Travel Guide of Lake Thun in Switzerland by Influencers and Travelers

Lake Thun is an Alpine lake in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland named after the city of Thun, on its northern shore. The lake was created after the last glacial period.

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Pictures and Stories of Lake Thun from Influencers

3 pictures of Lake Thun from Jairph, Marvin Meyer, and other travelers

yacht sailing near island during daytime in Lake Thun Switzerland

Experienced by @Jairph | ©Unsplash

Experienced by @Marvin Meyer | ©Unsplash

man riding surfboard in Lake Thun Switzerland

Experienced by @Marvin Meyer | ©Unsplash

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How to visit Lake Thun ?

To get to Lake Thun, the nearest airport is Bern Airport, with regular flights from various European cities. From the airport, you can take a train to Thun or Interlaken, the two main towns near the lake. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) provides efficient and scenic train rides, which take approximately 30-45 minutes.

Before traveling, it's wise to book your accommodations and any guided tours or adventure activities you'd like to experience. If you plan to visit popular attractions such as the castles of Oberhofen and Spiez, purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended.

The costs associated with a trip to Lake Thun vary depending on your preferences. Budget accommodations start at around $80 per night, while luxury hotels can cost upwards of $300. Meals at local restaurants range from $15 to $30 per person. Activities such as boat rentals, guided tours, and adventure sports have varying costs, so it's best to research and budget accordingly.

There are plenty of things to do around Lake Thun, including:
1. Taking a scenic boat cruise to explore the lake and its surrounding villages.
2. Visiting the historic castles of Oberhofen, Spiez, and Thun, which offer impressive architecture and panoramic views.
3. Hiking or cycling in the nearby Swiss Alps, with trails suitable for all skill levels.
4. Participating in water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or windsurfing.

For dining options, consider the following local favorites:
1. Restaurant Schloss Oberhofen - Located within Oberhofen Castle, this restaurant offers Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views of the lake.
2. Seegarten Marina - A lakeside restaurant in Spiez, serving delicious seafood and traditional Swiss dishes.
3. Brasserie 66 - Located in Thun, this cozy eatery offers a variety of European dishes and a selection of local beers.

When choosing where to stay, consider these options:
1. Hotel Bellevue - A charming, family-run hotel in Spiez with lake views and an on-site restaurant.
2. Schloss Schadau - A historic castle-turned-hotel in Thun, offering luxurious accommodations and fine dining.
3. Seehotel Bonigen - A budget-friendly option in Bonigen, just a short drive from Interlaken, with comfortable rooms and lake access.

Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience, visit the St. Beatus Caves, a series of limestone caves that hold a fascinating legend of St. Beatus, who is said to have defeated a dragon in the caves. This unique attraction offers guided tours, a museum, and even a restaurant with a panoramic terrace. The caves are accessible via a 20-minute drive or a boat ride from Thun followed by a short hike.

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Map of Lake Thun

View Lake Thun on a map with the the closest popular places nearby

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More Travel spots to explore around Lake Thun

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Wakesurfing spots ⛰️ Cliff spots

Learn More about Lake Thun

Lake Thun is a large lake in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It has an area of around 44 square kilometers and is up to 220 meters deep. Lake Thun is fed by the Aare River and is the starting point of the River Thunersee.

Switzerland is blessed with an abundance of crystal clear lakes and one of the most beautiful is Lake Thun. Set amidst spectacular mountains and pastures in the Bernese Oberland, the landscape is just one of the many reasons to visit Lake Thun, Switzerland.

The lake's crystal clear waters attract water sports enthusiasts in the warmer months, while relaxing cruises are always popular. With charming towns and villages around the lake - many with medieval castles - and picturesque rural hamlets on the mountains overlooking the lake, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Lake Thun Cruise

A boat trip on Lake Thun is possible all year round. When spring arrives at the beginning of April, the regular boat trips begin. Until November, several boats are running daily on the lake.

During the two-hour cruise from Thun to Interlaken, you can indulge in culinary delights while admiring the surrounding mountains and castles on the lake shore. Forget the daily grind and enjoy the wonders of nature that await you.
Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

Also check out the sunset cruises which take place daily from May to October. The boat leaves the pier in Interlaken West every day at 6.10 p.m. and arrives two hours later in Thun. During the trip, you will enjoy a breathtaking and colourful sunset over Lake Thun.

BOOK A BOAT CRUISE TOUR

There are many companies to book a boat cruise on Lake Thun. Here are some recommended sites so that you can book the tour that suits you best:

BOOK YOUR BOAT TRIP HERE

https://www.bls.ch/en/freizeit-und-ferien/schiff/billette-und-abos

https://www.swissactivities.com/en-ch/activity/ticket-lake-thun-interlaken/

There is also the option of hiring a boat yourself if you have your boat licence.

Lake Thun Castle

Do you know the five castles on Lake Thun? Built directly on the lake shore or on the Schlossberg - each castle is unique. You can see the romantic fairytale castles and the massive towers of the keeps. The castle estates take us back in time. Their gardens are adorned with ancient tree species and beautiful flowers.

Thun Castle:
Thun Castle, built in the 12th century, stands proudly above the old town with its four striking white towers.
You can enjoy an enchanting panoramic view of the town of Thun and the surrounding mountains of the Bernese Oberland.
Built by the Dukes of Zähringen, this noble castle is now a Swiss cultural asset of national importance. Visit the castle museum with its imposing knights' hall or enjoy a meal in the Schlossberg hotel-restaurant.

Schadau Castle:
Schadau Castle is located in the middle of the picturesque Schadau Park. The park is located directly on the lake and is very popular with walkers who can enjoy the beautiful view. Schadau Castle is a listed building. It is one of the most important and beautiful architectural achievements among Swiss castles. How about a good tea or a brunch at Schadau Castle?

Hünegg Castle:
Hünegg Castle is situated on the shores of Lake Thun, in the middle of a magnificent park with exotic trees. Built in 1861, the majestic estate of the Prussian baron Albert von Parpart and his wife Adelheid von Bonstetten was inspired by the French châteaux of the Loire.

Oberhofen Castle:
Oberhofen Castle is located directly on the shores of Lake Thun. The romantic castle grounds, with its keep built around 1200, reflect the eventful history of its owners. In 1844, it was bought by the Neuchâtel-Prussian family of the Counts of Pourtalès, who converted it into a summer residence and gave it its present appearance.

Spiez Castle:
Surrounded by vineyards, the thousand-year-old castle church is marked by pre-Romanesque architecture. Spiez Castle is a cultural asset of national importance. In the historical exhibition rooms, you can learn about the 1300-year history of the castle and the life of the knight Adrian von Bubenberg.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Lake Thun

Can you swim in Lake Thun?

Unless otherwise indicated on the signs, swimming is permitted at all lakeside sites.

Can you walk around Lake Thun?

Yes, there is a trail called "Panoramic Tour" which can be explored in stages or over several days.

How Can I Get To Lake Thun ?

If you are in Switzerland, the best way to get there is by car.
If you are coming from abroad, the plane is a very good option. Zurich International Airport is the closest to the lake.