PS Blümlisalp
Lake Thun
Date entered service -- 1906
Withdrawn from service -- 1971
Date re-entered service after major rebuild -- 1992
Length -- 63.4m
Passenger capacity -- 750 (originally 1,000)
Major re-builds -- 1992 and 2006
normally operates.........
a morning round trip between Thun and Beatenbucht (Sundays only)
an afternoon round trip between Thun and Interlaken (daily)
also an evening round trip between Thun and Beatenbucht (Tuesdays to Saturdays throughout the main season
)
 
2nd January 2023 Last sailings of the extended 2022 season
Completed 9 days of winter timetabled sailings 15-16 over the Christmas and New Year periods on Monday 2nd January,
23rd October 2022 Last sailings of the summer season
Operated sailings 15-16 from Thun to Interlaken on Sunday 23rd October
12th August 2022 Operated her annual evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 12th August
1st August 2022 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2020 on Monday 1st August
7th May 2022 First timetabled sailings of the season
Operated her "traditional" sailings 15-16-125-126 on Saturday 7th May
 
2nd January 2022 Last sailings of the extended 2021 season
Completed 9 days of winter timetabled sailings 15-16 over the Christmas and New Year periods on Sunday 2nd January,
17th October 2021 Last sailings of the summer season
Operated sailings 15-16 from Thun to Interlaken on Sunday 17th October
7th July 2021 Owing to rapidly changing low followed by high water levels on the lake,  all sailings including those planned for the paddle steamer had to be suspended on Wednesday 7th July and most other dates over the next couple of weeks
28th June 2021 The paddle steamer suffered damage to her paddle floats resulting in her having to remain at the dock for repairs on Monday 28th June
5th June 2021 First fulltimetabled sailings of the season
Following the partrial easement to the further Coronavirus precautions,  all the "traditional" sailings 15-16-125-126 were operated fir thghe first time on Saturday 5th June
8th May 2021 First reduced timetabled sailings of the season
Originally planned to operate her "traditional" sailings 15-16-125-126 on Saturday 8th Maybut the evening sailings were suspended for the whole of May due to the further Coronavirus precautions and even the basic daytime round-trip to Interlaken was cutback to weekends only
 
3rd January 2021 original Last sailings of the extended season
 Planned to complete 10 days of timetabled sailings 15-16 over the New Year period on Sunday 3rd January but these were subsequently cancelled due to the further Coronavirus precautions
25th December 2020 Christmas/New Year Sailings
 Planned to operate 10 days of timetabled sailings 15-16 over the Christmas period commencing on Christmas Day but these were subsequently cancelled due to the further Coronavirus precautions
13th October 2020 Last sailings of the season
Operated sailings 15-16 from Thun to Interlaken on Sunday 13th October
6th September 2020 Due to less passengers sailing on the ships during the post-Coronavirus period,  the morning Niederhornexpress sailings 111-112 were suspended as an economy measure commencing Sunday 6th September until the end of her curtailed season
1st August 2020 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2020 on Saturday 1st August
4th July 2020 First actual timetabled sailings of the season
Eventually returned to service after the Coronavirus restrictions were eased on Saturday 4th July commencing with her previously advertised sailings 15-16-125-126
9th May 2020 First planned timetabled sailings of the season
 Originally planned to operate her "traditional" sailings 15-16-125-126 on Saturday 9th May but these were subsequently cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus precautions
 
5th January 2020 Last sailings of the extended season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Sunday 5th January
1st January 2020 Unusually due to a New Year fog sailings 111-112 had to be cancelled on Wednesday 1st January but the afternoon sailings 15-16 went ahead as planned
25th December 2019 Christmas/New Year Sailings
Operated timetabled services over the Christmas period commencing with sailings 111-112-15-16 on Christmas Day
13th October 2019 Last sailings of the summer season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Sunday 13th October
16th August 2019 Operated her annual evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 16th August
1st August 2019 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2020 on Thursday 1st August
25th July 2019 Collided with a moored yacht at Faulensee on her return evening sailing 126 on Thursday 25th July resulting in her missing her sailings the following day for safety checks
9th May 2019 First timetabled sailings of the season
Operated her "traditional" sailings 15-16-125-126 on Saturday 9th May
 
2nd January 2019 Last sailings of the extended season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Tuesday 2nd January
31st December 2018 Operated an evening Gala Dinner Cruise from Thun at 2010 on Monday 31st December
Christmas 2018 Christmas/New Year Sailings
Operated timetables sailings over the Christmas period covering sailings 111-112-15-16 daily from Christmas Day
14th October 2018 Last sailings of the summer season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Sunday 14th October
17th August 2018 Operated her annual evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 17th August
1st August 2018 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2020 on Wednesday 1st August
2nd July 2018 She again remained in dock on Monday 2nd July for further repairs leaving mv Bubenberg to again cover sailings 15-16
She returned to service the following day
22nd June 2018 Owing to a "breakdown" on arrival back at Thun after daytime sailings 15-16 on Friday 22nd June and her evening sailings 125-126 was covered by mv Oberland Oberland
She remained in dock the following day and her daytime and evening sailings were covered by mv Bubenberg and mv Oberland Oberland respectively
12th May 2018 First timetabled sailings of the season
Operated her "traditional" sailings 15-16-125-126 on Saturday 12th May
 
