Imagine gliding across a serene lake surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountains, all while enjoying a hearty buffet of local Sauerland specialties. That’s exactly what you get on the Biggesee boat tour with a hearty snack buffet—a relaxing, delicious way to take in the scenery of North Rhine-Westphalia. This experience combines comfort, sustainability, and good old-fashioned German hospitality into a three-hour cruise that’s both enjoyable and surprisingly filling.
What immediately catches your eye is the use of all-electric ships, a detail that speaks to the region’s push toward sustainable travel. Plus, the local snack buffet offers a taste of Sauerland’s culinary traditions with cheeses, sausages, regional breads, and fresh vegetables—perfect for turning a simple boat ride into a culinary excursion. Two aspects I particularly appreciate: the friendly atmosphere on board and the scenic views that make every moment memorable.
A small caveat is that this tour isn’t suitable for vegans, and, like any organized cruise, it’s best to arrive on time. But with a flexible booking policy—free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead—you can plan with confidence. Whether you’re after a leisurely afternoon or a unique way to experience the lake, this boat trip offers a charming, authentic slice of Sauerland life.
Key Points and Takeaways
- All-electric fleet: The ships are powered by electricity, making this cruise an eco-friendlier choice.
- Local cuisine: The hearty buffet includes Sauerland cheese, sausages, regional breads, and fresh vegetables—great for food lovers.
- Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning views of Biggesee, the largest Sauerland dam, surrounded by mountains and lush forests.
- Flexible booking: You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Family-friendly: The three-hour duration and accessible facilities make it suitable for families and groups.
- Limited for vegans: The buffet mainly features traditional hearty foods, so vegans might find limited options.
Exploring the Biggesee Boat Tour: What to Expect
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The Starting Point: Talbrücke Sondern
Your adventure begins at the Talbrücke Sondern, an iconic railway viaduct that crosses over the Biggesee. It’s a recognizable landmark and a fitting place to board Europe’s largest electric passenger ship. The timing for boarding is usually around 14:15, so arriving a bit early helps avoid any last-minute rush. It’s a straightforward process—once on board, you’re greeted with a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice, setting a festive tone without the fuss.
The Voyage: Three Hours of Scenic Relaxation
Once underway, you’ll cruise for about three hours, passing over the Sondern Viaduct and other notable sights. The ship itself offers both maritime salons inside and a sun deck outside, giving you options depending on the weather and your mood. I find that the sun deck is perfect for snapping photos and soaking up the sun, while the inside offers a cozy retreat if the weather turns.
The Snack Buffet: Turning a Cruise into a Culinary Experience
The highlight for many is the generous snack buffet. It includes lovingly prepared cheese and sausage specialties, fresh local breads, pickles, dips, and crunchy vegetables—think of it as a leisurely “Brotzeit” on water. It’s all about savoring local flavors in a relaxed setting. The food is plentiful, and drinks like filter coffee, tea, cocoa, mineral water, house wine, beer, and lemonade are included. Keep in mind, long drinks, cocktails, spirits, and extras outside the buffet are not included, so plan accordingly.
The Return: Back to Talbrücke Sondern
After about three hours, the boat returns to its starting point. The cruise is designed to be a smooth, enjoyable round trip with plenty of opportunities to relax, eat, and admire the scenery. As one reviewer put it, “It was a very pleasant three hours. The food was good, and the staff was attentive and polite.” This kind of genuine hospitality is what makes the experience stand out.
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The Itinerary in Detail
Stop 1: Talbrücke Sondern
This is not just the embarkation point but also a sightseeing highlight. The Sondern Viaduct is an engineering marvel and provides excellent views from the boat. The station here is convenient and well-organized, making for an effortless start.
The Scenic Passage
As you cruise across the lake, you’ll see mountains and forests framing the water—a classic Sauerland landscape. The biggest draw is the dam itself, which is the largest in the Sauerland region and a significant feat of infrastructure. Expect plenty of photo opportunities, especially from the sun deck.
