How do I find a berth or mooring for my boat?

Finding a berth or mooring for my boat on Lake Geneva

Find a port square or a mooring for your boat in Switzerland can be a real challenge because of the high demand. Here's a practical guide to help you book a berth that suits your needs.

What types of berths are available?

There are several options for parking your boat:

Permanent place Annual rental in a port.
Temporary place Available for a limited time, often for visitors.
Mooring on buoys Offshore anchoring, generally less costly.
Private marinas : Offering exclusive services with easy access.

Where can I find a berth in Switzerland?

1. Contact public ports and marinas

The main Swiss lakes have public harbours where you can request a berth:

Lake Geneva Port of Lausanne-Ouchy, Port of Geneva, Port of Morges.
Lake Zurich Marina Enge, Port of Rapperswil.
Lake Lucerne Port of Lucerne, Marina Hergiswil.

2. Register on the waiting list

In many ports, demand outstrips supply. It is therefore advisable to :

Register on waiting lists ports.
Check waiting times, which can range from a few months to several years.
Check availability regularly.

3. Search for alternative solutions

If the wait is too long, here are some other options:

Mooring on buoys Less expensive, but requires a dinghy to reach the shore.
Private harbours and yacht clubs : Some have places reserved for members.
Subletting : Some owners rent out their berths on a temporary basis.

4. Use online platforms

Specialised websites are available to help you find available places:

nautic-hub.ch (network of Swiss ports)
boatpark.ch (berths for rent or sublet)
anibis.ch (ads from individuals)
lakeboat.ch (boat ads)

How much does a berth cost in Switzerland?

Prices vary according to location and boat size:

Small boats (up to 6m) between CHF 500 and CHF 2,000/year.
Medium-sized boats (6-10m) between CHF 2,000 and CHF 5,000/year.
Large yachts (10m and over) up to CHF 10,000/year and more in certain prestigious marinas.

Find a port in Switzerland requires patience and a good strategy. There are a number of options for mooring your boat in the best possible conditions, including waiting list registration, private harbours, anchorages and online platforms.