Lake Thun
Canton Bern

At the northern rim of the Alps, in the midst of the Bernese Oberland, Lake Thun is surrounded by fabulous mountain scenery, a myriad of cozy villages, and the charming cities of Thun and Interlaken. With its historic buildings, towering raised promenades steeped in history, the white castle on the Schlossberg and the fantastic views over the lake set against the backdrop of the imposing Bernese Alps – Thun’s charm enchants locals and tourists alike.

About Lake Thun

The small town of Thun at the western end of the lake with the same name is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. It boasts a medieval Old Town, a mighty castle and an attractive pedestrian zone. One of the best-known towns in the Bernese Oberland is Interlaken, at the foot of the Jungfrau Region. The town at the upper end of Lake Thun is an ideal starting point for excursions to the Bernese Oberland.

Lake boats sail Lake Thun all year round. In summer a magnificently restored historic paddle steamer plies the lake. On the sunny southern slopes between Thun und Merligen subtropical vegetation flourishes that has given the region the name the “Riviera of Lake Thun”. On the opposite side of the lake, in the Bay of Spiez, which is presided over by a beautiful castle, you will find small vineyards. Not to be missed are the twelve one-thousand-year-old Romanesque churches that dot the coastline, for example in Einigen.

Winter

When snow conditions permit, the winter resorts around the lake, Aeschi, Goldiwil/Heiligenschwendi, Schwanden/Sigriswil, Heimenschwand, Innereriz, and Beatenberg/Niederhorn offer excellent and family-friendly ski and snowboard runs. The great skiing areas in the Jungfrau Region are easily reached from Interlaken. From Spiez the snowfields of Simmental, Gstaad/Saanenland, and Adelboden are easily accessible.

Sommer

Niesen (2362m), Stockhorn (2190m), and Niederhorn (1950m) are the well-known panoramic mountains around Lake Thun. They are reached by cable cars and are starting points of beautiful hiking trails, challenging bicycle tours and paragliding adventures.

Lidos and bathing spots all around the lake invite you to take a dip and cool off. Sailors and surfers appreciate the constant breeze. Popular paths along the lakeshore lead from Thun to Hünibach or from Spiez to Faulensee. On the north shore of the lake is the St. Jacob’s Trail that once upon a time brought pilgrims from all over Europe to the Spanish town of Santiago de Compostela. The St. Jacob’s Trail also leads to the St. Beatus Cave. The imposing limestone caves with their enormous stalactite formations. According to a 6th-century legend, St. Beatus lives at the entrance to the cave.

Our personal highlights

Explore Suisse Selection’s unmissable places of interest and top things to see and do during your stay.

Preferred hotels

Browse Suisse Selection’s favored luxury hotels, carefully chosen for their unmatched excellence in architecture, service, gastronomy, and comfort.

Bergwelt Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort

Bergwelt Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort is situated in Grindelwald near the beautiful Grindelwald mountain scenery. The hotel offers a selection of rooms, suites and apartments featuring spacious balconies, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, and TVs. During their stay, guests can enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks at the on-site restaurant and bars. Other facilities include a garden, terrace, swimming pools and a spa.

Hotel Spedition

Hotel Spedition is ideally located in a historically protected building in Thun. The stylish guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a desk, a safe, and a bathroom that feature a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Other hotel amenities include a trendy restaurant, bar and lounge area.