End Point: Same as the Start
The cruise concludes back at Talbrücke Sondern, making it a true round trip. It’s a straightforward plan, but the beauty of the landscape and the comfort of the ship make it feel like a full escape from everyday life.
Practical Details and Value
Duration and Timing
You’ll spend a full three hours on the water, which is a perfect length for a relaxing afternoon without feeling rushed. Check availability for specific departure times, but typical boarding begins at 14:15, with the cruise ending around 17:15.
Price and Inclusions
The price includes the boat ride, a welcome drink, a hearty snack buffet, and unlimited drinks like coffee, tea, mineral water, wine, and beer. This makes it a good value, especially considering the quality and regional authenticity of the food. The cancellation policy is flexible—full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
Who Is This For?
This cruise appeals most to families, couples, and anyone looking for a leisurely, scenic experience with good local food. It’s ideal for those interested in sustainable travel, thanks to the electric ships, and for foodies eager to taste Sauerland specialties. However, vegans may find the buffet options limited, and those needing fully accessible facilities should verify in advance.
Accessibility and Convenience
The cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader audience. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour’s duration is manageable for most groups.
Who Will Love This Experience?
If you enjoy relaxed sightseeing combined with good food, this trip is a winner. It’s perfect if you’re curious about the Sauerland landscape and want a comfortable way to explore the lake without strenuous hiking or driving. History buffs will appreciate the engineering marvel of the viaduct, and food lovers will enjoy the local delicacies on offer. It’s a particularly good choice for those who value sustainable travel—the electric ships are a step toward greener tourism.
Who Might Not Love It?
Those seeking a more active adventure or a purely cultural experience might find this cruise too laid-back. Vegans and those with specific dietary restrictions may not find enough options. And since drinks like cocktails and spirits are not included, it might not satisfy those looking for a full bar experience.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
This boat tour on Biggesee combines scenic beauty, sustainable transportation, and delicious regional cuisine in a way that makes it stand out from typical lake cruises. For a relaxed, three-hour escape into Sauerland’s nature with the bonus of a hearty snack buffet, it’s hard to beat the value. The friendly staff, comfortable ships, and stunning views create a memorable experience that suits visitors of all ages.
If you’re in the North Rhine-Westphalia area, craving a peaceful afternoon with good food and beautiful scenery, this cruise is worth considering. It’s a delightful way to slow down, enjoy the landscape, and indulge in Sauerland flavors—all aboard an eco-friendly vessel.
FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered
Is the boat ride suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise’s three-hour duration and family-friendly setting make it suitable for children, especially since the ship is accessible and the atmosphere relaxed.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No, the policy states that food and drinks cannot be taken away or packed to consume after the ride. All consumption should happen on board during the cruise.
What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes the three-hour boat ride, a welcome glass of sparkling wine or orange juice, a hearty snack buffet, and unlimited drinks such as coffee, tea, mineral water, house wine, beer, and lemonade.
Are there vegetarian options available?
The buffet is hearty and traditional, focusing on cheeses, sausages, and breads. Vegetarians might find some options, but it’s best to check in advance if specific dietary needs are a concern.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.
What should I wear?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for the weather. If you plan to sit on the sun deck, a hat and sunglasses are advisable, and a light jacket might be useful if it’s cool.
How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.
What is the best time to take this cruise?
Check availability, but generally, the afternoon cruise is ideal for enjoying daylight views, especially on sunny days when the scenery looks especially vibrant.
Is there a different route or additional stops?
This specific cruise starts and ends at Talbrücke Sondern, with the focus on enjoying the lake and dam scenery. Other similar experiences might include additional stops, but this one is designed for a relaxed round trip.
This review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Biggesee boat tour with a hearty snack buffet. It’s a relaxing, scenic, and flavorful experience that offers good value and a taste of Sauerland’s hospitality—perfect whether you’re passing through or planning a dedicated day out.