General Terms and Conditions (GTC)

These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) in their currently valid version are an integral part of any contractual legal relationship between passengers or customers and Schiffsbetrieb Walensee AG (SW). They are valid for all forms of contract conclusion. For reasons of readability, the masculine form is used in the following text. Nevertheless, all information refers to members of all genders. By making a booking, the customer confirms their unconditional and full acceptance of these GTC.

2.1 Course trips
Group registration is required for groups of 10 or more people. This group registration does not constitute a contract or a seat reservation. The contract is only concluded once the course trip tickets have been purchased online or on site on the ship.

2.2 Public event rides
Public event rides can only be booked online in the web shop. Upon completion of the online booking, the contract is considered binding.

2.3 Private boat rentals
The contract for a private boat rental is concluded as soon as the customer has received the reservation confirmation in writing.

3.1 Course trips
Changes in the number of participants in groups must be communicated in good time. The actual number of participants will be calculated and invoiced on site.

3.2 Public event rides
It is not possible to change the number of participants, as fixed seats are booked for public event trips.

3.3 Private boat rental
A minimum of 25 people is required for boat rentals with a menu. If this number is not reached, the boat rental for the category of 25 people and 25 menus will be charged. Changes to the number of persons listed in the reservation confirmation of more than 20% must be notified at least 14 working days before the event. Minor adjustments are possible up to 7 working days before the event; this number of persons is considered final and relevant for billing purposes. If fewer passengers show up, the confirmed number of persons will be charged. If more passengers show up and the actual number of persons falls into a higher price category, the corresponding higher boat rental fee will be charged according to a separate price list.

All published prices are in Swiss francs and include the currently applicable Swiss value-added tax rate. Prices are subject to change.

Payment can be made in cash, by debit or credit card, or using TWINT on board the ships. In the online shop, payment can be made by credit card or TWINT. All invoices are issued in Swiss francs and include statutory value added tax. Invoices can only be issued to recipients within Switzerland.

5.1 Course trips
Groups of 10 or more people can request payment by invoice for amounts of CHF 100.00 or more. In this case, a fee of CHF 10.00 will be charged.

5.2 Public event trips
Event tickets must be paid for in advance. Event tickets can also be purchased via the web shop using a credit card and TWINT, or at the office sales point in cash or with a debit/credit card.

5.3 Private boat rentals
For private boat rentals, payment by invoice can be requested.  

SW reserves the right to charge a deposit for the fare for reserved trips . This deposit will be credited to the travel costs or refunded in the event of cancellation, minus any administrative costs.

Cancellations must always be made in writing. The date on which SW receives the written notification is decisive for calculating the cancellation period. If the notification is received on a weekend or public holiday , the next working day shall be decisive. SW reserves the right to issue refunds in the form of a voucher.

In the event of cancellation of the confirmed order, the following costs will be charged:

7.1 Individual course trips
Course tickets do not specify a date and are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Therefore, refunds due to incorrect use of self-service sales channels will only be made in exceptional cases. If a refund is processed by the office sales point, a processing fee of CHF 10.00 will be charged. Broken, unused, stolen, or lost subscriptions will not be refunded or replaced.

7.2 Group course trips
Group tickets for course trips are also issued without a specific date and are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Refunds will only be made in exceptional cases. If a refund is processed by the office sales point, a processing fee of CHF 10.00 will be charged. No partial refunds can be made for group tickets purchased in advance if the number of participants changes on the day of travel.

7.3 Public event trips
A minimum number of participants is required for event ships. SW reserves the right to cancel or postpone trips with few registrations, or to carry them out with a stationary ship at the pier in Unterterzen. Guests will be informed of any changes as soon as possible.

In the event that SW cancels the event ship, the guest will be refunded the amount already paid.

If the customer cancels the public event trip, there will be no refund for tickets that have already been paid for.

7.4 Private boat rentals
· 0–7 days in advance: 100% of the order
· 8–10 days in advance: 80% of the order
· 10–20 days in advance: 50% of the order
· 21 days or more in advance: CHF 100.00

In case of no-show, the confirmed amount will be charged. In case of cancellation by SW, no fees will be charged.

The confirmed departure times for boat rentals are binding and must be adhered to. Any changes to the travel times must be communicated to the office sales point in good time, at least 48 hours before departure. Waiting times due to the customer's late arrival are considered part of the rental period and will be deducted from the agreed travel time or will result in the next higher boat rental price category being charged. Drinks and any catering must be purchased from SW. Food ordered (aperitifs, menus, etc.) must be paid for in all cases. The installation of boat decorations must be discussed with SW in advance and approved. Music groups and other performances must be approved by SW and noted in the confirmation. Noise emissions (music, etc.) are only permitted in closed rooms after 10:00 p.m. (noise control regulations).

For private boat rentals and public event trips, the boat normally arrives at the pier 5 to 10 minutes before the confirmed departure time. However, scheduled boats have priority when it comes to using the pier. Staff must always adhere to the departure times stated in the reservation confirmation.

It is prohibited to attach nails, screws, adhesive tape, paint, etc. The use of fireworks, sparklers, table bombs, sky lanterns, etc. is strictly prohibited on the ship. The person responsible will be held liable for any damage to the ships, furniture, or inventory caused by negligent or wilful acts. Normal cleaning is included in the price. In the event of heavy soiling, the customer will be charged for the additional cleaning costs.

In stormy weather, there is no guarantee that the confirmed travel time will be adhered to. In very unfavorable meteorological conditions, SW may cancel the voyage for safety reasons. In this case, SW reserves the right not to refund tickets for scheduled trips.

Swiss law applies exclusively to the relationship between the customer and SW. The general terms and conditions listed here are an integral part of the contract.

The collection, processing, storage, and backup of personal data is governed by the applicable privacy policy of Schiffsbetrieb Walensee AG.

Last update: December 2025