboard a breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner boat.

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Switzerland & Austria Index



(c) iStockphoto.com/Robin Ahle

Need a car in Europe?

Auto Europe guarantees the lowest rental rates for standard cars, sports cars, SUVs, luxury cars, chauffered sedans, and RVs. Its Web site also has driving information for 38 countries.

If you live outside the EU, a tax-free Renault or Peugeot tourist lease can be cheaper than renting. Minimum driver age is 18, there' s no upper age limit, and rates include insurance. See: Short-term car leasing.


European train

Traveling by train?
Rail Europe has schedules, maps, and guides for 50+ European railroads. (Residents of North and Central America can buy tickets and rail passes online.)