Travel Plan
Lake Thun

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Lake Thun

A larger, gentler lake lined with castles, palm-shaded promenades and Alpine views.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half a day
Entry
Free (boats & castles paid)
Best time
May–September
Area
Thun

A lake with castles and charming villages on its shores.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Lake Thun, Bernese Oberland

  • By boat: BLS boats link Interlaken West with Spiez, Oberhofen and Thun.
  • By train: Interlaken to Spiez or Thun in about 20–30 minutes.
  • Caves: St. Beatus Caves are reached by bus or boat.

The story of Lake Thun

Lake Thun is the western twin of Lake Brienz, with a milder climate and softer shores. Fairy-tale castles stand along its banks, including Oberhofen Castle with its tower in the water and Spiez Castle above its bay.

At the western end, the town of Thun has its own hilltop castle and a covered wooden bridge. The St. Beatus Caves, on the northern shore, run deep into the mountain.

Best time to visit

Best season

May to September.

Best time of day

Afternoon boat trips.

Weather

Clear days show the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Tips before you go

  • Visit Oberhofen Castle on the water.
  • Visit Oberhofen Castle and its lakeside gardens.
  • Explore the St. Beatus Caves on a hot day.

Best hotels near Lake Thun

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Grand hotel facing the Jungfrau across the Höhematte.

See prices

Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage

Classic hotel by the Aare river.

See prices

Hotel Interlaken

One of the oldest hotels in town, near Interlaken Ost.

See prices
All hotels near Lake Thun

What's around Lake Thun

  • Oberhofen CastleCastle with a lake tower.
  • Spiez CastleCastle above Spiez bay.
  • St. Beatus CavesCaves with waterfalls.
  • Thun Old TownTown with a castle.

Questions travellers ask

What is there to see on Lake Thun?

Castles, caves and lakeside towns.

Can I take a boat?

Yes, from Interlaken West.

Thun or Brienz?

Thun is larger with castles; Brienz is more turquoise.

More in Interlaken & Jungfrau

Interlaken town & Höhematte

Interlaken town & Höhematte

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Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz

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Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm

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Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen Valley

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Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch

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Travel Plan · Lake Thun Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure