Thun

TL;DR: Thun is a stunning lakeside town in the Bernese Oberland where medieval charm meets Alpine adventure. Think turquoise waters, a fairytale castle, mountain views that’ll blow your mind, and prices that won’t destroy your wallet like other Swiss destinations. Perfect for solo travelers, families, couples, and anyone who wants authentic Switzerland without the Interlaken crowds.

Why Thun Should Be on Your Swiss Bucket List

Let’s be real: most travelers zip right past Thun on their way to Interlaken or the Jungfrau region, and honestly? That’s their loss and your gain.

Nestled where Lake Thun meets the Aare River, this town of about 45,000 people punches way above its weight. You’ve got a 12th-century castle perched dramatically over the old town, crystal-clear waters that practically glow turquoise in the sunlight, and the Bernese Alps forming the most ridiculous backdrop you’ve ever seen. It’s like someone took all the best parts of Switzerland and packed them into one incredibly photogenic package.

The best part? Thun hasn’t been completely overrun by tourists yet. You can actually have an authentic Swiss experience here – locals outnumber visitors, restaurants serve traditional food without the tourist markup, and you won’t be fighting crowds for that perfect Instagram shot.

Getting There & Getting Around

How to Reach Thun

By Train: Switzerland’s rail system is chef’s kiss, and Thun is super well-connected. From Zurich Airport, you’re looking at about 1.5-2 hours with one change (usually in Bern). From Bern itself? Just 25 minutes direct. Geneva is around 2 hours away.

By Car: If you’re driving, Thun sits right off the A6 motorway. But here’s the thing – parking in the old town can be tricky and expensive. There are Park+Ride facilities on the outskirts if you want to save some francs.

Pro Tip: Get a Swiss Travel Pass if you’re exploring the country. It covers trains, buses, boats on Lake Thun, and even gets you free entry to the castle and museums.

Getting Around Town

Thun is super walkable – you can cross the entire old town in about 15 minutes. For longer distances, there’s an efficient bus network (covered by the Swiss Travel Pass). In summer, grab a bike from PubliBike stations scattered around town, or do what locals do and walk along the gorgeous riverside promenades.

When to Visit: Timing Your Trip Right

Summer (June-August)

Peak season and honestly, peak perfection. Lake swimming, boat cruises, outdoor dining, and mountain hiking are all on the menu. The weather’s usually fantastic (20-25°C/68-77°F), though you’ll share the town with more visitors. Book accommodations early!

Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October)

These shoulder seasons are pure gold. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and still gorgeous weather. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall delivers those Instagram-worthy golden leaves. The lake might be too chilly for swimming, but everything else is fair game.

Winter (November-March)

Thun transforms into a winter wonderland. The Christmas market in December is magical, and you’re close to excellent skiing in the Bernese Oberland. Just know that some boat services are limited, and you’ll need to pack warm layers.

Bottom Line: Can’t go wrong with late May to early October for the full Thun experience, but every season has its charm.

Where to Stay: For Every Budget

Budget-Friendly Options

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof is your best bet for wallet-conscious travelers – clean, social, and right by the lake. Expect to pay around 30-50 CHF per night for a dorm bed. Hotel Emmental offers simple, comfortable rooms for around 100-130 CHF per night.

Mid-Range Comfort

Hotel Krone Thun puts you right in the heart of the old town with mountain views from 150-200 CHF per night. Deltapark Vitalresort is perfect for families, with pools and spa facilities (180-250 CHF).

Splurge-Worthy Stays

Schloss Schadau – yes, you can literally sleep in a castle overlooking the lake. Rooms start around 300 CHF, and the views are worth every centime. Beau Rivage is the classic lakeside luxury hotel if you want that old-world Swiss elegance.

Budget Hack: Look for accommodations slightly outside the old town (like in Gwatt or Steffisburg) for better rates and excellent train/bus connections.

Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Thun Castle (Schloss Thun)

This isn’t just some ruins on a hill – it’s a fully preserved medieval fortress that’s been standing since 1180. The climb up through the old town’s covered walkways is half the fun, and the views from the tower? Absolutely unreal.

Inside, the historical museum takes you through centuries of regional history without being boring about it. Admission is 10 CHF (free with Swiss Travel Pass), and you can easily spend 1-2 hours exploring.

Don’t Miss: The knight’s hall and the panoramic terrace views.

The Old Town

Wander through the elevated wooden walkways (Schlossberg) that connect different levels of the old town. The Obere Hauptgasse (upper main street) is lined with covered arcades hiding cafes, boutiques, and artisan shops.

Grab a coffee at one of the local bakeries, watch the Aare River rush underneath the town, and just soak in that medieval atmosphere. The old town is compact enough to explore in an hour or two, but charming enough that you’ll want to linger.

Lake Thun

The star of the show. This lake is ridiculously beautiful – we’re talking Caribbean-blue water backed by snow-capped peaks. In summer, locals jump off the pontoons for a swim, and you should too (the water’s surprisingly warm by July).

Lake Activities:

• Swimming: Free public beaches at Strandbad Thun and Gwatt
• Boat Cruises: Historic paddle steamers cruise the lake daily (1-3 hours, covered by Swiss Travel Pass)
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Rentals available at the lakeshore (around 25-35 CHF/hour)
• Scenic Cruise to Interlaken: Takes about 2 hours and is absolutely stunning

Niederhorn Mountain

Take a bus to Beatenberg, then ride the vintage funicular and cable car to Niederhorn summit (1,963m). The 360-degree panorama includes Lake Thun below and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks across the valley.

There are easy walking paths at the top, or challenge yourself with the ridge hike. A family of ibex often hangs out near the summit station – keep your eyes peeled! Round-trip costs about 66 CHF (50% off with Swiss Travel Pass).

Schadau Park & Castle

This lakeside park is where locals come to chill, have picnics, and catch sunset. Schloss Schadau is a Neo-Renaissance palace housing a gastronomic museum (yes, really). The grounds are free to explore, and the lake views are phenomenal.

Summer Bonus: Free outdoor movie screenings during the Thuner Sommernächte festival.

The Panorama Thun

This is wonderfully weird in the best way – a 360-degree painted panorama from 1814 depicting the Battle of Thun. It’s housed in a circular building, and you stand in the center as history literally unfolds around you. Quirky, historical, and surprisingly immersive. Entry is 12 CHF.

Food & Drink: What to Eat in Thun

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Fondue & Raclette: You’re in Switzerland – these cheese dishes are mandatory. Try Restaurant Kreuz or Müllerhaus.
• Rösti: Swiss hash browns, but elevated. Get it with everything from fried eggs to veal Zurich-style.
• Berner Platte: A hearty meat platter with sausages, pork, bacon, and sauerkraut – perfect after mountain hiking.
• Meringues with Cream: A Bernese specialty that’s sweet, crunchy, and absolutely addictive.

Where to Eat

Budget (10-25 CHF):

• Coop/Migros: Supermarkets with excellent prepared food sections – grab sandwiches, salads, and pastries
• Pizzeria Da Salvi: Solid Italian food without breaking the bank
• Kebab shops along Bälliz: Quick, filling, and cheap

Mid-Range (25-50 CHF):

• Restaurant Schlossberg: Traditional Swiss cuisine with castle views
• Burger House & More: Gourmet burgers that hit the spot
• Mokka: Great breakfast and brunch spot overlooking the Aare

Splurge (50+ CHF):

• Gasthof zum Schloss: Fine dining in a historic setting
• Restaurant Seepark: Modern cuisine right on the lakeshore
• Casa Novo: Upscale Italian with impeccable service

Coffee Culture: Don’t miss the local roasters like Kaffeekommission or Frank & Frank for that perfect morning brew.

Day Trips & Nearby Adventures

Interlaken & the Jungfrau Region

Only 30 minutes by train, Interlaken is your gateway to the high Alps. From there, you can head to Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls, Grindelwald for hiking, or splurge on the Jungfraujoch (the “Top of Europe”) train journey.

Bern

Switzerland’s capital is just 25 minutes away and makes for an easy day trip. The UNESCO-listed old town, bear park, and incredible shopping await.

Niesen Mountain

The “Swiss Pyramid” offers one of Switzerland’s longest staircases (11,674 steps!) or you can cheat and take the funicular. The summit views rival anything in the Alps.

St. Beatus Caves

These dramatic caves near Lake Thun are steeped in legend (a dragon supposedly lived here). The guided tour takes you through illuminated chambers and past underground waterfalls. Takes about 1.5 hours round-trip from Thun.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Money Matters

Switzerland is expensive – let’s not sugarcoat it. Budget around 100-150 CHF per day minimum (excluding accommodation). Credit cards are widely accepted, but some small shops and markets prefer cash. ATMs are everywhere.

Saving Money:

• Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited transport
• Picnic lunches from supermarkets
• Free museum entry on certain days
• Tap water is free and drinkable everywhere

Language

The local language is Swiss German, but most people speak excellent English, especially in tourism-related businesses. A few German phrases will earn you smiles:

• “Grüezi” (hello)
• “Merci vilmal” (thank you very much)
• “Entschuldigung” (excuse me)

Safety

Thun is incredibly safe. Use common sense, watch your belongings in crowded areas, and you’ll be fine. Even solo travelers and late-night wanderers feel comfortable here.

Accessibility

The old town’s steep streets and stairs can be challenging for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. However, the lakeside promenade, parks, and newer parts of town are very accessible. Most hotels and restaurants have made good accessibility accommodations – just check ahead.

What to Pack

• Layers: Weather can change fast in the mountains
• Comfortable walking shoes: Cobblestones and hiking trails demand good footwear
• Swimsuit: For lake swimming and thermal baths
• Sunscreen & sunglasses: Alpine sun is intense
• Adapter: Switzerland uses Type J plugs (or Type C in a pinch)

Sample Itineraries

Perfect Day in Thun

Morning: Climb to Thun Castle (9 AM), explore the museum and enjoy views Late Morning: Wander the old town’s covered walkways and arcades Lunch: Lakeside picnic from Migros or lunch at Schlossberg restaurant Afternoon: Take a paddle steamer cruise on Lake Thun (2-3 hours) Evening: Sunset walk in Schadau Park, dinner at Mokka or Casa Novo

Weekend Getaway (2-3 Days)

Day 1: Old town exploration, castle, lake swimming Day 2: Niederhorn mountain excursion, evening in Schadau Park Day 3: Day trip to Interlaken/Jungfrau region or Bern, evening stroll along the Aare

Family-Friendly Week

Include the above plus St. Beatus Caves, boat rides, swimming beaches, Niesen mountain railway, and easy lakeside hiking trails. The Thun Lake area is incredibly family-friendly with playgrounds, shallow swimming areas, and activities for all ages.

Final Thoughts: Why Thun Deserves Your Time

Here’s the truth: Thun gives you everything Switzerland is famous for – dramatic mountains, pristine lakes, chocolate-box architecture, and that ineffable Alpine magic – without the overwhelming tourist circus of places like Lucerne or Zermatt.

You can wake up to mountain views, swim in a glacial lake, explore a medieval castle, and end your day with fondue overlooking the water. Whether you’re using it as a home base for exploring the Bernese Oberland, or just soaking in the lakeside vibes for a few days, Thun delivers that authentic Swiss experience we’re all chasing.

Plus, the fact that it’s still somewhat under the radar means you get to feel like you’ve discovered something special. And honestly? You have.

Ready to explore? Start planning your Thun adventure today – your Swiss Alps bucket list just found its new favorite destination.

Have questions about visiting Thun? Drop them below! And if you’ve been, share your favorite spots and tips with fellow travelers.