thun lake cruise

Nostalgic steamboat trip

Twice a day during the summer months as well as between Christmas and New Year, the Blümlisalp chugs its way around Lake Thun. The trip will transport you back in time to the days of the Belle Époque. The steamship is ideal for family excursions, as it even has a separate play cabin called "Globi’s Captain’s Club". Have you often dreamt about being the captain of a steamship? Discover the secrets of sailing from an experienced ship’s captain in the Blümlisalp’s wheelhouse.

Admire castles and natural landscapes

One Day Lake Thun Itinerary Sightseeing + Visiting Castles

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As a wanderer, I count Lake Thun , along with Lauterbrunnen in the Jungfrau Region , among my favorite destinations in Switzerland. The turquoise water of the lake, the towering snowcapped mountains above — it’s a sight that paints peace onto our minds . Add the castles to the scene, and it becomes a fantasy in reality.

Did you know that Lake Thun is surrounded by five castles ? I discovered them while exploring the lake, and they simply reinforced my belief that Lake Thun is indeed Switzerland’s fairytale lake . The overall experience at Lake Thun is something I would highly recommend to travelers who, like me, hail from the total opposite side of the world, both literally and figuratively.

Are you one of them? Yes? Well, whether you’re planning an extended weekend in Switzerland or a week-long getaway , Lake Thun is definitely worth considering . If you want to create your own itinerary, my list of 10 beautiful attractions around Lake Thun would be a great start.

However, you might not need to do that since I also have my own Lake Thun itinerary , which you’ll see in a bit. It will give you an idea of how to spend a day in Lake Thun, visiting the highlights, castles, and breathtaking ultimate viewpoints .

When I was exploring Thun, I discovered a plethora of attractions and places to visit.

From unlimited lake cruise rides to mountaintop viewpoints , anyone could easily spend a day at Lake Thun . Let’s not forget the water activities . And if you wish, you could join a group visiting the lake’s classic attractions . There are also once-in-a-lifetime activities available, such as helicopter rides and tandem paragliding flights .

What’s more? More than 10 villages and towns sit around this lake , awaiting you to visit. They could be amazing destinations, especially if you’re the kind of person who loves to wander and go off the beaten path . These include Aeschi, Gunten, Hilterfingen, Hünibach, Interlaken , Krattigen, Leissigen, Merligen , Oberhofen , Sigriswil , Spiez , and Thun . You can check the official website of Switzerland at the resources section of this post to learn more .

With so many things to do and places to visit in Lake Thun, I definitely understand if you might feel a little overwhelmed planning a trip here. Been there, done that! But what would be the best way to explore the lake? Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there could be an ideal way for everyone.

For wanderers, here’s what I can suggest: try the things that are unique to Lake Thun . This means visiting unique attractions like the town of Thun , Oberhofen Castle , Spiez , and either Mount Niesen or Niederhorn . If the weather does not cooperate, consider replacing Mount Niesen or Mount Niederhorn with Saint Beatus Caves , as this attraction can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.

Visit the town of Thun because it has a castle that offers a magical view of the Bernese Oberland ; Oberhofen Castle because of its beautiful blend of scenery and architecture ; Spiez for its unique Mediterranean flair ; and Mount Niesen or Niederhorn for their unique breathtaking views of the region .

This will be our approach for this itinerary.

One of the most important things to do before going on a trip to Lake Thun is to familiarize yourself with the transportation around the lake. This is necessary not only to avoid getting lost, but also to make the most of your trip. It means that we don’t want to waste a significant portion of our day at the lake asking for directions or missing a boat ride from one destination to another.

However, if it’s your first time in Switzerland, here’s some good news: the country has immaculate public transportation, and Lake Thun is no exception. The sole reason I’d consider renting a car for Lake Thun is if I were seeking the ultimate scenic drive . The northern shoreline near Sigriswil is merely one place where you’d prefer to decelerate and immerse yourself in the pleasing landscape for a bit longer.

Public transportation around Lake Thun comes in three forms: trains , buses , and ferries .

Buses cater to the northeastern side of the lake, while trains traverse the towns and villages on the southwestern side of Lake Thun. Ferries make stops at nearly every town or village on Lake Thun, significantly reducing travel time between opposite sides of the lake. Funiculars and cable cars provide connections from the mountain tops to the nearest towns . Refer to the map below for a comprehensive overview of Lake Thun’s public transportation services.

The longest cruise on Lake Thun spans its 17-kilometer length, from Interlaken to Thun (and vice versa)—the towns at the two ends of Lake Thun—and lasts for over 2 hours. Naturally, travel times are shorter when using trains and buses.

IMPORTANT : The last time I checked, the boat ride information on Google Maps was outdated. For more accurate travel time estimates, check the interactive timetable of the Lake Thun boat cruise on bls-schiff.ch (BLS cruise). I’ve included a link to the timetable in the resources section of this post .

Here’s a tip : If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland for a few days, ideally a week , it might be a good idea to get yourself a Swiss Travel Pass . This one-time-purchase card covers many attractions in Switzerland and offers unlimited use of public transportation. Especially if you’re going to be visiting numerous places and using public transportation frequently, this pass can be a real bargain. The cost of a single Swiss Travel Pass is often significantly lower than the combined price of individual admission fees or tickets. The Swiss Travel Pass covers museums, galleries, trains, boats, and buses. Funiculars and cable cars are discounted by 25% to 50%. The only time I think the Swiss Travel Pass might not be worth it is if you’re planning a week-long trip to Switzerland but intend to spend 2 to 3 days hiking or engaging in similar activities that don’t require the Swiss Travel Pass.

Lake Thun One Day Itinerary

Located in the heart of Switzerland, Lake Thun offers visitors several ideal starting points for their journey.

The most popular jump-off locations include Spiez ( west of Lake Thun ), which is frequented by visitors from Gstaad, Montreux, Visp, Kandersteg, Brig, or Zermatt. Interlaken ( southern tip of Lake Thun ) is another common starting point, particularly for travelers from Lucerne and the rest of the Bernese Oberland. Lastly, Thun ( northern tip of Lake Thun ) is a favorite among tourists from Bern, Basel, and Zurich.

Regardless of your origin, though, I recommend beginning your trip at the northern part of Lake Thun , and there is a couple of reasons for this.

• The tourist attractions in the northern part of the lake are conveniently close to each other . This proximity allows you to visit more places in the early part of your day without the crowds that typically gather around midday.
• Thun serves as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The city offers stunning panoramas of the Bernese Alps and Lake Thun, providing a visual “appetizer” for the beautiful experiences that await you later in the day .

Morning in Lake Thun

So yes, this trip to Lake Thun begins in Thun . From this charming town, you’ll gradually uncover the beauty of Lake Thun, moving southward towards Oberhofen Castle , drawing ever closer to the even more breathtaking Bernese Alps.

Visual summary of your morning visiting Lake Thun

Thun, in a nutshell, is a small city packed with beautiful sights . Despite its smaller size, Thun bears a striking resemblance to the beautiful city of Lucerne , particularly in terms of its charm. Once you arrive, my suggestion is to immerse yourself in the city’s viewpoints, picture-perfect spots , and notable landmarks. Explore Old Town Thun on foot . It’s a wander-worthy place!

Like Lucerne, Thun has its own version of the Chapel Bridge , known as the Untere and Obere Schleuse Brücke . Thun also has a medieval landmark that dominates its skyline. If Lucerne has the Musegg Wall , Thun has Thun Castle in Schlossberg, which will undoubtedly be the highlight of your visit. There are many things you can see when visiting Thun Castle , but the views from here are the best part! I am one hundred percent sure you’ll love them too!

Note : With this itinerary, you won’t be able to explore the interiors of Thun Castle or visit its tower for the highest overlooking view of the city and Lake Thun. However, you can visit the pavilion behind the church to enjoy a nearly identical view .

If you’re interested in finding the attractions in Thun Old Town and other nearby places, feel free to check out my map of Thun . In this map, you can also find other attractions in Thun that you might want to visit, say, if you finish exploring Old Thun quickly. One such attraction is Thun Panorama, a hidden gem of the town .

On the other hand, Oberhofen Castle is a picturesque castle offering amazing views of Lake Thun . It will be your next destination after Thun. Don’t worry, getting there is pretty straightforward; it’s just a short bus ride away. Bus #21 .

I think you should be excited, especially since Oberhofen Castle offers many beautiful things to see and discover ! Oberhofen Castle is a time-transporting museum… and a stunning architectural surprise in one of its rooms awaits you ! The castle also has a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch while taking in the lake views after exploring the castle and its garden.

Wandering through Thun Old Town, exploring its streets, visiting picturesque spots, and viewing its landmarks may take approximately two hours or less, depending on how quickly you explore. During this time, you can visit the city’s highlights, which include:

• Obere Schleuse Brücke
• Kirchtreppe
• Stadtkirche Thun
• Thun Castle
• Obere Hauptgasse
• Untere Schleuse Brücke
• Rathausplatz

I suggest you start exploring Thun Old Town around 7:30 or 8:00 am because we need to reach Oberhofen Castle as early as possible (but not before 9:00 am, which is the castle’s opening time).