2nd January 2018 Last sailings of the extended season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Tuesday 2nd January
31st December 2017 Operated an evening Gala Dinner Cruise from Thun at 2010 on Sunday 31st December
Christmas 2017 Christmas/New Year Sailings
Operated services over the Christmas period and operate timetable sailings 111-112-15-16 daily from Christmas Day
15th October 2017 Last sailings of the summer season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Sunday 15th October
11th August 2017 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 11th August
1st August 2017 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2020 on Tuesday 1st August
13th May 2017 First timetabled sailings of the season
Operated her "traditional" sailings 15-16-125-126 on Saturday 13th May
7th May 2017 First sailing of the season
Planned to operate a special "Family Lunch-time Cruise" from Thun to mark 25 Years since her "Return to Service" on Sunday 7th May
 
2nd January 2017 Last sailings of the extended season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Monday 2nd January
31st December 2016 Operated an evening Gala Dinner Cruise from Thun at 2040 on Saturday 31st December
Christmas 2016 Christmas/New Year Sailings
Remained in service over the Festive period and operate timetabled sailings 111-112-15-16 daily from Christmas Day
16th October 2016 Last sailings of the summer season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Sunday 16th October
29th August 2016 Owing to a "breakdown" all paddle staemer sailings were replaced by motor vessels for two days
12th August 2016 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 12th August
1st August 2016 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2020 on Monday 1st August
14th May 2016 First sailings of the season
Operated her "traditional" sailings 15-16-125-126 on Saturday 14th May
 
3rd January 2016 Last sailings of the extended season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Sunday 3rd January
31st December 2015 Operated an evening Gala Dinner Cruise from Thun at 2040 on Thursday 31st December
Christmas 2015 Christmas/New Year Sailings
Returned to service over the Festive period and operated timetabled sailings 111-112-15-16
18th October 2015 Last sailings of the summer season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Sunday 18th October
14th August 2015 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 14th August
1st August 2015 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2030 on Saturday 1st August
17th July 2015 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 17th July
14th May 2015 First sailings of the season
Operated sailings 15-16-125-126 on Ascension Thursday 14th May
 
4th January 2015 Last sailings of the extended season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Sunday 4th January
31st December 2014 Operated an evening Dinner Cruise from Thun at 2040 on Wednesday 31st December
15th August 2014 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 15th August
1st August 2014 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2030 on Friday 1st August
18th July 2014 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 18th July
17th May 2014 First sailings of the season
Operated sailings 15-16-125-126 on Saturday 17th May
 
5th January 2014 Last sailings of the extended season
Operated sailings 111-112-15-16 on Sunday 5th January
31st December 2013 Operated an evening Dinner Cruise from Thun at 2040 on Tuesday 31st December
Christmas 2013
New Year 2014
The paddle steamer was was rostered to operate daily sailings from Thin at 1010 and 1240 over the Christmas and New Year periods commencing Christmas Day - 25th December
16th August 2013 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 16th August
1st August 2013 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2030 on Thursday 1st August
19th July 2013 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Friday 19th July
9th May 2013 First public sailings of the season
Unusually operated three sailings from Thun at 1010,  1240 and 1840 on Ascension Thursday 9th May
 
2nd January 2013 Last sailings of the extended season
The paddle steamer was rostered to operate daily sailings for the first time in many years over the Christmas and New Year periods (do you know when she last did so ?) finishing on Wednesday 2nd January 2013 and as such became the last Swiss or Italian to be in service
13th May 2012 First public sailings of the season
Operated sailings 15-16 on Sunday 13th May
12th May 2012 First sailing of the season
Operated a pre-season charter on Saturday 12th May
 
2nd October 2011 Last sailings of the season
Despite being planned to finish service one week earlier she finally operated sailings 15-16 on Sunday 2nd October
1st August 2011 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2030 on Monday 1st August
29th May 2011 First sailings of the season
As a result of a pre-season charter in the morning, she entered public service earlier than originally planned and operated sailings 15-16 on the afternoon ofSunday 29th May
 
26th September 2010 Last sailings of the season
Operated sailings 15-16 on Sunday 26th Sseptember
23rd May 2010 First sailings of the season
Operated sailings 15-16 on Whit Sunday 23rd May
 
27th September 2009 Last sailings of the season
Operated sailings 15-16 on Sunday 27th September
19th September 2009 Operated the first of two Saturday evening Fondue Cruises from Thun at 1930 on Saturday 19th September
14th August 2009 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1930 on Friday 14th August
1st August 2009 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2030 on Saturday 1st August
18th July 2009 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1930 on Friday 17th July
31st May 2009 First sailings of the season
Entered service later than 2008 and operated sailings 15-16 on Sunday 31st May
 
27th September 2008 Last sailing of 2008
Operated an evening Fondue Cruise from Thun at 1850 on Saturday 27th September
21st September 2008 Last timetabled sailings of 2008
Operated sailings 15-16 on Sunday 21st September
20th to 22nd August 2008 Owing to "rudder" problems all paddle staemer sailings were replaced by mv Bubenberg on Wednesday 20th August and the following two days
15th August 2008 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1930 on Friday 15th August
1st August 2008 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional' evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2030 on Friday 1st August
18th July 2008 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1930 on Friday 18th July
11th May 2008 First sailings of 2008
Entered service slightly earlier than previous years by operating sailings 15-16 on Sunday 11th May
 
23rd September 2007 Last sailings of 2007
Finished her season on Sunday 23rd September after operating sailings 15-16 afterwhich her captain retired following 39 years with the BLS
22nd September 2007 Operated an evening Fondue Cruise from Thun at 1850 on Saturday 22nd September
15th September 2007 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1930 on Saturday 15th September to replace the one cancelled by the floods on Friday 10th August
9th-12th August 2007 Owing to flooding on the lake all sailings were cancelled between Thursday 9th August and Sunday 12th August inclusive including the planned evening Jazz Cruise from Thun on Friday 10th August
1st August 2007 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2030 on Wednesday 1st August
20th July 2007 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 1930 on Friday 20th July
3th June 2007 First timetabled sailings of 2007
Operated the regular sailings 15-16 on Sunday 3rd June
 
24th September 2006 Last sailings of 2006
Finish her season much earlier than usual and operated the regular sailings 15-16 on Sunday 24th September
23rd September 2006 Operated an evening Fondue Cruises from Thun at 1850 on Saturday 23rd September
11th August 2006 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 11th August
1st August 2006 Swiss National Day
Took part in the 'traditional evening Naval Parade from Thun at 2030 on Tuesday 1st August
14th July 2006 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 14th July
4th June 2006 First timetabled sailings of 2006
Operated the regular sailings 15-16 on Sunday 4th June
2nd June 2006 First sailings of 2006
Returned to service after a major re-build and operated some special sailings on both Friday 2nd June and Saturday 3rd June to celebrate her 100th Birthday
The Friday sailing was for VIPs only and the following day for those who had contributed to her re-build
 
Autumn 2005 Withdrawn from service for a major re-build over the winter
16th October 2005 Last sailings of 2005
Operated the regular sailings 15-16 on Sunday 16th October
1st October 2005 Operated Evening Fondue Cruises from Thun at 1910 on Saturdays 1st, 8th and 15th October
23rd August 2005 Owing to the exceptionally high lake level, all sailings were withdrawn on Lake Thun between Wednesday 23rd August and Tuesday 30th August
12th August 2005 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 12th August
1st August 2005 Swiss National Day
Took part in the annual Evening Naval Parade cruise sailing from Thun at 2030 on Monday 1st August
15th July 2005 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 15th July
24th April 2005 First timetabled sailing of 2005
Operated the regular sailings 15-16 on Sunday 24th April (Swiss Navigation Day)
 
17th October 2004 Last sailings of 2004
Operated the regular sailings 15-16 on Sunday 17th October
2nd October 2004 Operated an Evening Fondue Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Saturday 2nd October also on the following two Saturday evenings
6th August 2004 Operated an Evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 6th August
1st August 2004 Swiss National Day
Took part in the annual Evening Naval Parade cruise sailing from Thun at 2030 on Sunday 1st August
16th July 2004 Operated an evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 16th July
25th April 2004 First timetabled sailing of 2004
Operated the regular sailings 15-16 on Sunday 25th April (Swiss Navigation Day)
 
19th October 2003 Last sailings of 2003
Operated the regular sailings 15-16 on Sunday 19th October - see webcam picture passing Hilterfingen
18th October 2003 Operated an Evening Fondue Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Saturday 18th October
4th October 2003 Operated an Evening Fondue Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Saturday 4th October
8th August 2003 Operated an Evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 8th August
6th August 2003 The paddle steamer terminated her sailing 16 at Oberhofen after hitting a swimmer on Wednesday 6th August
In consequence her evening sailings 127-128 were operated by mv Beatus
1st August 2003 Swiss National Day
Took part in the annual Evening Naval Parade cruise sailing from Thun at 2030 on Friday 1st August
18th July 2003 Operated an Evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 18th July
27th April 2003 First timetabled sailing of 2003
Operated the regular sailings 15-16 on Sunday 27th April (Swiss Navigation Day)
 
