Turquoise Waters and Turreted Castles: The Best of Lake Thun

If you’re looking for the quintessential Swiss experience—where turquoise water meets snow-capped peaks and medieval history—Lake Thun (Thunersee) is your destination.

Nestled in the Bernese Oberland, it’s often overshadowed by its neighbor, Interlaken, but those who linger here discover a world of “slow travel” at its finest.

Here is your guide to the must-see highlights of Lake Thun.

1. The Gateway City: Thun’s Old Town

Start your journey in Thun. This isn’t just a transit hub; it’s a medieval gem.

Here are just of the few reasons to visit Thun…

• Obere Hauptgasse: This unique street features split-level sidewalks, with the roofs of the lower shops serving as the balcony for the upper shops.
• Thun Castle: Dominating the skyline, this 12th-century fortress features a museum and four towers, offering panoramic views of the Bernese Alps.
• The Wood Bridges: Watch surfers catch the “standing wave” at the Untere Schleuse, a historic covered bridge that regulates the river Aare.

2. A Trio of Fairytale Castles

Lake Thun is famous for its five lakeside castles, but if you only have a day, prioritize these three:

• Oberhofen Castle: Perhaps the most photographed spot on the lake, this castle features a tiny, picturesque tower sitting directly in the water. Its gardens are widely considered the most beautiful in the region.
• Spiez Castle: Set against a backdrop of vineyards and the “pyramid” mountain (the Niesen), this castle offers a glimpse into 800 years of Swiss history.
• Schloss Schadau: Located in a lush park in Thun, this English-style manor is now a hotel and restaurant, ideal for a high-end lunch with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

👉👉 Learn more about other castles in Switzerland.

3. Life on the Water: The Blümlisalp

You haven’t truly seen Lake Thun until you’ve seen it from the deck of a boat. While modern ferries run frequently, the DS Blümlisalp is the star of the fleet. This restored paddle steamer from 1906 offers a nostalgic atmosphere, complete with the rhythmic sounds of the steam engine and gourmet dining options.

Pro Tip: If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the boat cruises on Lake Thun are completely free!

4. Subterranean Wonders and Sky-High Views

For those who want to venture beyond the shore:

• St. Beatus Caves: Legend has it a dragon once lived here. Today, you can explore over a kilometer of lit pathways through stalactites, stalagmites, and rushing underground waterfalls. (LEARN MORE)
• Panoramabrücke Sigriswil: For the brave, this 340-meter-long suspension bridge hangs 182 meters above the Guntelbach Gorge, offering a heart-pounding view of the lake. (LEARN MORE)
• The Niesen: Known as the “Swiss Pyramid,” a funicular takes you to the summit for a 360-degree view that is unrivaled in the region. (LEARN MORE)

5. Lakeside Villages: Spiez and Merligen

If you want to escape the crowds, hop off the boat at Merligen for a quiet stroll along the sunny northern shore, or spend an afternoon in Spiez.

Spiez is often called the “prettiest bay in Europe,” and once you’re sitting there with a glass of local Spiezer wine, it’s hard to argue.