On average, a visit to Oberhofen Castle takes about two to three hours . This includes time spent wandering in the castle park and visiting the castle museum. The duration of your visit to Oberhofen Castle may vary depending on the season. The castle park is open all year round, but the castle museum is only open from mid-May to October. Therefore, your trip to Oberhofen Castle will likely be shorter during the winter months.

Please check the official website of Oberhofen Castle for the latest announcements and schedules to be sure. The website is linked in the resources section of this post .

By the time you finish exploring the castle, it will probably be lunchtime. You have three options:

• Dine at Restaurant Schloss Oberhofen
• Try the restaurants in Oberhofen, which are a 2 to 5-minute walk from the castle
• Eat after the boat ride when you arrive at your next destination: Spiez. (This is the preferred option)

When choosing the restaurant for your lunch, please remember to consider the boat departure times to your next destination , Spiez. Also, factor in the time you will need to purchase boat tickets – it’s even better if you can buy them online.

We aim to maximize our time by experiencing new things and visiting new places, rather than having idle moments waiting for the next boat to arrive and depart. If you wish to check the boat schedule, please visit bls-schiff.ch and use the following locations for departure and arrival:

• Departure (Point A) — Oberhofen am Thunersee
• Arrival (Point B) — Spiez Schiffstation

You can also get to Spiez from Oberhofen by bus and train. However, it would take you much longer and would cost more (unless you already have a Swiss Travel Pass ). 

Afternoon in Lake Thun

After enjoying your lunch, you’ll be heading to Spiez , another picturesque town that boasts yet another castle. Finally, Mount Niesen , which offers a sweeping view of Lake Thun. I recommend Mount Niesen because I simply can’t think of any other place that offers such a panoramic view of Lake Thun! The view from this unique mountain could indeed be utterly spectacular .

However, depending on the season and weather, you might want to consider other attractions like Niederhorn . It’s a beautiful alternative to Mount Niesen , especially since Mount Niesen isn’t easily accessible during winter. The funicular to this mountain only operates outside of the winter season. If the weather turns completely against you, you can still make the most of the day by visiting the Saint Beatus Caves .

Early Afternoon: Spiez

From Oberhofen Castle, you can quickly reach Spiez by a 20-minute boat ride. The last time I checked, there was a 12:00 pm departure from Oberhofen. The boat makes a stop at Gunten before arriving at Spiez. Perched on the southern shores of Lake Thun, Spiez offers 180-degree views of the lake and the Emmental Alps . The pyramid mountain of Switzerland, Mount Niesen, dominates the Spiez skyline with its triangular appearance.

I recommend visiting Spiez as it often adds a slight twist to the Lake Thun journey. Spiez has a surprising Mediterranean vibe , often catching people off guard as they expect to be in the Swiss Alps. The Mediterranean flair should be apparent by the time you disembark from the boat. For instance, you’ll notice the palm trees and the boats docked in Spiez harbor. Various parts of the town will inspire you to take numerous photos!

Visual summary of your afternoon at Spiez, Lake Thun

After a short stroll in the harbor, it’s time to visit Spiez Castle —the main landmark of the town. The castle is only about a 3 to 5-minute walk from the dock. It’s pretty straightforward as you can find the way to the castle along Seestrasse, the only road to the town center.

Like Oberhofen Castle, Spiez Castle has a long history—it’s over 1000 years old! However, unlike Thun and Oberhofen Castle, you can clearly see how the architecture of Spiez Castle has evolved over time . This is evident in the castle’s tower keep and the remaining parts of the castle.

The castle grounds of Spiez Castle consist of a beautiful park , a chapel (Schlosskirche Spiez), and the main castle (also a museum). I wouldn’t recommend going inside the museum at Spiez Castle, especially if you’ve already visited the museum at Oberhofen Castle. It might be a redundant experience for you. However, if you’re curious about what’s inside Spiez Castle, please check its official website linked in the resources section of this post .

Don’t worry if you decide not to go inside Spiez Castle and climb to the tower, which offers a stunning vantage point of Schlosskirche Spiez and Lake Thun. You can still enjoy Spiez Castle by wandering in its splendid garden, beautifully lawned and decorated with flowering plants . From the park, you can already have an overlooking view of Lake Thun and Spiez’s harbor . If you wish, you can go behind Schlosskirche Spiez for an unobstructed view of the lake.

There’s a beautiful house in front of Schlosskirche Spiez . It’s an architectural gem, and I marvel at its gorgeous facade. I believe there are beautiful murals inside its terrace . Also, Spiez Castle’s park has several benches, making it a nice place to hang out for a while—savor the moment you are in the castle!

