Biggesee: XXL Boat Ride with All-Inclusive Brunch Buffet

The Biggesee feels bigger from the water. This 3-hour boat ride pairs one of Sauerland’s biggest dam views with an all-inclusive onboard brunch buffet that serves breakfast, lunch, and dessert without making you watch the clock.

What I like most is the combination of scenery and comfort. You can freely move between the indoor maritime salons and the sun deck, so the trip doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in one seat for three hours.

One thing to think about: the buffet is popular. If you have a sweet tooth for specific items like pudding, plan to go a bit earlier, since one review noted it ran out.

Key things to know before you go

• Sauerland’s biggest dam view from the lake, seen on an easy, scenic cruise
• All-inclusive food and drinks on two decks, including wine and beer (no spirits listed)
• Small-guest format with free choice of seating, inside or outside
• Electric passenger ship makes for a quieter, modern feel on the water
• Onboard routine flows all trip long, with breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert built in

Biggesee by electric ship: why this cruise is a smart day out

If you want a day on the water that still feels like a treat, this Biggesee cruise is a strong option. It is not just sightseeing. It is sightseeing with a plan for food, drinks, and downtime, all rolled into one 3-hour window.

The setting matters. Biggesee sits in Northern Germany, and you get to see the lake from a vantage point you cannot recreate from the shore. The cruise format also keeps things low effort. You show up, take your seat whenever you like, and let the ship do the work.

The ship itself is the “XXL” draw. It runs as one of Europe’s largest electric passenger ships, and that gives the experience a modern, steady feel. Reviews also point to it being clean and inviting, which matters when you are spending the whole meal phase onboard.

Where you meet: Talbrücke Sondern pier, and how to show up calmly

Your meeting point is the Sondern Talbrücke pier. It is signposted, and it is the kind of spot you can find in navigation without drama. There are parking spaces available there too, but you should still leave enough time to park and walk down to the boarding area.

This matters because the experience is short and packaged. Once you are onboard, the day runs on its rhythm. If you arrive late, you can miss the smoother start, especially the reception and the first buffet access.

Quick tip: if you like a calmer start, aim to arrive with a little buffer. It helps you get your bearings and be ready to eat right when things begin.

Onboard comfort: free seating, sun deck views, and two-deck buffet setup

One detail I really appreciate in this style of cruise is the freedom. The format runs with a small number of people, and you get free choice of seating for everyone. That means you can pick a table or spot based on what you care about most, views outside or a quieter dining rhythm inside.

You can move around in a relaxed way. There are indoor maritime salons, plus an outdoor sun deck. Reviews reinforce that the onboard spaces come off clean and welcoming, which makes it easier to bounce between food runs and looking out at the lake.

And the buffet setup is on two decks. Practically, that means you spend less time waiting in one bottleneck line. You also get more chances to find what you want. For a brunch-style meal with both cold and warm items, that matters.

The welcome reception: sparkling wine and juice to set the tone

The cruise starts with a reception featuring sparkling wine and juice. Even if you do not plan to drink alcohol, the juice still gives you that “kickoff” feeling right away.

This is not just a nice touch. Starting with a beverage makes it easier to transition into eating. Instead of arriving and immediately wondering when the buffet begins, you are already in the flow.

Your 3-hour itinerary on the water: breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert without the rush

This is a single 3-hour cruise on Biggesee. There are no long transfers and no complicated switching between different stops. The schedule works because the food phases are built into the ride.

Breakfast and brunch phase: cold and warm variety

The standout from reviews is the buffet being rich and tasty, with both cold and warm options. One review specifically praised the variety, saying the breakfast buffet covered both sides and tasted good throughout.

That is the practical beauty of this format. You can build your breakfast plate, then come back again as the day’s meal phases progress. You are not stuck with just one “breakfast table” that runs out after the first wave.

Sightseeing and free time: you control how you split your attention

While you eat, you are also moving through the scenery. Biggesee views are the main event, and the cruise gives you that moving panorama effect.

You will have free time for sightseeing during the cruise too. The experience is designed for you to wander at your own pace, inside or outside. If you like photos, the sun deck gives you the easiest access. If you prefer a calmer vibe, the maritime salons let you watch without the outdoor elements.

Lunch and dessert: the second wave of satisfaction

Lunch is part of the all-inclusive spread, not an afterthought. Dessert follows in the onboard flow, so you can plan your meal progression without ordering anything extra.

One small consideration from a review: pudding was noted as empty at some point. That is not a dealbreaker, but it is a good reminder that popular items can disappear. If pudding is your must-have, go earlier in the meal window rather than later.

