Lake Thun
Thunersee
A pristine alpine lake surrounded by mountains, offering scenic boat cruises, lakeside villages, and water activities. The lake is dotted with charming towns and provides some of the most photogenic views in the Bern region.
Things to do
- Scenic Boat Cruise — Take a classic paddle-steamer or modern boat tour across Lake Thun to view the Bernese Oberland mountains and stop at lakeside villages.
- Thun Castle Visit — Explore this 12th-century hilltop castle in Thun town with museum exhibits, tower views, and sweeping lake vistas.
- Interlaken Adventure Hub — Access paragliding, mountain biking, and hiking expeditions from this major resort town at the lake's eastern end.
- Beatenberg Cliff Path — Hike the scenic cliffside trail between Beatenberg and Merligen with dramatic lake and mountain panoramas.
- Spiez Castle and Beach — Tour this waterfront medieval castle and enjoy swimming or sunbathing on the nearby public beach in the charming village of Spiez.
- Hiking from Harder Kulm — Take the funicular from Interlaken to this viewpoint, then hike trails with unobstructed views of Lake Thun and the Jungfrau region.
- Iseltwald Photography Spot — Visit this picturesque lakeside village famous for its church steeple reflected in the water and postcard-perfect mountain backdrop.
- Water Sports at Thun Beach — Enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming at several designated beach areas around the lake.
Food to try
- Egli (Pike-Perch) — Fresh lake fish caught from Thun and prepared simply with butter and lemon, a regional delicacy found in lakeside restaurants.
- Rösti with Alpine Cheese — Crispy potato pancakes topped with melted Emmental or Gruyère cheese, a hearty Bernese staple served throughout the region.
- Fondue Bourguignonne — Cubed beef cooked in hot oil at the table, reflecting the Swiss alpine tradition popular in Thun's lakeside dining establishments.
- Forelle (Lake Trout) — Locally-caught trout often grilled whole or filleted and served with seasonal vegetables in waterfront establishments.
- Berner Platte — A traditional platter of cured meats, sausages, and smoked ham served with beans and potatoes, representing Bernese culinary heritage.
- Chocolate from Local Confiseries — Sample handmade Swiss chocolate and pralines from artisan shops in Thun and nearby villages, showcasing regional confectionery craftsmanship.
Local customs & good to know
- Learn Local History — The lake's medieval castles and towns tell stories of medieval trade routes and Swiss independence; local guides enthusiastically share this heritage.
- Respect Quiet Hours — Swiss culture values tranquility; avoid loud activities or noise during midday rest periods (typically noon to 2 PM) and evenings after 10 PM.
- Gratuity Customs — Tipping is not obligatory as service charges are included, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service.
- Alpine Tradition Days — The region celebrates Swiss traditions through summer folk festivals and yodeling events; attending these offers authentic cultural immersion.
Nearby
- Thun Castle — 3 km
- Bern Cathedral — 29 km
- Bern Old Town — 29 km
- Bern — 29 km