Welcome to John's
Swiss and Italian paddle steamer Timetables
This is an unofficial site
(Always check locally before booking for any future sailing)

Friday - 16th August 2024

PS Stadt Zürich  (Lake Zurich)


                                                                                                                    photo:   William Campbell


The late running,  well loaded paddle steamer departs Meilen on her outward
sailing 109 on a bright sunny afternoon

Thursday 15th August 2024

PS Blümlisalp  (Lake Thun)


                                                                                                                    photo:   William Campbell


The well loaded paddle steamer has just arrived at Interlaken on her
outward sailing 15 from Thun

Thursday 15th August 2024

PS Unterwalden  (Lake Luzern)


                                                                                                                    photo:  Alain Vuistiner


The paddle steamer crosses the lake from the Verkehrshaus-Lido pier to Luzern
at the end of her return afternoon sailing 64 from Alpnachstad

She is seen from sister PS Gallia who was returning to Luzern from Flüelen

Wednesday 14th August 2024

MPV Italia   (Lake Garda)


                                                                                                                    picture:  Limnione webcam


The motor paddle vessel returned to service at 1225 on Wednesday 14th August
and is seen calling at Limone on her first sailing 74 of the day

There is still NO official confirmation as to why she was out of service for a week
- but it has been "suggeted" to me she MAY have had to return to dock
for minor repairs
---~ Do YOU know anything further ?


Tuesday - 13th August 2024

MPV Vevey  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:   William Campbell


The motor paddle vessel appoaches Montreux on her first sailing 901
of the day from Le Bouveret to Lausanne

The folowing day day she retired to Ouchy dock for a pre-planned '24 hour'
mid-summer maintenance attention but this was subsequentlt extended over
the following weekend to repait her mast after being struck by lightning at Le Bouveret

Friday 9th August 2024

PS Savoie   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                       photo:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer calls Pâquis pier to pick up more passengers for
her short late-afternoon cruise sailing 308 from Geneva Jardin-Anglais pier
"Round the Little Lake"  (Petit-Lac)  via Hermance and Coppet

Wednesday 7th August 2024

MPV Italia   (Lake Garda)


                                                                                                                    picture:  Limnione webcam



click to enlarge                                                          picture:  Malcesine webcam  (thanks to Stefan Zausinger)


There was no further sighting of the motor paddle vessel in service after sailing 71
(seen on the Limone webcam)

She was later found on the Malcesine webcam passing Canpione at 1010
whilst heading southbound to Peschiera dock

Do YOU know why she was taken out of service ?

see 14th August for her return to service

Tuesday 6th August 2024

PS Lotschberg   (Lake Brienz)


                                                                                                                    photos:  Ernst Mischler


The paddle steamer approaches Giessbach as she crosses the lake from Brienz
on her final sailing 70 of the day back to Interlaken

Sunday 4th August 2024

PS Gallia   (Lake Luzern)


                                                                                                                    photos:  Ernst Mischler


The paddle steamer departs Tellsplatte on her additional peak-Summer sailing 43
from Luzern to Flüelen

Next year this 'timetabled' sailing will be replaced by a special four hour
non-landing cruise from Luzern to off-Rütli

Friday 2nd August 2024

PS Savoie   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                       photo:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer sets off from Geneva on her sumer evening "Dinner Cruise"
sailing 388 to Yvoire

Sunday 28th July 2024

PS Neuchâtel   (Lake Neuchâtel)


                                                                                                                    photos:  Ernst Mischler


The paddle steamer operates the "Sunday Lunch Cruise" sailing 23 from
Neuchâxtel to Morat/Murten

She is seen with her funnel just raised after passing under a bridge near Sugiez
on the canal which links the two lakes

Wednesday 24th July 2024

MPV Vevey   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The motor paddle vessel departs Villeneuve at the head of the lake as she heads
back to Vevey via Le Bouveret and St Gingolph
(France) on sailings 508/509

Saturday 20th July 2024

PS Lôtschberg   (Lake Brienz)


                                                                                                                    picture:  Bônigen webcam


The paddle steamer calla at Bônigen on the retutrn weekly evening sailing 80
from Brienz to Interlaken

Friday 19th July 2024

PS Rhône and PS Montreux   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:  Alain Vuistiner


PS Rhône stands at Lausanne waiting to return to Geneva on sailing 105
whilst PS Montreux sets off in the background for an anti-clockwise circuit
of the Upper Lake on sailing 204

Thursday 18th July 2024

PS Rhône   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                       photo:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer sets off on the short evening "after-work" sailing 384 to Hermance

Wednesday 17th July 2024

PS La Suisse   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:  Alain Vuistiner


The paddle steamer calls at Chillon Castle pier on the final return sailing 207
of the day back to Lausanne

Monday - 15th July 2024

PS Stadt Zürich  (Lake Zurich)



                                                                                                                    photos:  Markus Fröhlich


This was the last Swiss paddle steamer to enter service in 2024

She is initially seen having just arrived at Zurich prior to setting off on her first
sailing 109 to Rapperwsil and later leaving Rapperwsil on return sailing 110

Monday 15th July 2024

MPV Italie   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                       photo:  Robert Monch


The motor paddle vessel passes the tall fountain at the entrance to Geneva harbour
on her return sailing 106 to Lausanne and Montrux

Sunday 14th July 2024

PS Schiller   (Lake Luzern)


                                                                                                                    photos:  Ernst Mischler


The paddle steamer departs Tellsplatte on her daily return sailing 26
from Flüelen to Luzern

Saturday 13th July 2024

PS Stadt Rapperswil   (Lake Zurich)


                                                                                                                        picture:  Zurich webcam


The paddle steamer arrives back at Zurich from Rapperawil after operating
sailing 110 despite a paddle-wheel failure

She has returned to dock for repairs meaning her advertised sailings on Sunday
will be have to be covered by mv Helvetia

Thursday 11th July 2024

MPV Vevey   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                        picture:  Montreux webcam


The motor paddle vessel finally returns to service after a much delayed winter overhaul

She is seen arriving at Montreux pier on her first sailing 901 of the day
from Le Bouveret to Lausanne having taken over the
"Upper Lake clockwise Circle Cruises"
vice her broken down sister MPV Italie

Saturday - 6th July 2024

PS Stadt Zürich   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    picture:  Zurich webcam


The paddle steamer approaches Zurich for her first passenger carrying sailing
(a private charter) since her major rebuild last year

From next week she will alternate the daily weekday sailing to Rapperswil
with sister Stadt Rapperswil

Friday - 5th July 2024

PS Montreux  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The paddle steamer returns to Lausanne and the end of her regualar summer
sailing 205 anti-clockwise round the Upper Lake

In the evening she continues to Yvoire
(France) where she provides a
"useful" late connection back to Geneva

Thursday 4th July 2024

PS Concordia   (Lake Como)


                                                                                                                                     photos:   Carlo Sottocasa


The paddle steamer has just left Bellagio on her return afternoon sailing 13
from Menaggio to Como

Saturday 29th June 2024

PS Rhône  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:   Paul Scheuchzer


The paddle steamer pauses at Lausanne prior to returning to Geneva
on sailing 105 back to Geneva

Friday 28th June 2024

PS Rhône   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                       photo:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer passes the tall fountain at the entrance to Geneva harbour on
her first sailing 101 from Lausanne after completing her delayed annual overhaul

She will now spend the summer operating the daily round trip from Geneva
to Lausaanne vice the damaged PS Simplon

Friday 28th June 2024

PS Montreux and PS Rhône   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photos:  Alain Vuistiner


ALL CHANGE AT YVOIRE !

In order to re-locate the paddle steamers for the start of the summer timetble
both ships terminated their afternoon journeys at Yvoire
before switching rosters and returning to their summer bases

Thursday - 27th June 2024

MPV Italie  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The motor paddle vessel broke down at Le Bouveret resulting in all her
planned sailings until 1100 on Saturday
(from Lausanne) being cancelled

She is seen approaching Ouchy Harbour for attentiom

Tuesday 26th June 2024

PS La Suisse   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:  Alain Vuistiner


The paddle steamer stands at Lausanne prior to operating her final
"anti-clockwise Round the Upper Lake" sailing 205 of the day from Lausanne

Tuesday 26th June 2024

PS Blümlisalp   (Lake Thun)



                                                                                                                    photos:  Ernst Mischler


The top picture shows the paddle steamer undertaking a final "test" sailing
prior to operaring her first delayed timetabled sailing 15 of 2024
from Thun to Interlaken

she is seen off-Hünibach atbthe end of the Thun channel in both cases

Thursday 21st June 2024

PS Rhône   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                              photo:  from the "Collection of Robert Horlacher"


The paddle steamer is seen undertaking an early morning "Test Sailing"
in the Upper Lake from MPV Italie on her first sailing 901 of the day
from Le Bouveret to Lausanne

PS Rhône is now planned to take over the main Geneva based roster

(to Lausanne and back) from the end of the month vice PS Montreux
who is currently covering for the storm damaged PS Simplon

Monday - 17th June 2024

PS Rhône  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The paddle steamer makes her first "test" sailing round the Upper Lake
to Monntreux prior to entering service at Geneva at the end if the month
vice the damaged PS Simplon

Monday - 17th June 2024

PS Rhône  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The paddle steamer makes her first "test" sailing round the Upper Lake
to Monntreux prior to entering service at Geneva at the end if the month
vice the damaged PS Simplon

Sunday 16th June 2024

PS Neuchâtel   (Lake Neuchâtel)


                                                                                                                  picture:  Murten/Morat webcam


The paddle steamer managed a (so far the only) visit to Murten - seen on
arrival of her Sunday Lunch Cruise sailing 23 from Neuchâtel

At the end of her cutrailed day's sailings she was again taken
"out of service" for yet more repairs by "Shiptec"

How the LNM can justify using "this" breakdown to suspend ALL sailings
at the southern end of the lake is hard to understand as they need
sufficient OPERATIONAL motor vessels for EVERY Tuesday !!!

(when the paddle steamer is not in opoeration)

Saturday 15th June 2024

PS Neuchâtel   (Lake Neuchâtel)


                                                                                                                  picture:  Neuchâtel webcam


The paddle steamer returns to service after repairs and is seen leaving Neuchâtel
on her first sailing 311 across the lake to Cudrefin

Tuesday 11th June 2024

MPV Italia   (Lake Garda)


                                                                                                                    picture:   Limone webcam


The motor paddle vessel returns to service late than usual and operates her first
sailing 73 of 2024 from Riva to Malcesine and is seen being dearting Limone

Monday 10th June 2024

PSs Montreux and Savoie   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                       photo:  Robert Monch


PS Montreux had a day off service for minor repairs and unusually
spent it moored at Jardin-Anglais pier

This gave a rare opportunity for her and PS Savoie to be seen together

Friday 7th June 2024

PS Hohentwiel   (Lake Konstanz)


                                                                                                                    photo:   François Rentsch.


The paddle steamer operated a special cruise in connection with the
"Friends" AGM and is seen standing at Rorschach

Friday 7th June 2024

PS Unterwalden   (Lake Luzern)


                                                                                                                    photo:   Daniel Eichenberger


The paddle steamer arrives back at Luzern after completing the return evening
"sunset cruise" sailing 36 from Beckenried

Do YOU know why sister PS Uri did not operaste as advertised&nnsp;?

Saturday 1st June 2024

PS Concordia   (Lake Como)


click on photo to enlarge                                                                                              photos:   Carlo Sottocasa


The paddle steamer arrives at Como from the dock before setting off
for Menaggio on her outward sailing 10


Saturday 25th May 2024

PS Lötschberg   (Lake Brienz)


                                                                                                                    photo:   Leila Blythe


The paddle steamer operates a special cruise in connection with the
"Friends" AGM and is seen being accompanied by the small pritately owned SS Valhalla

Friday 24th May 2024

PS Neuchâtel   (Lake Neuchâtel)


click on either "screen shot" to enlarge                                                                               pictures:  Neuchâtel webcam


The paddle steamer returns to Neuchâtel harbour at the end of her "lunch cruise"
sailing 313 from Cudrefin - look ckosely for her funnel in the harbour !
(Sorry for the poor quality views,   but if YOU can supply something better I will happily replace them)


She is now in dock awaiting repairs to be undertaken to the bearing of her HP crank
which it is hoped will be completed by mid-June


Monday 20th May 2024

PS La Suisse  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:   Paul Scheuchzer


The paddle steamer departs Montreux on the final sailing 205 of the day
back to Lausanne

Whit Monday - 20th May 2024

PS Stadt Rapperswil  (Lake Zurich)


                                                                                                                    photo   André Hofer


The paddle steamer heads towards the bridge over the channel which links the main lake
with the Obersee whilst unusually operating sailing 301 from Rapperswil to Schmerikon

Whit Monday 20th May 2024

PS Stadt Rapperswil   (Lake Zurich)


                                                                                                                    picture:   Zurich Webcam


                                                                                                      photo:  Ernst Mischler


                                                                                                                    picture:   Zurich Webcam


The top picture shows thepaddle steamer standing at Zurich prior to operating a
rare special sailing all the way to Schmerikon at the far end of the Obersee

- please note there were differences between the official "publicity" and "ship rosters".....
.....but as can be seen from the third picture above the paddle steamer DID return
to Zurich despite that sailing not being shown on the daily roster !

The main
(middle) photo shows the well loaded paddle steamer approaching Lachen
in glorious sunshine on her outward sailing 301 from Rapperswil to Schmerikon
at the end of the Obersee

Did YOU see or travel on this sailing ? - if so can you please supply any further
information about what actually happened on the day and ideally please send a
photo to include on this website - thank you !
 (credit will of course be given)

Thursday 14th May 2024

PS Uri and PS Unterwalden   (Lake Luzern)



                                                                                                                    photos:   Daniel Eichenberger


PS Uri departs Treib on the return leg sailing 24 of her Luzern to Flüelen round trip

Unusually sister PS Unterwalden passes her on the afternoon sailing 21
whilst covering for the regular motor vessel

Tuesday - 14th May 2024

PS Montreuc   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                    photos:   Alain Vuistiner


During the layover at Yvoire on the afternoon cruise from Geneva
an engineer attends to a paddle wheel on the paddle steamer

Sunday - 12th May 2024

PS Savoie   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                      photo:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer departs Copper on the last return sailing 309 of the day
back to Geneva


Saturday - 11th May 2024

PS Montreux   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                      photo:  Ernst Mischler


The paddle steamer departs Coppet on her return afternoon sailing 105
from Lausanne to Geneva

Friday - 10th May 2024

PS Lötschberg   (Lake Brienz)


                                                                                                  photos:   Alain Vuistiner


The paddle steamer approaches Interlsaken Ost stern first
at the end of her return morning sailing 64 from Brienz

Ascension Thursday - 9th May 2024

PS Montreux   (Lake Geneva)

Did YOU found all four paddle steamers
in the second photo  ?  If not check the answers below..........



click on photo to enlarge                                                       photos:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer entered service earlier than originally planned and initially
is overing for the damaged PS Simplon as she sets off for Lausanne
on her first sailing 102 of 2024

..........the second photo shows the PS Montreux (1) over the bowsc of MPV Helvétie (2)

(easily recognisable by the unique scroll on her bow),  then PS Savoie (3) is wailing to
form her lunchtime cruise sailing 304 partially "hiding" behind the stern flag
and finally MPV Genève (4) is moored on the far shore "over the bows"

Ascension Thursday 9th to Sunday 26th May 2024

PS Neuchâtel   (Lake Neuchâtel)


                                                                                                      picture:  Neuchâtel webcam


The paddle steamer entered public service on Ascension Thursday
but owing to an engine problem,  the NLM have amended the paddle steamer
sailings to operate to her basic
Saturday timetable
 (Cudrefin ferry)
on Wednesdays to Sundays until 26th May (inclusive)


Ascension Thursday - 9th May 2024

PS Montreux   (Lake Geneva)

Did YOU found all four paddle steamers
in the second photo  ?  If not check the answers below..........



click on photo to enlarge                                                       photos:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer entered service earlier than originally planned and initially
is overing for the damaged PS Simplon as she sets off for Lausanne
on her first sailing 102 of 2024

..........the second photo shows the PS Montreux (1) over the bowsc of MPV Helvétie (2)

(easily recognisable by the unique scroll on her bow),  then PS Savoie (3) is wailing to
form her lunchtime cruise sailing 304 partially "hiding" behind the stern flag
and finally MPV Genève (4) is moored on the far shore "over the bows"

Ascension Thursday - 9th May 2024

PS Montreux  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The paddle steamer calls at Rolle on her return afternoon sailing 105
from Lausanne to Geneva whilst covering for the damaged PS Simplon

Ascension Thursday - 9th May 2024

PS La Suisse  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:  Paul Scheuchzer

The paddle steamer whistles to signify her departure from Vevey on her final
sailing 205 of the day back from the Upper Lake to Lausanne

Ascension Thursday - 9th May 2024

PS Lötschberg   (Lake Brienz)


                                                                                                      photo:  Ernst Mischler


The paddle steamer approaches Giessbach on her outward afternoon
sailing 69 from Interlaken to Brienz on her first day in service diring 2024

Monday - 6th May 2024

PS Simplon   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                      photo:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer eventually entered the floasting dock ready for the
detailed survey of the damage caused at Cully over the Easter weekend

Sunday - 5th May 2024

PS La Suisse   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                      pictures:  Vevey and Montreux webcams


The paddle steamer swings round off-Vevey having just left Marché pier at the
start of her return 'lunch cruise' sailing 803 back to Lausanne
and later departing Montreux for Lausanne on her final sailing 205
of the day after going anti-clockwise 'Round the Upper Lake'

Saturday - 4th May 2024

PS Neuchâtel   (Lake Neuchâtel)


                                                                                                                    picture:  Neuchâtel webcam


The paddle steamer has just left Neuchâtel harbour on her first pre-season
special sailing for the "Trivapor" AGM at Twann
(Lake Biel)

Saturday - 4th May 2024

PS Savoie   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photos:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer is 'made fast' for the night at Geneva Jardin Anglais pier
after completing her return afternoon sailing 309 from Hermance

Wednesday - 1st May 2024

PS Stadt Rapperswil   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    picture:  Zurich webcam


The paddle steamer stands at Zurich prior to working her dirst public
sailing 101 of the seeason to Rapperswil

Tuesday - 30h April 2024

MPV Vevey   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The motor paddle vessel approaches Montreux on her first sailing 901 of the day
from Le Bouveret to Lausanne

Friday - 26th April 2024

PS La Suisse   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The paddle steamer approaches Vevey on her first delayed sailing 900 of the season
from Lausanne to Le Bouveret

In the background MPV Italie heads from Le Bouveret to Lausanne on sailing 901

Thursday - 25th April 2024

PS Savoie  (Lake Geneva)



                                                                                                                photos:   Alain Vuistiner


The paddle steamer approaches Coppet on her outward "Petit-Lac"
afternoon sailing 326 from Geneva
and later standing at Yvoire before return on sailing 327

Thursday - 25th April 2024

PS La Suisse   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The paddle steamer undertook a further test sailing and this time it was successful
meaning she was eventually able to enter public service the folowing day

She is seen approaching Montreux pier

Wednesday 24th Aptil 2024

PS Lötschberg  (Lake Brienz)


                                                                                     picture:  Bönigen webcam --- thanks to Ernst Mischler


The paddle steamer sets off from Bönigen on her 2024 pre-season 'test' sailing

Tuesday - 23rd April 2024

MPV Italie  (Lake Geneva)



                                                                                                                photos:   Alain Vuistiner


With strong winds causing thre cncellation of calls at several piers around the lake
the faithful old motor paddle vessel kept going on her temporary
International cross-lake ferry runs

She is initially seen at Lausanne after arriving from Thonon-les-Bains
on her lunchtime sailing 1212 and later the view from on-board as she
heads back to the French Coast on sailing 1213

Sunday - 21st April 2024

PS Hohentwiel  (Lake Konstanz)




                                                                                                                photos:   Robert Horlacher


The paddle steamer visited Romanshorn for the HaafenFest
and operated three one hour cruises on both the Saturday and Sunday

Sunday - 21st April 2024

MPV Italie  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


Owing to the breakdown of PS La Suisse..........
..........the motor paddle vessel had to step in and cover the Upper Lake cruises

She is seen departing Montreux operating the morning 'clockwise' sailing 900

Sunday - 21st April 2024

PS Uri   (Lake Luzern)


                                                                                                                    photo:   Daniel Eichenberger


The Paddle Steamer joined her larger service but by the time she was approaching
Gersau on her first return sailing 18 from Flüelen it was snowing hard

Saturday - 20th April 2024

PS Savoie   (Lake Geneva)



                                                                                                                    photos:  Robert Monch


The paddle steamer sets off from Geneva Jardin Anglais pier on her afternoon
'Petit Lac' sailing 308 to Hermance

and later looking forward from behind the port paddle box

Saturday - 20th April 2024

PS Stadt Luzern   (Lake Luzern)


                                                                                                                    photo:   Daniel Eichenberger


The Paddle Steamer approaches Beckenried on her return sailing 24 from Flüelen

Saturday - 20th April 2024

PS Stadt Luzern   (Lake Luzern)


                                                                                                                    picture:  Luzern webcam


The Paddle Steamer stands at No 1 pier at Luzern whilst waiting to operate her
first sailing 13 of the season to Flüelen

Wednesday - 17th April 2024

PS Savoie and MPV Helvétie   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The "new look" at Geneva

PS Savoie
(left) raises steam prior to taking over the main Geneva roster
from the weekend - she is joined by MPV Helvétie
(right) who had just
been towed by mv Léman to spend the summer
moored at Geneva Vieux Pâquis pier

Sunday - 14th April 2024

PS Savoie   (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:   Daniel Eichenberger


The Paddle Steamer arrive Lausanne with a good load at the end of her first return
Internastional ferry sailing 1108 of the day from Evian-les-Bains

Sunday - 14th April 2024

PS Savoie  (Lake Geneva)



                                                                                                                    photos   Alain Vuistiner


The paddle steamer arrives at Lausanne pier prior to her delayed start to her
2024 season - she is about to operate her first sailing 1107 to Evian-les-Bains
prior to taking a 'full-load' to the "Upper Lake" on her lunch cruise to Villeneuve

After that she relocates to Geneva to take-over the 'modified' main roster'
vice her damaged sister - PS Simplon

Saturday/Sundays - 6th and 7th/14th April 2024

PS Concordia  (Lake Como)

With half of the NLC fleet NOT yet available for service
- the paddle steamer was pressed into service last weekend and again this weekwnd

It appears she operated a "modified" version of her usual roster but after saililns 10-13 returns light to Bellagio to provide a relief "Express" journey back to Como about 1830

(any intermediate stops are currently unknown)
instead of a short working to Torno

Were YOU there and if so can you please advise what ever limited first-hand
information you may have to the webmaster to piece together the full story
by filling in any known entries on the attached draft timetable

Should you have any photos for either day as further evidence..........
..........they would be much appreciared !!!!!

Saturday - 13th April 2024

PS Simplon  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:  Paul Scheuchzer

The damaged paddle steamer stands on display at Ouchy Harbour during
the Works "Open Day"

She is planned to go onto the floating dock shortly in order that the
amount work required can be accrately assessed

Sunday - 7th April 2024

MPV Vevey  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo:  Paul Scheuchzer

The motor paddle vessel stands at Vevey pier on a sunny spring Sunday
prior to operating the weekly "Lunch Cruise"
sailing 534 clockwise 'Round the Upper Lake'

Sunday - 31st March 2024

PS Concordia  (Lake Como)


                                                                                                                    photo:   Daniel Eichenberger


The paddle steamer returns to Menaggio from her lunch break ready to operate
her rerurn sailing 13 back to Como on her first day of public sailings in 2024

Saturday - 30th March 2024

PS Simplon  (Lake Geneva)

 
                                                                                                                photos: Jean Vernet


The following morning,  the damage caused by the gales to the paddle steamer
became clearer and there were reports of two leaks - the water from which
was successfully being pumped out



                                                                                                                photo:  photographer unknown


Fortunately she is a well constructed ship and was able to withstand the storm
but as she was eventually towed away from the pier mid-morning,  the damage
to the starboard side immediately in front of the paddle box
(where she
had inpailed herself onto the concrete part of the pier
)  became apparent

She arrived safely at Ouchy harbour before the next storm and is now moored
adjacent to PS Rhône to await her turn for some further unplanned
much needed "Tender Loving Care"

So the brave old ship has survived "to sail another day" - but that is unlikely
to happen in 2024

Good Friday evening - 29th March 2024

PS Simplon  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                    photo   Alain Vuistiner


As the gale increases,  the paddle steamer damages herself and Cully pier
before her strern is blown dangerously close to the rocks

"Is a catastrophe unfolding in Cully" says the local newspaper
as further reports say she is taking on water resulting in her crew
being ordered to 'abandon ship'

Good Friday - 29th March 2024

PS Simplon  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo: Jean Vernet


The paddle steamer stands at Cully pier following her breakdown the previoua day..........
..........awaiting a tow back to Ouchy harbour for repairs
(planned for Tuesday)

Thursday - 28th March 2024

PS Simplon  (Lake Geneva)


                                                                                                                photo:  photographer unknown


The 'distant view' shows the paddle steamer being towed to Cully by
mv Ville-de-Genève after breaking down on her first test run of 2024

She WAS planned to enter public service on Saturday 20th April

Saturday 13th August 2011

MPV Italia and MPV G Zanardelli (Lake Garda)

                                                                                                      photo:   Beat Leuthardt

A rare occasion when both motor paddle vessels
operated "full-length" timetables sailings vice car ferries on the same day !
They are seen passing each other

Click here for further earlier photos


Back in the U.K. at your webmaster's local pier......
.....with 16 paddle steamers to pick from in Switzerland,
spare a thought for those of us in North Wales
- after six years since her previous visit -
2023 was just a "Two-day" season

.....and its already finished !!!!!
Wednesday 21st June 2023

PS Waverley (Llandudno)

                                                                                                        photo:   webmaster (John Bird)

Despite the extremely low tide,  the paddle steamer goes "full ahead" into the shallow
waters of the bay passing the Little Orme as she swings round towards Liverpool.....
.....after which she sailed "light" overnight to the River Clyde in Scotland

Friday 8th May 2020

PS Rhos Neigr  (Rhos - on - Sea)

                                                                                              photo:   webmaster (John Bird)

There was an exceptionally low tide at 1840 on the North Wales Coast and at Rhos on Sea
it revealed the wreck of the former PS Rhos Neigr which ran aground
and sunk on 20th July 1908
She was en-route from Llandudno to Blackpool and due to call at the former Rhos-on-Sea pier

The remains of the paddle wheels and the broken shaft could clearly be seen today
by anyone braving the long walk over the normally submerged rocks to the edge of the sea

Tuesday 1st September 2015

PS Waverley (Llandudno)

                                                                                                        photo:   webmaster

The paddle steamer leaves the pier "full astern" as she returns to Liverpool
after a well loaded afternoon cruise to Puffin Isle

Following her "one day" visit to Llandudno, she has to moved "south" for an
interesting selection of sailings on the Bristol Channel, South Coast and the River Thames

Wednesday 27th August 2014

PS Waverley (Llandudno)

                                                                                                        photo:   webmaster

The paddle steamer "turns its back on the waiting passengers"
Despite not having visited for over 15 years, the captain did not even attempt
to call at the re-built pier head leaving over 500 "upset" passengers
as she quickly turned and "hid" behind the Great Orme

She return last summer (2023) for just two days only after an absence of many years

Click here for further earlier photos


Headline News - now appears on the "Start Page" - click here

    This website was last updated on
Thursday 10th October 2024
   
see Log Page for full details
* * * If this page loads without the Contents on the left,  please click here * * *
---------------------------------------------------

Seven Swiss paddle steamer still in service..........
Click here

updated following the last day in service of
MPV Italie on Sunday 6th October 2024
also
PS Unterwalden on Sunday 6th October 2024
For further information
  - see Paddle Steamer Fleet Details page

FUTURE SPECIAL SAILINGS

Dates of ALL public special sailings
in 2024
by paddle steamers
(that I am aware of *)
on the Swiss and Italian lakes will be shown on the
News Page or the Parades Page
also on the appropriate lake Summary Page

under the relevant date

* - please e-mail me with details if YOU are aware of any others
not shown on this website
(including those for ANY year !!!)


(look for the "gold" or "lightblue" backgrounds)

In responce to numerous requests
limited Advance Information on some of the "POSSIBLE" sailings for 2024 are now given on this website

REMEMBER
the situation may change CONSIDERABLY
nearer the time or as the season progresses

Click here

for the "Advance Information 2024" Index Page giving links to the individual lakes
this information will be updated as appropriate
until detailed timetables are posted


Please note - at this stage, some lakes are ONLY an outline compared with 2023 those lakes which have declared their intentions  
(incorporating ANY appropriate information supplied to me)


Before visiting any of the lakes, PLEASE check first with the operator much nearer the time
REMEMBER, you saw it here first !!!

Important
Site Updates
and News
For full details of ALL updates to this website see Log Page
For full details of paddle steamer news see News Page
For latest known 'status' of each operational paddle steamer see:-
Active Paddle Steamer Summary Page or
Paddle Steamer Details Page  (includes details of all known future public sailings * )
or other Paddle Steamers/Motor Vessels Index Page


* - if you are aware of any others (or spot an error)
please e-mail me and I will update the information
for the benefit of other visitors to this website
Saturday
31st March 2019
* * 160,000 visitors * *
have logged onto this website
since the counter was re-set to zero
on 20th February 2007


Thank you for visiting my website
and please 'spread' the word around by introducing it to
ANOTHER one of your friends !!!



Once again, a very big thank you to those of you who have been in touch from all over the world
especially
those who regularly supply information, pictures, etc.

--- perhaps YOU too can help ?

updated
14th February 2017
Summary of Sailings INDEX
First select one of the ten Swiss or Italian lakes below
(including the two which are International)
Then "click" on the link to obtain an overview of all the operational Swiss and Italian paddle steamers $, the routes operated and their regular timetabled and special public sailings
($ - includes one German - which occasionally visits Swiss waters)

There are also maps of both the Swiss and Italian lakes if case you are unfamiliar with the area
You can "click" on your selected lake to find the individual lake timetable index
(which then has links to find out detailed timings and calling points of all paddle steamer operated sailings on your selected date)


Alternatively, you can use the following links to take you straight to the regularly updated summary of each lake, which now also includes
details of all public special cruises advised to me that are planned to be operated by a paddle steamer
Lake Brienz          Lake Geneva         Lake Luzern
Lake Neuchâtel         Lake Thun         Lake Zurich
Lake Como        Lake Garda          Lake Maggiore
Lake Konstanz
    (sailings to/from Swiss piers only)

20th March 2019
** HISTORY **
Things haven't changed much on Lake Brienz
over the last 47 years !
Mondays to Fridays 1975
Saturdays 1975         Sundays 1975
23rd December 2002
** HISTORY **
LAKE GENEVA  -  mid-1980's
Who wanted to know then which sailings
were operated by paddle steamers ?

In the peak-Summer of 1984 only one afternoon sailing
(starting Lausanne) was advertised as such in the official timetable !
along with the Saturday evening dance cruise
(an extension of the daily sailing 76)
Updates are usually posted between 1400 and 2400 the previous day
For full details of ALL website updates see Log Page
The best results from this website can be achieved by viewing in Firefox or Internet Explorer
but it should also be viewable from any browser

Your help is VITAL !!!
If YOU know something else or spot something wrong on these pages,

please e-mail me



This website site was originally planned to simply give a historical record of the timetabled sailings
made by the paddle steamers on the principle Swiss lakes

However, over the years it has gradually expanded to also give future sailings expected to be operated by the
18 remaining Swiss Paddle Steamers

(including the three Lake Geneva diesel-electric "motor paddle vessels" #)
on
Lakes Brienz  Geneva #  Luzern  Neuchâtel  Thun and Zurich

However, in order to help holidaymakers and others plan their lake cruises,
where advance information is not yet available
LINKS  will lead to the equivalent period during the previous year(s)

For those not familiar with the area
Summary of Sailings Index and Map Index pages are available
with further links to
"detailed summaries" of the sailings on each lake

PLEASE check with the operators nearer the time, as they often have to make
late changes, especially to the vessel operating a particular sailing


# - One of which (MPV Helvétie is presently "long-term laid-up" awaiting restoration


Lake Konstanz
(Switzerland/
Germany/Austria)

This website also gives Swiss information on the one remaining operational
German paddle steamer
which occasionally visits Swiss piers
This now includes Konstanz which is just three minutes by train "across the border"
Lake Maggiore
(Switzerland/Italy)

This website also gives limited Swiss and Italian information on the one remaining
Italian paddle steamer
now returned to service following a major rebuild which has in the past occasionally visited the Swiss piers
(Sadly with one exception since 2008 her only sailings are private charters)
Lake Como
(Italy)

This website also gives limited information about the two remaining
Italian paddle steamers
both of which are undertaking
major re-builds in 2013
Lake Garda
(Italy)

This website also gives limited information about the two remaining
Italian motor paddle vessels
which usually operate timetabled services on a non-advertised basis during the main summer
also the occasional special
"Regatta" sailings

Note: Additional sailings are operated by motor vessels on all the lakes featured
Individual timetables lead from the links on each lake index (and archive index) page
Where timetables are large (mainly during peak summer dates),
it is advisable to
Open Frame in New Window

(a Restore Frames link is provided at the bottom right of every page)
Most underlined text will lead to an additional page
and larger pictures can be found by clicking on many of the small pictures

This site has been created from scratch. Whilst much of the basic information contained herein could be found by studying and translating timetables issued by the various companies, I have set out to present the timetables of the sailings on all lakes in English in a consistant simplified form
They will normally be available for historical reference after expiry of official publicity - please e-mail me if you are unable to find any particular timetable or you find any link not working
(note: many old timetables were 'lost' when my webhost's server crashed some years ago and I have not had the time to re-create them all - any specific ones you request I will attempt to restore as long as I still have the information or if you can supply the details)

The timetables on this site normally only show the public regular and special sailings planned to be operated by paddle steamers (PSs)
(or - if I have been advised - day to day variations and/or what actully happened on the day)
[Note:- in the cases of Lake Geneva and Lake Garda, they also include those sailings operated by the operational motor paddle vessel (MPVs) $]
Sailings operated by a motor vessel are normally only shown when they deputise for a paddle steamer   -  or when a paddle steamer may cover on certain dates
   $ - on Lake Geneva (MPV Helvétie and MPV Italie have been 'long-term' laid-up since early-Spring 2002 and late-Winter 2005 respectively

In order to further simplify presentation, timetables are split into limited dates to obviate
(a) the wavy lines - also other irritating notes which are so common in most official timetables (sometimes only in the 'local' language)
(b) a single multi-coloured column - where only part(s) of the sailing apply on some dates


Details of any day-to-day late variations to the
basic sailings
will only be posted if  you advised me accordingly

Further timetables for 2024 are gradually being added/updated for those lakes which have declared their
(in some cases revised) intentions

Please BOOKMARK this site NOW
and revisit again soon !

This is an unofficial site.
No responsibility can be taken for the accuracy of any information contained in this site by the webmaster, the webhost or anyone else connected with the site.
Anyone visiting Switzerland or Italy to sail on the Paddle Steamers is strongly advised
to check the latest position with the operator concerned.

Information may be copied for personal use only
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES are any pages to be reproduced in whole or part thereof on any other web site or published in any other form whatsoever



Links from other sites would be appreciated
Please let me know if you have any suitable photographs, etc. for possible inclusion. Credit will be given if published

The web-master would be pleased to receive details of any further information, corrections or updates known to you, especially details of problems in loading any page or link so they can be corrected for use by subsequent visitors

e-mail


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Updated - Lakes Brienz, Geneva, Luzern, Thun, Zurich, Neuchatel, Konstanz, Maggiore, Como, Garda 10th October 2024   e-mail   (c)1999-2024 John B Bird