However, I suggest not spending too long in Spiez Castle. Less than an hour should be enough , especially if it’s the breathtaking scenery of the Bernese Oberland and Lake Thun you want to see. Appreciating the architecture of Spiez Castle, strolling in the castle’s beautiful park, a short meditation in the chapel, and taking a few photos may be enough before it’s time to go to the next destination, Mount Niesen.

Late Afternoon: Mount Niesen

Lake Thun is surrounded by majestic mountains. You’ll start to truly appreciate them as you reach the southern half of the lake, where the peaks rise above 2000 meters. Among these towering mountains, Mount Niesen is sure to catch your attention. Some people call it the ‘Swiss Pyramid,’ and indeed, it will captivate you, especially when you reach Spiez, where this triangular mountain dominates the horizon.

I included Mount Niesen in this one-day Lake Thun itinerary for a couple of reasons. As I have mentioned eariler, Mount Niesen is worth visiting because its summit is one of the best vantage points of Lake Thun and the Bernese Oberland (pretty much like Mannlichen and Harder Kulm ). From the top, you can literally see not only the entirety of Lake Thun but also Lake Brienz—the lake with milky turquoise blue water on the other side of Interlaken.

Visual summary of your late afternoon visiting Lake Thun trip at Mount Niesen

The sense of adventure will fill you up even before you reach the top of Mount Niesen. To get to the summit, you’ll need to ride a funicular . The metallic sound created by the climbing funicular, the steep railway incline, and the scenic views you’ll see as you ascend to the summit are truly breathtaking. Overall, it’s a 30-minute ride to the top, passing through forests and tunnels—all to make you admire the ingenuity of Swiss engineers.

I intentionally scheduled Mount Niesen for the afternoon part of this one-day Lake Thun itinerary because that’s when you can witness the spectacle Mount Niesen creates. Between 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm , Mount Niesen casts a perfectly triangular shadow over Lake Thun , assuming the weather is perfect. It’s a rare spectacular natural phenomenon that only occurs, and you can clearly see it from the summit of Mount Niesen. The perfect triangular shadow appears from the beginning of October .

How do you get to Mount Niesen? Going to Mount Niesen from Spiez is simple, yet it can be time-consuming if you aren’t aware of Spiez’s public transportation departure times .

It only involves two train/funicular rides from Spiez (Spiez train station to Mülenen and Mülenen to Niesen). However, since you’re coming from Spiez Castle, you’ll still have to do a 20-minute scenic hike or take the 11-minute bus ride (no. 61) to get to Spiez train station. The bus station is located in the harbor (near the Seestrasse junction), and the buses depart from it every hour. You can check Rome2Rio or SBB.ch for updated departure times.

Although the funicular to Niesen starts in Mülenen, you’ll still need to walk from Mülenen train station to the funicular valley station as they are located separately. They are close to each other, so there’s no need to worry about another long hike. Once you reach the Niesen funicular valley station, you’re only 30 minutes away from the summit.

The funicular ride lasts for half an hour , which is the same as the departure interval. Just be aware of the departure times of the trains heading to Mülenen from Spiez, especially if you’re aiming to see Mount Niesen’s shadow over Lake Thun. Although the train ride to Mülenen lasts only 5 minutes, the interval between train departure times is 30 minutes . Missing a train means wasting 30 minutes. We don’t want that !

Important to remember: the last funicular departure time from Mount Niesen is 5:45 pm.

Alternative Destinations

After visiting the mountains several times, I’ve learned my lessons. The season, weather, and timing are crucial to truly enjoy the visit. Once, I climbed the mountains and came home very disappointed. It rained during my climb, and all I saw was a white wall of fog. Since then, I always have a backup plan whenever I plan a trip to mountainous areas like Lake Thun and the Swiss Alps in general.

Here’s a tip : just after you finish your lunch, immediately check the live webcam broadcasts for Mount Niesen and Niederhorn . These live broadcasts could save your day; they can give you hints about whether going to the summit is worth it or not. If you see a wall of fog, consider visiting Saint Beatus Caves in the late afternoon after your visit to Spiez. You can check the live cam view of Mount Niesen and Niederhorn at their official websites (linked at the resources section )

If you plan to visit Lake Thun during winter, Niederhorn is the place to go if you also want to see panoramic views of Lake Thun, similar to what you can see from Mount Niesen. Niederhorn is not only accessible during winter, but it also offers a wide range of winter outdoor activities, from skiing to snowshoeing, sledding, paragliding, and more. 

So, where is Niderhorn? Niederhorn is one of the peaks in the Emmental Alps (north of Lake Thun), almost 2000 meters tall. It is one of the mountains you can find on the other side of Lake Thun if you are currently in Spiez. Aside from being a stunning vantage point of Lake Thun, you would also like to come here because it is also a beautiful viewing point of the Jungfrau Region. 

Niederhorn’s slopes decline facing south, toward the Jungfrau massif. It’s like a giant natural theater for the three Bernese Oberland superstar peaks: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The opposite side of Niderhorn has natural scenery to also convince you to come to this mountain. If you’re a landscape photographer, you’ll probably take numerous photos of the spectacular valley, ridge, and cliffs formed by this mountain and Rothorn.

There are a few ways you can get to Niederhorn from Spiez. But since you will be coming from Spiez Castle, which is very close to the town’s harbor, I recommend going for a boat ride. 

Unlike Niesen, there’s no specific time that you need to catch in Niederhorn. You can go to Niederhorn anytime you want and not miss anything.  From Spiez Schiffstation, you have to get a boat ride to Beatenbucht. It is usually a 25-minute boat ride, dropping by a couple of towns in between. 

Alternatively, you can also hop in a boat that has a stop in Gunten (See). Disembark there, and walk to Gunten Dorf (a 5-minute walk). In Gunten Dorf, you can find buses #21 (heading to Interlaken), which would also bring you to Beatenbucht. This route takes a little longer, about 30 minutes of travel time. Once you reach Beatenbucht, ride the funicular up to Beatenberg-Niederhorn cable car valley station. Continue to Niderhorn summit by riding the cable car. Overall, the journey to Niederhorn from Beatenbucht would take not more than 45 minutes. 

I linked the official website of Niederhorn in the resources section . On their website, you can find different programs and activities to make your visit worth it. Also, kindly check the updated timetables and availability of the facilities before heading to the mountain. 

If, unfortunately, you come to Lake Thun with the weather not cooperating, you don’t need to worry. Saint Beatus Caves got your back! 

Saint Beatus Caves is a network of caves above the shores of Lake Thun in the Niederhorn Massif, near Interlaken. It is a popular tourist attraction which showcases a kilometer of underground beauty that includes numerous impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations.

For me, Saint Beatus Caves is another twist in a journey in Lake Thun. Like, who would expect that there are more to see in Lake Thun other than blue water, charming towns, magical castles, and awe-inspiring mountains? Most importantly, visiting Saint Beatus Caves is both entertaining and educational.

Along the pathways inside the cave, you’ll see the rock formations made even more spectacular by the light installations inside the cave. Information screens are placed beside them to quench the curiosity about the rocks that they can spark in you. You also get to discover a part of Bernese Oberland’s heritage when you visit Saint Beatus Caves. Right at the beginning of your tour inside the cave, the legend of Saint Beatus is narrated by informational screens and boards. 

In a brief summary, the legend says that Saint Beatus, a hermit, killed a fire-breathing dragon that lived inside the cave. And if you are a fan of Lord of the Rings, I’m sure you’ll love the waterfalls that cascade into several streams outside Saint Beatus Caves. The waterfalls spout out under the quaint medieval-looking pathway, which should remind you of Rivendell—the home of the elves. 

So, how can you get to Saint Beatus Caves from Spiez? There are a few ways to get to Saint Beatus Caves from Spiez. The quickest and most scenic route is by boat. 

Saint Beatus Caves has its own ferry terminal (Beatushöhlen Sundlauenen), and you can find boat rides in Spiez that have a stop on it. The boat ride is approximately 50 minutes long. After arriving at Beatushöhlen Sundlauenen, you still have to hike for 20 minutes to reach the entrance to the cave. 

Saint Beatus Caves also has a restaurant, and if you want, you can have your dinner at it. The restaurant also has an epic overlooking view of Lake Thun—have your tummies and eyes satisfied! Disclaimer: Saint Beatus Caves’ restaurant is also a tourist favorite. If you really want to eat there, it’s better to book a table ahead of time. The restaurant gets full quickly, especially during the peak season. 

How to Spend One Day in Lake Thun (see Timestamps)

So, there you have it! That’s how you can spend a day in Lake Thun, no matter the season or weather. If you’re curious about how to carry out this itinerary, here’s the sequence with timestamps:

• 6:00 am — Breakfast
• 7:00 am — Thun Old Town Walking Tour (snack time after the tour)
• 9:30 am — Bus to Oberhofen Castle
• 10:00 am — Oberhofen Castle
• 12:00 pm — Boat to Spiez (last time I checked, 12:05 pm was the departure time of the boat)
• 12:30 pm — Lunch at Spiez castle restaurant & explore the castle park. 
• 1:45 pm — Head to Spiez train station (last time I checked, 1:49 pm was the bus departure time from the harbor)
• 2:00 pm — Depart Spiez (last time I checked, 2:12 pm is the train departure time)
• 2:30 pm — arrival at Mülenen and walk to Niesen funicular valley station
• 3:00 pm — Funicular ride to the summit
• 3:30 pm — Enjoy and relax at Niesen’s summit
• 5:45 pm — Descent from Niesen
• 6:15 pm — Head back to the hotel

