Information
Landmark: Lake ThunCity: Interlaken
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Lake Thun, Interlaken, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
Lake Thun, known as Thunersee in German, shimmers in the Bernese Oberland of western Switzerland, its deep blue water framed by snow-dusted Alpine peaks.At the base of the Bernese Alps, you’ll find it surrounded by breathtaking views, storybook towns, and water so clear and blue it catches the light like glass.Stretching about 17 kilometers long and 3 wide, the lake glints like a sheet of glass and stands out as one of the region’s defining landmarks.Lake Thun sits between the towns of Thun and Interlaken, where the clear Aare River flows eastward, carrying its waters into Lake Brienz.Lush hills and dense forests ring the lake, while snow-capped peaks gleam in the distance, making every view feel like a postcard.Behind it all, the Bernese Alps rise sharply, crowned by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.Scattered around the lake, you’ll find tiny villages, weathered stone castles, and gardens bright with summer blooms; at its western tip sits Thun, a lively town steeped in history and full of charm.Thun’s medieval old town, crowned by the 12th‑century Thun Castle with its sweeping views of the lake and snow‑dusted Alps, sits alongside museums, galleries, and lively cultural spots.Stroll the lakefront promenades, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and watch the sunlight dance on the water.For many, the best way to take in Lake Thun is aboard a leisurely boat cruise.Several companies run boat tours on the lake, some lasting an hour, others winding along longer routes past quiet reed beds.From the deck of a cruise, you can watch snow-dusted peaks rise behind sparkling water and glide past storybook villages tucked along the shore.Many trips pause at towns like Spiez, where a medieval castle overlooks rows of neat vineyards, or at Gunten, where the air feels still and the lake laps gently at the stones.And if you step off to wander, the Lake Thun promenade offers one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking walks.From Thun to Spiez, you can wander through shady green parks, follow paths that trace the water’s edge, and pass snug lakeside cottages, all with snow-dusted peaks glimmering on the horizon.Around Interlaken, broad promenades open to sweeping views of the lake and mountains-ideal for an unhurried walk or a breezy bike ride.And with Lake Thun’s crystal-clear water, it’s hard to resist diving into sailing, kayaking, or other water adventures.You can dive in for a swim, catch the wind in a sail, glide a kayak across the ripples, race on a windsurfer, or balance on a paddleboard out on the lake.Near several towns, the lake’s clear, shallow water is perfect for families and first-time swimmers, its surface barely rippling in the breeze.Anglers also flock to Lake Thun for trout, perch, and other local catches.You can cast a line from the shore or rent a boat to drift across the water, the scent of pine carrying on the breeze.Perched high above the town, Thun Castle looks out over red rooftops, the deep blue lake, and mountains rising sharp against the sky.Inside, you’ll find a museum showcasing the region’s past-medieval swords, vivid paintings, and centuries-old relics.Spiez Castle, perched on the lake’s southern shore, stands as another proud historic landmark.Vineyards and lush gardens wrap around the castle, which holds a small museum and a quiet chapel where you can step into the region’s past.Schadau Castle, a 19th-century gem near Thun, features a sunlit terrace where you can take in sweeping views of the lake and snow-dusted Alps, along with a lush park and a private residence.The castle usually stays closed to the public, but you can wander its gardens and take in sparkling views of the lake.Around Lake Thun, trails wind through hills and forests, ranging from easy strolls to steep climbs.The Niesen Mountain, nicknamed the “Swiss Pyramid,” rises sharply and gives you a sweeping view of the lake below and the jagged Alps beyond.A funicular carries visitors up to the summit, where sweeping views and hiking trails await.The tougher Hardergrat route traces the ridge between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with both lakes and snow-dusted peaks sprawling below.Around Lake Thun, lakeside spa and wellness resorts invite you to unwind by the water.Guests can unwind with soothing spa treatments, soak in steaming hot springs, and join wellness activities, all while gazing at the lake’s glassy surface framed by rugged mountains.In Thun, Hotel Seepark pampers guests with upscale comfort, while Hotel Belvoir in nearby Spiez offers the same refined ease.Around Lake Thun, summers are warm enough for a lazy stroll along the water, and winters stay mild.Late spring through early autumn (May to October) is ideal, with warm days perfect for boat rides, mountain hikes, or a cool swim in the lake.In winter, the water lies still under a quiet sky, and the few visitors who come can savor the calm without the summer bustle.Even with the colder weather, it’s a great time to admire snow-dusted peaks and duck into warm spots for castle tours or hearty meals.Around Lake Thun, you’ll find plenty of chances to savor traditional Swiss fare-think melted cheese over tender potatoes or rich meat stews.You can sample local favorites like crispy rösti, creamy fondue, and rich Swiss chocolate, and many lakeside restaurants serve them with a view of the water shimmering in the sun.For an authentic taste of Switzerland, savor lake fish fresh from the water or sip local wines from the vineyards near Spiez and Thun.You can reach Lake Thun easily by train from Zurich, Geneva, or Bern.Frequent trains carry passengers to Thun and Interlaken, the lake’s two main towns, where church bells echo across the water.By boat, you can cruise from Thun to Spiez, Interlaken, and other charming lakeside towns, watching the ripples trail out behind you.It’s a peaceful, scenic way to explore the lake, with water lapping gently against the boat.You can also reach the lake by car, with parking available in Thun, Interlaken, and several other lakeside towns where you might catch the scent of fresh bread from a nearby café.If you’re heading to Switzerland, don’t miss Lake Thun-it’s a place where you can drift along on a quiet boat cruise, hike scenic trails, wander through centuries-old castles, or simply sit by the clear blue water with the sun on your face.Whether you’re drawn by its glassy blue waters, centuries-old castles, or the thrill of hiking in crisp alpine air, Lake Thun leaves you with a Swiss memory you won’t forget.