Coffee tasting and hot drinks included

Hot drinks are included too, including tea, filter coffee, and cocoa. That means your “coffee tasting” moment can happen right onboard as part of the included menu, rather than forcing you to pay extra later.

What’s truly included: the drinks make this feel like more than a ticket

The ticket price (about $70 per person) is easiest to evaluate when you treat it as an all-inclusive meal experience plus a cruise.

Included items are broad:

• A reception with sparkling wine and juice
• An extensive menu with breakfast, lunch, and dessert
• Hot drinks: tea, filter coffee, cocoa
• Mineral water and lemonade
• Wine and beer

That coverage is what turns the value into something real. If you normally buy drinks with meals, this can quietly save you money. You also avoid the “what is included, what costs extra” confusion that can come up on many food-focused tours.

What is not included: food and drinks outside the buffet, and spirits are not listed as included. So if you expect cocktails or premium spirits, plan otherwise.

Service and cleanliness: why the staff attention matters on a buffet cruise

The reviews consistently highlight service and cleanliness. Staff are described as attentive and very friendly, and another review specifically praised how clean the toilets were.

On a cruise built around eating, staff quality changes the experience fast. When buffet items are refreshed well and the room stays clean, you feel comfortable staying onboard for the full meal stretch. You can actually enjoy the scenery without turning your day into a cleanup or crowd-management project.

Also, one review flagged that service overall was top. That is exactly what you want when the ship has many food moments. You want the place to feel run smoothly, not chaotic.

Price and value: is $70 worth it for food plus scenery?

For a 3-hour cruise with a full breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, plus drinks including wine and beer, $70 is easier to justify than a typical sightseeing-only ticket.

Here is the practical math in spirit: you are buying

1) a lake cruise on a large electric passenger ship,

2) onboard meals across multiple phases,

3) enough included beverages to treat it like a meal-out day, not just a snack stop.

The experience also runs with a smaller number of people, so you are not automatically paying for a packed party atmosphere. Instead, you get the flexibility to choose where you sit and how you spend your time.

The only reason I would hesitate is if you are not interested in spending the whole meal window onboard. If you just want quick photos and a view, you might prefer something shorter or cheaper. But if food and a relaxed pace are part of your plan, this price looks fair.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should skip it

This experience is ideal if you want an easy win day on the water. It is especially good for:

• Couples who want a low-stress outing with great views and included meals
• Groups of friends who like brunch vibes and do not want to coordinate restaurants
• Travelers who prefer comfort and a predictable schedule

It is less ideal if you are looking for active sightseeing, hiking, or lots of walking. This is a sit-and-enjoy cruise with meal flow built in.

One important limitation: party groups are not allowed. So if your group is more like a celebration cluster than a casual outing, you may want to choose a different format.

My practical tips to get the most from your meal cruise

• Choose where you want to spend your time. Pick a spot near the sun deck if views are your priority, or inside if you prefer calmer eating.
• Eat early for anything you really care about. One review noted pudding ran out, so popularity matters.
• Plan for a full three-course feeling. This is breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert all onboard, so go lighter on the first round if you want to enjoy dessert later.
• If cleanliness and comfort matter to you, this ship seems to deliver. Reviews specifically mention clean toilets and a well-kept onboard environment.

Should you book the XXL Biggesee brunch cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward, scenic lake outing with real included value. The combination of all-inclusive breakfast, lunch, and dessert, plus included drinks like wine and beer, makes this feel like more than a boat ride. Add the ability to move between indoor salons and the sun deck, and you get a relaxing day that still feels special.

Skip it if you are not interested in buffet-style dining or if you dislike the idea of certain popular items possibly running out during the meal window. Also, if your group is a party group, this particular format does not allow that.

If your travel mood is simple and comfortable, with a solid food plan and Biggesee views doing the rest, this is a very easy “yes” to consider.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip on Biggesee?

The experience is a 3-hour boat trip.

What do I get for the brunch buffet?

You get an extensive menu with breakfast, brunch, dessert, and lunch served onboard.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Hot drinks (tea, filter coffee, cocoa), mineral water, lemonade, wine, and beer are included, along with a reception featuring sparkling wine and juice.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Sondern Talbrücke pier.

Is there parking at the meeting point?

Parking spaces are available at the Sondern Talbrücke pier area.

Can I choose where to sit on the ship?

Yes. Seating is free choice, and you can also move between indoor maritime salons and the outdoor sun deck.

Are party groups allowed?

No. Party groups are not allowed.

What languages are offered?

The host or greeter speaks German, English, and Dutch.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.