Author’s Note : In this one-day Lake Thun itinerary, you might want to skip Spiez Castle (since you’ve already visited Oberhofen Castle) if the schedule seems too packed . I recommend booking your tickets (for the boat, trains, and funicular) online and in advance to save time at the ticket counters . A Swiss Travel Pass and other regional day passes (see the resources section) can be really helpful in saving time and keeping to your schedule.

Also, note that the time stamps above are only estimates. Please double-check the schedules and timetables of the public transportation involved for your Lake Thun trip. Also, please expect adjustments you may apply considering the following factors:

• preventive maintenance of the facilities
• local events

That would be all! I hope you enjoy your journey in Lake Thun. 🙂

Is One Day Enough In Lake Thun?

As you may have discovered throughout this Lake Thun itinerary, it’s impossible to visit every tourist attraction around Lake Thun in a single day. So, do you need an additional day in Lake Thun?

A single day should be sufficient to visit Lake Thun and see its highlights : a charming town, a fairytale-like castle, and a breathtaking mountaintop destination . However, you might want to allocate more time if you’re seeking a relaxing, laid-back trip to Lake Thun. If you prefer, you could arrange it this way: a 2-day visit to Lake Thun . For instance, spend one whole day in Thun and visit Oberhofen Castle, then explore the rest of the Lake Thun attractions on the following day.

Take note : While it might seem tempting to spend more than one day in Lake Thun, I’m not strongly advocating for it. Particularly if your trip to Switzerland is less than a week, one day in Lake Thun is enough , and you can spend the rest of your time seeing other beautiful places in Switzerland .

In fact, you don’t have to venture outside central Switzerland to visit some. Spend a few days in Bern , which is just 30 minutes away from Thun, to see its well-architected city and its scenic city view . Alternatively, you can go to Lucerne. Two days in Lucerne is fun with a mix of nature and city adventure.

And let’s not forget about the Jungfrau Region! There’s so much to see there. I don’t know where to start! LOL. Here are my top suggestions: Aside from Lauterbrunnen, try Wengen , Murren , or Gimmelwald for the utmost idyllic alpine village experience.

Sources & References for this Lake Thun Itinerary

Here are the links that can help you plan further and prepare your Lake Thun trip. 

• Spiez Castle (Official Website)
• Mount Niesen (Official Website)
• Niederhorn (Official Website)
• Saint Beatus Caves (Official Website)
• Lake Thun Cruise Timetable (Official Website)
• SBB.ch (bus schedules, train timetables, regional passes , and more)
• List of activities and tours in Bernese Oberland (GetYourGuide)
• Attractions and more things to do in Lake Thun (Official website of Switzerland)

Hello there! I believe you’re planning a visit to Switzerland soon. If you haven’t booked any accommodation yet, please consider using my partner’s hotel search and booking platform . It’s my favorite, and I’m loving the perks it offers, such as extended free booking cancellation and more. I bet you’ll find it handy too. However, the link is an affiliate link. This means if you book through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . Think of it as your donation to WanderInEurope, enabling me to write more helpful content like this . Thank you very much!

Do you like visiting lakes? Well, well, well! Switzerland has another stunning lake you can visit. It’s called Lake Brienz and it’s the largest lake with the brightest turquoise water in the entire country (as far as I know). Amazingly, it’s also home to a picturesque village called Iseltwald . For a high-altitude location where you can capture an inverted image of the mountain peaks, Bachalpsee near Grindelwald is the place to go. Check them out! 😍

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On the northern edge of the Alps between the Bernese Oberland towns of Thun and Interlaken lies the deep blue Lake Thun, nestled against an imposing mountain backdrop. Lake Thun is particularly popular for boat trips, sailing and surfing. Numerous lidos and bathing spots on the shores invite you to cool off.

