Lake Thun

#75 among destinations in Switzerland

Nature, Natural attraction, Lake

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Lake Thun is a serene expanse of water that epitomizes the tranquil beauty of Switzerland. Surrounded by majestic peaks and gentle slopes adorned with vineyards and historic villages, this alpine lake stretches over 17.5 kilometers, with a maximum width of 3.5 kilometers.

Lake Thun is not just a feast for the eyes; it's a hub of recreational activities. Visitors can embark on boat cruises to glide across the crystal-clear waters, enjoying unparalleled views of the surrounding castles and the snowy summits of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. For those seeking a more active engagement with nature, the lake is perfect for swimming, windsurfing, and sailing during the warmer months.

The lake's shores are dotted with cultural landmarks, including the medieval Thun Castle and the historic town of Oberhofen with its picturesque castle jutting out into the lake. The town of Thun, at the northern tip of the lake, serves as a gateway to the region with its charming old town, bustling market square, and the impressive panorama bridge offering stunning views of the lake and the Bernese Alps.

Hiking enthusiasts can explore the network of trails winding around the lake, leading to vantage points that offer breathtaking vistas. In winter, the region transforms into a wonderland with nearby ski resorts providing a range of winter sports options.

Local name: Thunersee Area: 16.91 mi²Length: 10.87 miWidth: 2.17 miMaximum depth: 712 ftElevation: 1831 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°41'33"N, 7°43'14"E

Location

BernSwitzerland

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Day trips

Lake Thun – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Oberhofen Castle, Niesen, Schloss Hünegg, Spiez Castle.

3.6 miNW
Forts and castles
Oberhofen Castle
91 min walk • Oberhofen Castle, with its picturesque lakeside setting and striking silhouette, is a jewel of Swiss heritage nestled on the shores of Lake Thun. This enchanting castle, which dates back to the 13th century, has become an emblem of the historical richness...
4.5 miSW
Natural attraction, Mountain, Park
Niesen
116 min walk • Niesen, known as the "Swiss Pyramid" due to its distinctive, almost perfectly pyramidal shape, is a towering mountain located in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland. With its summit at 2,362 meters above sea level, Niesen offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding...
4.4 miNW
Museum, Forts and castles, Art Nouveau architecture
Schloss Hünegg, Hilterfingen
113 min walk • Hünegg Castle is a castle in the municipality of Hilterfingen of the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
1.6 miW
Forts and castles
Spiez Castle, Spiez
41 min walk • Spiez Castle is a castle in the municipality of Spiez of the Swiss canton of Bern. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
1.7 miW
46°41'14"N • 7°41'8"E
Freibad-Seebad, Spiez
44 min walk • Watersports, Water park, Amusement park
3.4 miNW
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Museum of Timekeeping and Mechanical Musical Instruments
87 min walk • The Museum of Timekeeping and Mechanical Musical Instruments is a museum in the village of Oberhofen am Thunersee, Switzerland, in the Bernese Oberland. It is dedicated to both horology and mechanical music.
2.4 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Niederhorn
62 min walk • The Niederhorn is a peak of the Emmental Alps in the Bernese Oberland near Beatenberg. It is the peak farthest west in the Güggis ridge. From its summit Lake Thun and the entire Bernese Alps can be seen. An aerial cable car to the summit was completed in 1946 with a restaurant and children's playground at the top.
3.6 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Sigriswiler Rothorn
91 min walk • The Sigriswiler Rothorn is a mountain of the Emmental Alps, located north of Sigriswil in the canton of Bern. With an elevation of 2,051 metres above sea level, it is the culminating point of the chain named Sigriswilergrat.
4.3 miW
Forts and castles
Wimmis Castle, Wimmis
110 min walk • Wimmis Castle is a castle in the municipality of Wimmis of the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
4.1 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Burgfeldstand
104 min walk • The Burgfeldstand is a mountain of the Emmental Alps, located in the Bernese Oberland near Beatenberg. It is the highest summit of the Güggisgrat. Several trails lead to the top.
3.2 miN
Observatories and planetariums
Sternwarte Planetarium SIRIUS
83 min walk • Sternwarte Sirius is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Stiftung Sternwarte Planetarium SIRIUS. It is located at Schwanden above Sigriswil in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland.