Thun

🏰 Top Attractions in Thun

– Thun Castle (Schloss Thun)
A striking 12th-century hilltop castle with panoramic views of the town, lake, and Bernese Alps. Inside, visit the historical museum and the grand knight’s hall.
– Old Town & Rathausplatz
Stroll through Thun’s beautifully preserved Old Town with its raised pavements, boutiques, cafés, and charming bridges over the Aare River.
– Schadau Castle & Park
A fairytale castle on the lakeshore surrounded by a peaceful park. Inside, you’ll find the Swiss Gastronomy Museum and a lakeside restaurant.
– Lake Thun (Thunersee)
Enjoy boat cruises, paddleboarding, or a swim with alpine views. The lake connects Thun to Interlaken and offers stops at several scenic villages.
– Panoramic Bridge & Mühleplatz
Walk the covered wooden bridges and visit Mühleplatz — a lively square where locals gather for food, drinks, and riverside relaxation.
– Wocher Panorama (Thun Panorama)
The oldest surviving panorama painting in the world (from 1814), offering a 360° view of historical Thun in stunning detail.
– Thun Art Museum (Kunstmuseum Thun)
Housed in the historic Grand Hotel Thunerhof, it presents rotating exhibits of modern and contemporary art.
– St. Beatus Caves (nearby)
Located on the northern shore of Lake Thun, these mythical limestone caves with waterfalls are a short boat or car ride from Thun.
– Niesen Mountain (the “Swiss Pyramid”)
Accessible from nearby Mülenen by funicular, this perfectly shaped peak offers panoramic hiking and spectacular lake views.
– Bonstetten Park
A hidden gem near the lake — ideal for picnics, quiet walks, and soaking in the alpine beauty.
– River Surfing on the Aare
Thun is one of the few places in Switzerland where you can go urban river surfing! Near the Mühleschleuse (sluice), skilled surfers ride a standing wave on the Aare River.

✨ Thun: Lakeside Tranquility with a Medieval Soul

Thun, perched at the northern edge of Lake Thun and surrounded by the Bernese Alps, is a hidden gem that blends timeless charm with lakeside serenity. With its historic Old Town, peaceful waters, and spectacular views, Thun offers a slower, richer experience of Swiss life—where every moment feels both relaxed and refined. This guide will help you discover Thun’s scenic walks, cultural treasures, and harmonious rhythm.

🌊 On the Shores of Lake Thun

The lake is at the heart of life in Thun. Stroll along the peaceful promenade, take a boat cruise past snow-capped peaks, or relax in one of the many lakeside parks and cafés. The gentle waves, crystal-clear water, and mountain reflections make Lake Thun a perfect setting for calm and contemplation.

🏛️ The Old Town: A Medieval Jewel

Thun’s Old Town is a wonderfully preserved medieval center with unique raised sidewalks, colorful facades, and flowing canals. At the top, the iconic Thun Castle offers panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps—along with a quiet museum that tells the story of this historic town.

Walk along Obere Hauptgasse, admire the wooden bridges, and enjoy the slow rhythm of local shops, bakeries, and markets.

🌿 Nature, Mountains, and Easy Escapes

Thun is the perfect base for scenic day trips and gentle hikes. Wander along the Aare River trail, explore Schadau Park with its fairy-tale castle, or visit the nearby Niederhorn for peaceful alpine views. Each path offers both beauty and a sense of calm connection with nature.

🎨 Art, Culture, and Reflection

Thun is home to several small but enriching cultural experiences. Visit the Thun Panorama, a 360-degree painting by Marquard Wocher, or enjoy exhibitions at the Kunstmuseum Thun, located right on the river. In summer, classical concerts and open-air events bring quiet vibrancy to the town without ever disturbing its peaceful character.

🍽️ Dining by the Water

Restaurants in Thun offer fresh local flavors in charming settings. Enjoy fish from the lake, traditional Bernese dishes, or a quiet fondue evening with a mountain view. Most lakeside venues encourage long, leisurely meals where the scenery is as important as the food.

💆 Rest, Rejuvenate, and Enjoy the Moment

Whether it’s a morning coffee overlooking the water, an afternoon bike ride along the Aare, or a sunset swim in the lake, Thun invites visitors to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Many hotels offer spa services or direct lake access, enhancing the town’s sense of wellness and ease.

Thun is a town to savor slowly. Its beauty lies not just in its views, but in its atmosphere—calm, warm, and quietly elegant. Come to Thun for the lake, stay for the tranquility, and leave with a renewed sense of connection to nature, culture, and yourself.