Description

A cruise on Lake Thun is an experience and relaxation at the same time: enjoy a meal, a glass of wine or simply the sun on deck while your gaze glides over the shores with their romantic villages and magnificent historic castles to the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Comfortable saloon motorboats and the magnificently restored paddle-wheel steamboat "Blümlisalp" take you from Thun to Interlaken all year round, and a boat trip is a great way to explore the diversity of the area around Lake Thun. From the Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen boat station, for example, a beautiful hiking trail leads to the impressive karst caves with their huge stalactite formations and waterfalls. On the opposite side of the lake lies the picturesque little town of Spiez with its castle and Romanesque church. There are other castles with interesting museums in Thun and along the lakeshore, which is also known as the "Riviera of the Bernese Oberland" due to its mild climate: Oberhofen and Hilterfingen with Hünegg Castle. The summer musical performances of the Thun Lake Festival are also popular along the lakeshore. Popular excursion destinations around Lake Thun include the pyramid-shaped Niesen , the Stockhorn  and the Niederhorn . A unique view of the lake and the Alps awaits you there. At the eastern end of the lake is the town of Interlaken, the starting point for popular excursions to the Jungfrau region  and the eastern Bernese Oberland. To the timetable: Lake Thun

Experiences & Activities

Looking for herbs in sigriswil, planet trail with planetarium and observatory, festungsmuseum waldbrand, blueme viewing tower.

Thun’s hidden treasures

Alpine orientation hike - beatenberg-niederhorn, hiking around beatenberg, swiss food and culture tour, höhlenmuseum, interlaken - first ski experience - full-day, gwatt, bern region deltapark vitalresort 4 stars.

1 Night, Price per double room

from CHF 294

Thun, Bern Region Hotel Krone Thun 4 Stars

Interlaken, bern region victoria-jungfrau grand hotel & spa 5 stars.

from CHF 598

Interlaken, Bern Region Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel 4 Stars

Spiez, bern region hotel eden spiez 4 stars.

from CHF 282

Niesen, Mülenen Berghaus Niesen Kulm

Thun, bern region schadau castle 3 stars, interlaken, bern region hotel chalet swiss 3 stars, spiez, bern region belvédère strandhotel 4 stars, thun, bern region hotel seepark thun 4 stars, current offers, schloss schadau hotel - restaurant, thun romance by the lakeside.

Price per double room valid: 09.05.2024 - 31.05.2024

Hotel Krone, Thun Enjoy Summer in Thun

Price per double room valid: 09.05.2024 - 31.10.2024

Thun Hiking: Lake Thun Panorama Trail

Price per person in double room valid: 09.05.2024 - 31.12.2024

Hotel Eden Spiez, Spiez Relaxing offer

Price per person in double room valid: 09.05.2024 - 31.10.2024

Interlaken Hiking holidays Via Jacobi Interlaken - Romont

• Restaurants

Thun, Bern Region vera calma – Café & Bar

Heiligenschwendi, bern region bistro sonnegg heiligenschwendi, spiez, bern region restaurant krone, steffisburg, bern region restaurant panorama, spiez, bern region ristorante riviera by elio, interlaken, bern region scheidegg hotels: bellevue des alpes, faulensee, bern region hafen-restaurant hotel möve, beatenberg, bern region gasthaus riedboden, thun, bern region hotel seepark: das restaurant, interlaken, bern region la terrasse brasserie.

• until 12 May Schwanden-Santa Monica Interlaken, 10.03. - 12.05.2024
• until 30 Jun Bewahrte Schätze - Einblicke in die Keramiksammlung der Stiftung Schloss Thun Thun, 29.03. - 30.06.2025
• From 11 May Giacomo Santiago Rogado. All That You See Thun
• From 11 May Giacomo Santiago Rogado. Ausser Sicht Thun

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Travel information: lake thun region, destination.

Thun-Thunersee Tourismus Seestrasse 2 3600  Thun +41 (0)33 225 90 00 [email protected] Website

Interlaken Tourismus Marktgasse 1 Postfach 3800  Interlaken +41 (0)33 826 53 00 [email protected] Website

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Discover Lake Thun Region

Cruise on Lake Thun

Located close to Interlaken and Bern, Lake Thun is one of the most impressive lakes in Switzerland to enjoy cruise boat excursions. Although the lake is smaller than other essential lakes in the country, it still offers countless cruises. 

Throughout the cruises on Lake Thun, you can see the marvelous scenery of the Alps mountain as you pass through small historic cities having Romanesque churches, castles, traditional city centers, museums, as well as delightful cafes and restaurants.

Amusing cruises on Lake Thun can be easily mixed with unforgettable excursions to various other sights and activities. In the meantime, you can see the surrounding green hills, in addition to the snow-covered Alps of the Bernese Oberland. Lake Thun opens up to the northwest and owns three castles on its shores.

Boat Trip on Lake Thun in the Berner Oberland

Located in the west of Interlaken, Lake Thun is a little broader than Lake Brienz which is on the east of Interlaken. You can make use of various boat trips on the lake, most of which are initiated from Thun and head across the lake to Interlaken in about two hours.

Boat trips are undoubtedly an exciting approach to enjoying the astonishing area and its beauties at low speeds. Most boats consist of two sections: first class and second class. Normally, the second class section is on the upper deck. Many of the boats come with a restaurant or bistro on board. 

