On the 24 km² lake up to 145m deep and seldom warmer than 20°C between the steep rock faces of the Churfirsten mountains and the Sardona region, passenger boats run all year round, although in winter the service is limited to the connection from Murg to the remote town of Quinten.

Lake Walen has a magical attraction; it may be the impressive mountain ranges on its shores, its clear, turquoise water, its unfathomable depth or the romantic little bathing beaches. The first steamboat service on Lake Walen began in 1837, though the railways and roads brought an end to passenger navigation in the 1860s.

Today, three passenger boats operate between ten landing stages during the summer months. As the three towns of Betlis, Quinten (with a population of 56) and Au on the northern shore of the lake can only be reached by boat, a motor vessel operates throughout the year. Special trips such as culinary cruises complement the normal schedule.