20th October 2002 Operated a Morning 'Breakfast' Cruise from Thun at 1000 on Sunday 20th October .....
   ..... before the last timetabled sailing of the season from Thun at 1330
19th October 2002 Operate an Evening 'fondue' Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Saturday 19th October
5th October 2002 Operated an Evening 'fondue' Cruise from Thun at 1910 on Saturday 5th October
9th August 2002 Operated an Evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 9th August
1st August 2002 Swiss National Day
Operated the annual Evening Naval Parade Cruise from Thun at 2030 on Thursday 1st August
19th July 2002 Operated an Evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 19th July
22nd May 2002 Ten years old (again) !
On Wednesday 22nd May the 96 year old paddle steamer celebrated 10 years back in service since its major restoration following 20 years laid-up by operating timetabled sailings 15-16 vice the regular motor vessel
28th April 2002 First timetabled sailing of 2002 on Sunday 28th April
 
21st October 2001 Last timetabled sailing of 2001 on Sunday 21st October
20th October 2001 Operated an Evening 'Fondue' Cruise on Saturday 20th October
7th October 2001 Operated a Morning 'Breakfast' Cruise on Sunday 7th October
2nd September 2001 Operated a Morning 'Breakfast' Cruise on Sunday 2nd September
10th August 2001 Operate an Evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000 on Friday 10th August
1st August 2001 Swiss National Day
Operated the annual Evening Naval Parade Cruise from Thun at 2030 on Wednesday 1st August
20th July 2001 Shortly after leaving Beatushölen on Friday 20th July whilst operating sailing 16 the steam engine stopped - passengers were transferred about an hour later to the following sailing 18 (operated by mv Stadt Thun)
- the paddle steamer subsequently returned light to Thun and continued her normal roster
- see news page for further details ..........
      .......... commencing with an Evening Jazz Cruise from Thun at 2000
13th May 2001 Operated a morning "Breakfast Cruise" from Thun at 1000 on Sunday 13th May
29th April 2001 First timetabled sailing of 2001 on Sunday 29th April
 
22nd October 2000 Last timetabled sailing of 2000 on Sunday 22nd October
23rd September 2000 Operated last timetabled Evening Dance Cruise of
2000 on Saturday 23rd September
11th August 2000 Operated Evening Jazz Cruise on Friday 11th August
1st August 2000 Swiss National Day
Annual evening Naval Parade by PS Blümlisalp and
several motor vessels round Lake Thun on Tuesday
1st August
14th July 2000 Operated Evening Jazz Cruise on Friday 14th July
30th April 2000 First timetabled sailing of 2000 on Sunday 30th April
one week earlier than originally advertised
- in time for "Swiss Navigation Day"
 
24th October 1999 Last timetabled sailing of 1999 on Sunday 24th October
2nd May 1999 First timetabled sailing of 1999 on Sunday 2nd May
 
25th October 1998 Last timetabled sailing of 1998 on Sunday 25th October
May 1998 First timetabled sailing of 1998 - Can you help?
 
October 1997 Last timetabled sailing of 1997 - Can you help?
4th May 1997 First timetabled sailing of 1997 on Sunday 4th May
 
27th October 1996 Last timetabled sailing of 1996 on Sunday 27th October
5th May 1996 First timetabled sailing of 1996 on Sunday 5th May
 
22nd October 1995 Last timetabled sailing of 1995 on Sunday 22nd October
7th May 1995 First timetabled sailing of 1995 on Sunday 7th May
 
22nd May 1992 The paddle steamer returnd to service after a major re-build at a cost of SF6,300,000 with a special sailing on Friday 22nd May
Regular timetabled sailings re-commenced on Sunday 31st May - 20 years after many thought she had made her final sailing
24th April 1992 Renovations were completed and on Friday 24th April the paddle steamer sailed out of the quarry for tests and was found to be once again seaworthy
see Bill Bohlen's blog - dated Friday 13th February 2009 for further information
 
1972 to 1991 There were no sailings by any paddle steamer on the lake
 
August 1971 The paddle steamer was subsequently towed to a disused quarry where she could sit, rust and eventually sink..........
1st August 1971 Swiss National Day
The paddle steamer made her final sailing - the communities around the lake were not happy that she was to be replaced by a motor vesssel the following year - ironically with the same name which had to be changed when the paddle steamer subsequently returned to service in 1992
Can you supply details of her actual timings ?
 
Summer 1906 The paddle steamer commenced public service, as seen in the picture taken shortly after entry into service on 31st July


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Updated - Lakes Brienz, Geneva, Luzern, Thun, Zurich, Konstanz, Maggiore, Como, Garda 6th January 2023   e-mail   (c)1999-2023 John B Bird