Mr. Grünenfelder, how did the maintenance work go? Is the boat ready for the summer season?

The maintenance work was successful. Our motor ship Churfirsten was refurbished by our own employees in winter and is now ready for the season with a completely overhauled engine. The new ship's box of the MS Swisspearl was clad in Swiss chestnut wood, spawning grounds were created for the fish in Lake Walen and the summer program was planned. Preparations for the new jetty from Unterterzen to Quinten are also underway and we are confident that this can be completed by the end of the year. We have worked hard this winter, but are now looking forward to welcoming our guests on board for the summer season.

In addition to the popular classics such as the fondue or "Schlagerschiff", are there any new events or adjustments on the program?

The new season on Lake Walen starts earlier this year, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, allowing guests and locals to enjoy the spring landscape from the water and take advantage of a tourist offer during the spring vacations. Until April 30th, the longships will operate daily, but with a reduced timetable from Monday to Friday. From May 1 until the end of the autumn vacations, the high season will resume with an extended timetable. For the first time, the operating period in the fall will be extended until November 9, 2025.
The popular special days will also take place again: Mondays are Senior Citizens' Day with half price for pensioners, and every first Wednesday of the month is Children's Day, when children up to the age of 16 travel for free when accompanied by an adult. Event highlights such as a murder mystery dinner, sushi boat and Spanish evening are also planned.

You are constantly striving to improve the efficiency and environmental friendliness of the ships. What is currently being planned?

We are proud to even be supported by Innosuisse for our innovative strength! Together with Shiptec AG, J+A Informatik GmbH and OST, we have launched an exciting project. The Innovation Council approved our Innosuisse application entitled "Data-driven manoeuvre and fleet optimization for sustainable and efficient inland navigation" on 23 January 2025. The contract has been signed and all ships are already equipped with the relevant technology. We are also continuing to work with the Quinten Lives Foundation on a hydrogen solution for inland shipping.

When do you expect the first hydrogen-powered boat to sail across Lake Walen?

The model of the hydrogen-powered boat has already been built and we have already shown it at the Olma parade (see cover picture). However, we cannot yet say exactly when the boat will actually sail on Lake Walen using only hydrogen. It's an exciting project, but there are still many questions regarding permits, operation and maintenance. Pioneering projects are fascinating, but also very challenging.

What is your personal favorite moment on Lake Walen?

My personal favorite moment on Lake Walen is when the sun slowly sets and the water glows in warm colors. It's a magical moment when nature comes to rest and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Further information:

Shipping company Walensee AG
Quinten is alive

Schiffsbetrieb Walensee AG operates six transport ships, including the new event flagship MS Swisspearl. The company transports around 250,000 passengers across Lake Walen every year. Around 40 percent of these travel on the MS Alvier, the only ship in operation all year round, to ensure the connection to Quinten - a town in the Sarganserland-Werdenberg region that can only be reached on foot or by boat and is therefore heavily dependent on shipping.