Lake Thun

14 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lake Thun

• Lake Thun is the largest lake in the canton of Bern. The majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland surround it, and the lake is fed by numerous water sources from the mountains, giving it a deep blue color all year round.

• There's a wide range of boat tours on Lake Thun to help you explore it better. Historic paddle steamers, like the “DS Blüemlisalp”, invite you to enjoy a leisurely cruise on the sparkling waters. Enjoy scenic round trips with stunning panoramic views from the decks, as well as routes on modern passenger ships. The best way to get around is with a day pass for Lake Thun.

• When you need to cool off in the summer, you can jump into the refreshing water at one of the many beaches or swimming spots. Besides the popular bathing areas, there are some “secret swimming tips”. Hidden swimming bays include places like Seewiese Gwatt, Wallrain Spiez, or the Lido Krattigen.

• Due to its unique location, there are often strong winds over the lake. This makes Lake Thun a true paradise for windsurfers and sailors. Water sports enthusiasts can race across the cool waters on boards and boats. There are many surf and sailing clubs where you can improve your skills through various courses.

• Lake Thun is also great for many other water sports. You can explore the green shores of the lake with a kayak or SUP. Various kayaks and boards are available for rent. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour on the lake, allowing you to enhance your skills and discover hidden beaches.

• At the western end of Lake Thun lies the city of Thun. The late medieval old town invites you to stroll around. In the Oberen Hauptgasse, you'll find the famous raised sidewalks, and Mühleplatz is home to some cozy cafés and restaurants. To explore the city better, there's an exciting selection of guided tours in Thun.

• Interlaken is one of Switzerland's most famous tourist hotspots. The city is situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It's a starting point for a wide range of winter and summer activities, including ski slopes, hiking trails, and adrenaline-pumping adventures like paragliding.

• Spiez is a small town by Lake Thun. Stroll along the beautiful lakeside promenade, visit the historic Spiez Castle, or learn about local wine culture at the wine museum. The cozy spot is easiest to reach by one of the modern passenger boats.

• Around the lake, you'll find five fascinating castles: Thun Castle, Spiez Castle, Schadau Castle, Hünegg Castle, and Oberhofen Castle. These historical buildings captivate with their rich history and beautiful architecture. In summer, they are often surrounded by blooming gardens.

• The Niederhorn is one of the many stunning peaks in the mountain panorama around Lake Thun. At 1,950 m above sea level, you can enjoy a fantastic 360° view of the surrounding mountains and the deep blue lake. From the summit, there are excellent hiking trails for every fitness level. Alternatively, you can experience an adrenaline-fueled ride down into the valley on a trotti bike.

• The distinctive peak of the Stockhorn is easily recognizable from afar. Visitors can reach the nearly 2,200 m tall mountain via two cable cars. Right next to the mountain restaurant, there’s a walkable tunnel leading to the Stockhorn north face. In the middle of this rock face, there's a viewing platform that offers breathtaking views of the Aare valley.

• You can walk all the way around Lake Thun. This multi-day hike takes you around the stunning blue lake in four stages. Starting from Thun, you'll pass through Sigriswil, Interlaken, and Spiez. On the 63 km route, you'll walk over breathtaking bridges, through idyllic towns and villages, while enjoying the fantastic views of the lake.

• The Beatus Caves, located directly above the lake, stretch for 14 km. They are a fantastic experience for both young and old. The caves feature numerous beautiful rock formations that have developed over millions of years. Innovative lighting enhances the effect of these structures.

• In the small village of Sigriswil, there’s a 340 m long hanging bridge. From this panoramic bridge, you get views over Lake Thun, reaching as far as the Niesen and the famous peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. This bridge is also the starting point for numerous hikes in the region.

Berner Oberland Pass at Lake Thun

With the Berner Oberland Pass, you have flexibility. It covers trains and boats as well as most mountain railways in the Berner Oberland. You can use the public transport for 3 to 10 consecutive days throughout the region. Plus, with around 40 bonus partners, you can enjoy attractive discounts and benefits.