Discovering the Biggesee: A Luxurious Boat Ride with Gourmet Dining
This review explores the Biggesee XXL Boat Ride with All-Inclusive Brunch Buffet in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany—a charming way to enjoy the area’s scenic beauty while indulging in a hearty meal. The trip offers a 3-hour journey aboard one of Europe’s largest electric passenger ships on Germany’s largest Sauerland dam, combined with a buffet-style breakfast and lunch featuring local specialties. The experience is suitable for those seeking a relaxed, scenic outing with good food, good drinks, and a touch of comfort.
What genuinely sets this tour apart is the combination of stunning lake views with all-you-can-eat dining—a rare find where nature and indulgence meet. I particularly appreciate how the small group size allows for flexible seating and a more intimate, unhurried atmosphere, something many travelers value over larger, more crowded tours. Another highlight is the quality of the buffet—not just a quick snack but a well-prepared spread that includes hot drinks, regional dishes, and an assortment of drinks, including wine and beer.
Yet, a potential consideration is the duration—while three hours is ample for a scenic cruise with plenty of food, some might wish for a longer experience, especially if they enjoy lingering on the sun deck or exploring the lake’s vistas thoroughly. Also, the price of $68 per person offers good value considering the included drinks and buffet, but it’s worth noting that souvenirs and extra drinks outside the buffet are not included, which could add to expenses if you’re not careful.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Relaxed small-group atmosphere ensures comfortable seating choices and freedom to move around.
- All-inclusive buffet offers breakfast, lunch, and desserts with regional specialties—ideal for food lovers.
- Unlimited drinks including wine, beer, hot beverages, and soft drinks make it a leisurely indulgence.
- The stunning views of Biggesee provide a picturesque backdrop for the entire cruise, perfect for photography.
- Flexible timing and easy booking with the option to reserve and pay later makes planning simple.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for a variety of travelers, except large party groups.
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The Scenic Journey: A Closer Look at the Itinerary
The adventure begins at the Sondern Talbrücke pier, an easily accessible starting point with parking available nearby. The boat sets sail into the Biggesee, the largest dam in Sauerland, known for its tranquil waters and lush surrounding landscapes. As you glide across the lake, you’ll be treated to panoramic views that make the three-hour trip feel just right—long enough to relax but short enough to leave you eager for more.
During the cruise, a sparkling wine and juice reception kicks things off, setting a festive tone. The ship’s maritime salons inside and sun deck outside allow guests to choose their preferred spot, whether to enjoy the fresh air or settle indoors. The buffet spread is prepared on two decks, offering endless opportunities to indulge in regional foods, hearty breakfast items, and decadent desserts.
The itinerary also includes free time for sightseeing and food tasting, providing a chance to truly soak in the scenery and enjoy the regional flavors. Some reviews mention that the top deck is especially cozy, making it an excellent spot for relaxing and taking photos. The ship then naturally returns to the starting point at Talbrücke Sondern, completing a well-paced, satisfying outing.
What You Can Expect from the Food and Drinks
The buffet is a major highlight—offering a full breakfast and lunch with regional specialties, making it a true food-focused experience. Guests rave about the variety and quality of the fare, with one reviewer noting, “Würde wieder kommen,” (Would come again), highlighting how much they enjoyed the meal. Desserts are also included, providing a sweet finish to the meal.
Drinks are served freely throughout the trip—hot beverages like tea, coffee, and cocoa, alongside mineral water, lemonade, wine, and beer—offering a relaxed, celebratory feel. The inclusion of sparkling wine at the start adds a touch of specialness, perfect for marking a leisurely day out. The unlimited nature of food and drink means you can indulge without worry, making this experience excellent value.
Who This Experience Suits Best
This cruise is ideal for couples, small groups, or families looking for a laid-back, scenic outing combined with good food and drink. It’s also excellent for those who appreciate regional specialties and scenic lake views. Because of the small group size, it’s less suited for large parties or those seeking a boisterous, party-style atmosphere—this is more about chill vibes and gourmet indulgence.
Travelers who enjoy relaxing on the water, photographing nature, or simply savoring a hearty meal in a beautiful setting** will find this to be a splendid way to spend part of their day. Accessibility is good, with wheelchair options available, but those looking for a very long cruise might find the 3-hour window a bit brief, especially if they want more time on the sun deck.
Price and Value Considerations
At $68 per person, the experience offers a solid balance of value and enjoyment. It includes the entire boat trip, buffet, and drinks, which could easily cost more if booked separately. The all-you-can-eat buffet and unlimited drinks greatly enhance the perceived value, especially considering the scenic setting.
However, if you’re interested in souvenirs or additional beverages outside what’s provided, those costs are extra. For most travelers, the inclusive nature of the trip—especially the drinks—makes it a worthwhile splurge, especially for a special occasion or to unwind during a leisure trip in Sauerland.
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Practical Tips for Your Trip
- Reserve early to secure a spot, especially in peak seasons, and take advantage of the flexible booking option.
- Arrive at Sondern Talbrücke pier early—parking is available there, and the pier is easy to find.
- Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Dress comfortably but consider bringing a light jacket or layers, as it can get breezy on the deck.
- If you’re a wine or beer enthusiast, enjoy the unlimited drinks, but remember to pace yourself.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This?
This Biggesee boat trip shines as a leisurely, scenic escape that combines gourmet food, beautiful vistas, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for food lovers, those seeking a peaceful day on the water, or anyone wanting to experience the Sauerland region from a different perspective.
If you’re after a low-key, enjoyable outing with friends or loved ones and like the idea of sipping regional wines while soaking up lake views, this experience hits the mark. The small-group setting ensures a cozy environment, and the inclusion of hot drinks, champagne, and regional specialties makes it feel like a special treat rather than just a cruise.
For travelers looking for a combination of scenic beauty and culinary delight without the crowds or chaos of larger tours, the Biggesee XXL Boat Ride offers genuine value—and a memorable way to spend a few hours in Germany’s Sauerland.
FAQ
How long is the boat trip?
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the scenery and meal without feeling rushed.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the Sondern Talbrücke pier, which is easily accessible and has parking nearby.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat trip, a sparkling wine and juice reception, an all-inclusive buffet with breakfast, lunch, and desserts, hot drinks, mineral water, lemonade, wine, and beer.
Are drinks outside the buffet included?
No, anything beyond the included drinks—such as souvenirs or additional spirits—is extra.
Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the trip is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of mobility needs.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is it suitable for large groups or parties?
Large party groups are not allowed; the experience is designed for small, intimate gatherings.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably; layers are recommended as it can be breezy outside on the deck.
Are children allowed?
The data doesn’t specify, but as a relaxing, food-focused cruise, it’s likely suitable for families, provided children are comfortable on boats.
What is the overall value of this experience?
Considering the included food, drinks, and scenic cruise, it offers good value, especially for those looking for a leisurely, indulgent outing on the lake.
In sum, the Biggesee boat ride with all-inclusive brunch combines the pleasures of nature, great food, and relaxing camaraderie. It’s a fine choice for anyone wanting a calm, scenic day that’s both fun and flavorful—particularly if you appreciate regional cuisine and lakeside vistas.