Biggesee: boat tour with hearty snack buffet

If you’re exploring North Rhine-Westphalia and want a relaxing yet flavorful way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, this Biggesee boat tour might just be your perfect match. This three-hour cruise offers a seamless blend of mountain views, lake panoramas, and a taste of local Sauerland specialties—all onboard an all-electric passenger ship that promises a quieter, eco-friendlier voyage.

From genuine hearty snacks to sweeping scenery, there’s plenty to love about this experience. We particularly appreciate the sustainable electric fleet, which adds a modern, eco-conscious twist to a traditional boat ride. The length of the trip allows for a relaxed pace, avoiding the rush often found on shorter excursions. And the included buffet—featuring cheeses, sausages, and local bread—means you can indulge without worrying about extra costs.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that alcoholic drinks beyond house wine and beer are not included, and the food is not suitable for vegans. This experience suits those who want a leisurely trip with a generous food offering and are comfortable with a set menu onboard. It’s especially perfect for travelers eager to combine scenic views with regional flavors in a laid-back setting.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly travel: All-electric ships reduce emissions and noise, making the ride peaceful and environmentally conscious.
• Authentic tasting experience: Local Sauerland specialties make the snack buffet a highlight.
• Flexible timing: The cruise lasts three hours, providing ample time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Inclusive drinks: Coffee, tea, mineral water, house wine, and beer are included, adding value.
• Accessible for most: Wheelchair accessibility and flexible cancellation policies are available.
• Ideal for casual outings: Not suitable for vegans or those seeking extensive onboard dining options beyond the buffet.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Setting the Scene: The Journey Begins at Talbrücke Sondern

Our starting point is the Talbrücke Sondern, a picturesque bridge that offers a fitting gateway onto the Biggesee. The boarding process happens around 14:15, giving you a chance to settle in and enjoy the anticipation of the scenic journey. The crew, from what reviews suggest, is quite attentive and polite—which helps set a friendly, welcoming tone right from the start.

The Ship and Its Modern Fleet

The boat itself is a highlight. It’s an all-electric passenger vessel, upholding sustainability without compromising comfort. Passengers can explore both the maritime salons inside and the sun deck outside. The lounges provide a cozy, maritime feel, while the sun deck offers unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and shimmering lake—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

The Scenic Route: Discovering the Biggesee

The cruise circles around the Biggesee, one of NRW’s largest reservoirs, renowned for its impressive size and the impressive Sondern Viaduct. As the boat glides along the water, you’ll appreciate the blend of mountain landscapes and tranquil lake vistas. Reviewers mention the trip’s relaxing pace, which makes it ideal for those wanting to avoid rushed sightseeing. The highlight is, of course, the viaduct, a striking sight that showcases the region’s engineering and scenic beauty.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Hearty Snack Buffet: A Culinary Highlight

The food offering is more than just a snack—it’s a well-curated local delicacy featuring cheeses, sausages, and fresh breads, along with pickles, dips, and crunchy vegetable sticks. Reviewers have praised the quality of the food, noting that it was “very good” and that the personnel was attentive and courteous. The buffet turns the simple act of snacking into a true Brotzeit—a traditional German snack time—on the water.

The buffet is designed for casual grazing, making it easy to continue sightseeing while munching on your favorites. Drinks, including filter coffee, tea, cocoa, mineral water, house wine, beer, and lemonade, are also included, adding to the overall value of the experience. Just a heads-up: long drinks, cocktails, and spirits are not part of the package, and food is strictly for onboard consumption.

Exploring the Ship

Beyond dining, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the vessel. The maritime salons provide a cozy indoor space, perfect if the weather turns or you prefer to remain sheltered. Meanwhile, the sun deck offers panoramic views ideal for photography and simply taking in the landscape. This dual setup allows guests to tailor their experience—whether seeking comfort or fresh air.

The Return and Overall Atmosphere

The cruise concludes back at the Talbrücke Sondern around 17:15, giving you a natural stopping point to continue your exploration. Based on reviews, the trip is praised for being “very pleasant” and not overly crowded, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere. The crew keeps a close eye on safety and comfort, which enhances the overall experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This experience combines sustainable travel with authentic regional flavors, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise. The focus on eco-friendly electric ships offers a quieter, less polluting way to enjoy the lake, while the local buffet provides a genuine taste of Sauerland’s culinary traditions. The three-hour duration strikes a great balance between sightseeing and relaxation.

Who Is It Best For?

This trip is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy leisurely outings and good food. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate sustainability and regional specialties, but it might not be the best fit for vegan travelers or those seeking an extensive onboard dining menu.

Practical Details That Matter

Duration: The cruise lasts about three hours, with start times checked upon booking—generally around 14:15 with return at 17:15. This makes it a manageable outing, especially if you’re combining it with other activities in the area.

Price & Value: The inclusion of snacks and drinks makes this a solid value, especially considering the scenic beauty and eco-friendly aspect. It’s a relaxed, all-in-one experience—no need to worry about extra costs for beverages or food.

Accessibility & Cancellation: The boat is wheelchair accessible, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—adding flexibility to your plans.

Restrictions: No alcohol consumption beyond what’s provided onboard, and no takeaway food or drinks are permitted post-cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the boat tour?

The trip lasts approximately three hours, starting around 14:15 and ending at 17:15, but check availability for exact times.

• Are drinks included?

Yes, filter coffee, tea, cocoa, mineral water, house wine, beer, and lemonade are all included.

• Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible.

• Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No, food and drinks are only allowed during the cruise and must be purchased onboard—you cannot take away or pack food after the trip.

• What is the food like?

The buffet features hearty, regional specialties like cheeses, sausages, fresh bread, pickles, dips, and crunchy vegetables, praised for quality and presentation.

• Can I cancel my booking?

Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Biggesee boat tour offers a relaxing way to enjoy North Rhine-Westphalia’s natural splendor while sampling authentic Sauerland cuisine. The all-electric fleet provides a peaceful, eco-friendly journey, perfect for travelers who value sustainability alongside scenic beauty. The inclusive buffet and drinks add convenience and value, especially for those looking to combine sightseeing with a casual, hearty meal.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy leisurely, scenic outings with a taste of regional flavors, and who prefer a sustainable, noise-free environment. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic cruise or a family wanting a relaxed day on the water, this experience delivers genuine value and memorable views.

This cruise is a well-rounded experience, balancing environmental responsibility, regional culinary delights, and scenic tranquility—making it a worthwhile addition to your Sauerland adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: