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Clear sailing for families on Swiss lakes

One of the country's largest fleet of paddle steamers plys Lake Lucerne. swiss-image

Switzerland's navigation companies are convinced the best way to see the country is from the deck of a boat. The companies, together with Switzerland Tourism, are selling a special family pass to make travelling on the country's lakes and rivers more attractive.

More than 200 boats navigate Switzerland’s lakes and rivers. Among the most popular are trips on the faithfully restored paddle steamers that ply Lake Geneva – the fabled Swiss Riviera – Lake Lucerne in Central Switzerland or Lakes Thun and Brienz in the Bernese Oberland.

Lake Thun this year has converted one of its more modern vessels into Switzerland’s own version of the Loch Ness Monster. A green, fire-breathing dragon swallows up passengers – young and old alike – for the journey, which includes a stop at the Beatus caves.

The caves are open for exploration, and a special exhibition can be seen on the “secrets of the dragons”, intended to shed light on the region’s myths and legends.

Until June 15, the special family pass costs SFr25 ($14). It entitles ticket holders to travel at half fare while children under 16 years of age travel free. It’s valid for 12 months and for transportation on most Swiss lakes and rivers.

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SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR