Biggesee: XXL Boat Ride with All-Inclusive Brunch Buffet

If you’re craving a day of scenic views, good food, and a touch of luxury on the water, the Biggesee XXL boat ride might just be your next favorite getaway. This floating feast on North Rhine-Westphalia’s largest dam offers a 3-hour cruise aboard one of Europe’s largest electric passenger ships, combined with an endless buffet that spans breakfast, lunch, and dessert. With a stellar 4.9-star rating from 15 reviews, it’s clear that most guests leave thoroughly satisfied, often remarking on the great value and beautiful surroundings.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it balances comfort, scenic beauty, and culinary delights without feeling rushed. The all-inclusive nature means there’s no need to worry about extra costs—beverages, hot drinks, and regional specialties are all part of the package. That said, one thing to consider is that the duration might feel a bit short if you want to really soak in the views or take plenty of photos. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere and want to combine sightseeing with a hearty meal.

Key Points

• Impressive Scenery: The views of Biggesee are stunning and change constantly as you cruise.
• Gourmet Buffet: All-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch, and dessert with local specialties and unlimited drinks.
• Small Groups: The limited size of the boat allows for a more intimate, relaxed experience.
• Flexible Seating: Guests can choose inside or outside on the sun deck, depending on the weather and mood.
• Inclusive Experience: Champagne, juices, wine, beer, hot drinks—everything’s included for a fuss-free trip.
• Accessible and Easy: The meeting point at Sondern Talbrücke is straightforward with parking, and the trip is wheelchair accessible.

Setting the Scene: The Experience and What to Expect

The Biggesee boat tour is a well-organized day out designed to give you a taste of the Sauerland’s natural beauty, combined with the indulgence of a buffet meal. The trip lasts around three hours, offering just enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. The boat itself is a large, electric-powered vessel—one of Europe’s biggest passenger ships—ensuring a smooth, eco-friendly ride.

Once on board, you’re greeted with a glass of sparkling wine or juice, setting an elegant tone. The crew, known for their friendliness, quickly makes everyone feel welcome, and the small group size means you can move around freely and find your preferred spot—whether that’s inside the cozy maritime salons or on the sun deck with panoramic views.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise departs from the Sondern Talbrücke pier, a well-marked, easy-to-find location with parking available. From there, the journey takes you across the Biggesee, highlighting the lake’s expansive beauty. The route is designed to maximize scenic viewing opportunities, so you’ll get plenty of chances to snap photos of the shimmering water, lush green hills, and perhaps even spot some wildlife.

Throughout the cruise, the crew serves a lavish buffet featuring breakfast items, regional lunch specialties, and a tempting dessert selection. According to reviews, the quality of the food impresses many guests; Kristina, for instance, mentions the buffet was “good,” with a variety that caters to different tastes. The buffet includes hot drinks like tea, filter coffee, and cocoa, as well as mineral water, lemonade, wine, and beer—unlimited, of course.

Onboard Atmosphere and Guest Experience

Guests often praise the relaxed atmosphere created by the limited number of participants onboard. Kristina notes, “the 3 hours were a little short because the deck was cozy and comfortable,” which highlights how enjoyable the environment can be. Guests can move around freely, making it easy to mingle or find a quiet spot to relax.

The boat’s design allows for both social interaction and tranquil moments, making it ideal whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. The crew’s friendliness and multilingual support (German, English, Dutch) add to the welcoming vibe, and the small group size ensures that everyone feels included.

The Scenic Value of Biggesee

The main draw here is undoubtedly the scenery. The Biggesee, formed by damming the river Bigge, is surrounded by forests and hills, offering a spectacular backdrop. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views from the sun deck—perfect for sightseeing, photo-taking, or simply soaking in the peaceful landscape.

Many reviews mention how the environment feels calm yet invigorating, with Kristina calling the experience “beautiful and cozy,” emphasizing the relaxed vibe. The boat’s electric engine provides a quiet ride, so you can focus on the sounds of nature rather than engine noise.

Food and Beverage: An All-Inclusive Feast

The buffet, a major selling point, is designed to satisfy various appetites. You’re treated to a hearty breakfast and lunch spread with regional specialties, complemented by a dessert section that guests find tempting. The inclusion of unlimited drinks—from hot beverages to wine and beer—means you can indulge without worry about extra costs.

Guests repeatedly mention the quality and variety of the food. Kristina appreciated the “good breakfast buffet” and noted that the lunch offered options for everyone. The drinks collection allows for a leisurely, unhurried experience, perfect for wine and beer lovers or those simply wishing to relax with a hot drink in hand.

Practical Details and Value

At around $68 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a combined scenic, culinary, and relaxing experience. For that price, you get three hours of sightseeing on a spacious, electric boat, plus a buffet that appeals to most tastes—plus drinks. Given the limited group size and the quality of the environment, it’s a good deal for anyone wanting a memorable day on the water without breaking the bank.

The tour is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, which makes planning easier. The activity is wheelchair accessible and operates with multilingual hosts, broadening its appeal.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic beauty paired with good food in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic outing, families wanting a leisurely day, or small groups of friends celebrating something special. Since the experience doesn’t cater to party groups, it’s best suited for those seeking a tranquil, enjoyable cruise rather than a lively party atmosphere.

Final Thoughts: The Value and Who It’s For

In essence, this Biggesee boat trip offers a well-rounded experience—gorgeous views, a hearty buffet, friendly service, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to unwind, indulge, and explore North Rhine-Westphalia’s landscape from the comfort of a modern electric vessel. The limited group size enhances the sense of intimacy, making it feel more like a shared adventure than a crowded tour.

If you’re after a relaxing day out with good food and beautiful scenery, this cruise delivers. The combination of eco-conscious transport, regional cuisine, and stunning vistas makes it a compelling choice, especially for those who enjoy a touch of indulgence without sacrificing authenticity.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility issues? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for travelers with mobility needs.

What is included in the price? The price covers a 3-hour boat trip, champagne and juice reception, an extensive buffet for breakfast and lunch, hot drinks, mineral water, lemonade, wine, and beer—everything you need for a relaxing day.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of? Not unless you want souvenirs or drinks outside the buffet offerings. Spirituous beverages are not included.

Where do I meet the tour? The starting point is the Sondern Talbrücke pier, which is clearly signposted and has parking facilities.

How long is the trip? The cruise lasts approximately three hours, providing enough time to enjoy the scenery and meal without feeling rushed.

Can I choose my seating? Yes, seating is available both inside in cozy maritime salons and outside on the sun deck, with free choice depending on weather and preference.

What should I wear? Dress comfortably for the weather—layered clothing is recommended since you’ll be outside on the deck, but inside areas are available if needed.

This tour blends scenic beauty, regional cuisine, and eco-friendly travel into an experience that’s both relaxing and memorable. Ideal for those who want to enjoy the Sauerland landscape from the water while indulging in a delicious, all-inclusive buffet, it’s a practical pick for anyone visiting North Rhine-Westphalia looking for a leisurely day out.