During summertime, you can dive into the cruise on the restored steamboat Blümlisalp, which is a real delight. Among the many boat trips available in the area, you can either experience a full round trip or include a cruise as a section of an excursion going up into the mountains. 

It is possible to cruise on Lake Thun from early April to late December, though the main season is between the middle of May and late October. Daily cruises are available starting from early April into the middle of November; however, Sunday cruises are extended into December too. 

During summer, there are up to eight cruises available daily. However, you can find three cruises in spring and only one during late autumn. If you are bringing children with you, it is good to know that some cruises in summer provide supervised playrooms during lunchtime.

Lake Thun Cruise Tickets

A full Thun to Interlaken cruise fare is CHF 43 (CHF 73 return) in Second Class and CHF 71 (CHF 121 return) for First Class. However, many discount options are available.

Boat timetable/schedule

Boats usually depart at :40 from Thun and :10 from Interlaken West. The cruise time is the same in either direction. Boats depart from early morning to evening from Thun and from late morning to early evening from Interlaken West. You find the timetable here .

Dining on a Boat

Eating and drinking are easily possible on the boats as all of them offer a restaurant. Menus with a versatile set of foods and drinks are available to help you make a delicious order. This is going to be the most enjoyable situation to eat your lunch, snack, or dinner as the magnificent scenery is continuously changing. 

Special event cruises and dinner cruises are scheduled throughout the year, but you can find them more crowded during summer and weekends. Reservations are possible for these cruises. On the other hand, speaking of regular cruises, meals are served and charged in addition to the normal cruise fare. Transportation card discount fares are available on regular cruises. Although reservations for individuals are not possible on regular cruises, you can reserve tables. 

On the boats departing at 9:40 (8:40 in summer) from Thun, you can enjoy continental breakfasts, though on Sundays and vacation days only a large brunch is served. Most cruises that start moving around noon offer lunch. It is optional to take meals on regular boats.

You might also like the following article:

Places to Get Brunch in Thun and Surrounding Area

Stops and Destinations on Lake Thun

Thun and Interlaken are the most obvious stops on Lake Thun cruise excursions, as they offer historic churches, castles, and tourist facilities. However, there are many smaller towns on your way that are certainly worth the stop. 

Spiez has an adorable small castle, a Romanesque church, a satisfying town center, and a memorable pool center for sunny days. They say, Spiez has the most beautiful bay in Switzerland. It is highly pleasant to walk on the short lakeshore between Spiez and Faulensee. 

Oberhofen also has a fantastic castle offering exhibits from the Bern history museum, a large park, lakeside walks, and a museum of moving musical instruments. 

The Beatus Caves is a large network of dripstone caves.  that were once home to a gigantic, mythical dragon that was killed by St. Beatus. Nowadays, fortunately, no dragons live in the caves, which are open to visitors. 

A funicular runs from Beatenbucht to Beatenberg. From there, a cable car takes you to the Niederhorn , which offers spectacular views of Lake Thun and, of course, the peaks of the Bernese Alps.

You can enjoy taking a cruise boat on Lake Thun as it is one of the most impressive lakes in Switzerland and offers countless cruising experiences. During your cruises in the area, you can be fascinated by the marvelous magnificence of the Alps mountain as you pass through different towns with numerous tourist attractions. 

It is a great approach to taking a cruise boat and enjoying the amazing scenery around you as you order delicious meals from the restaurant on the boat. You can either take a special event cruise or a regular cruise. Thun, Interlaken, Spiez, Oberhofen, and Beatushöhlen are among the best destinations you can visit during your trip.

I'm an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for Switzerlandical. Let's go on this adventure together as we explore Switzerland. We'll conquer epic trails, soak in jaw-dropping vistas, or stroll down a cobbled street in one of the many beautiful cities. I'll do my best to curate an unforgettable travel experience that leaves you with memories you'll cherish forever.

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Cruise on Lake Thun

Experience lake thun from the boat.

• Thun  

Take note, so that your trip will be perfect

Consult the timetable before your trip

Don’t forget sunglasses, sun cream and binoculars

For groups from 20 people a reservation is necessary

BLS Schifffahrt AG

Lachenweg 19

Phone: +41 58 327 48 11

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.bls-schiff.ch

General information

Operating all year round

• Suitable for any weather
• For classes
• for families
• for individual guests
• Pets allowed
• Suitable for the elderly
• Suitable for pushchair
• Baby changing room
• Handicapped accessible WC
• Barrier-free access
• People with impaired mobility
• Wheelchair user
• People with hearing impairments
• Deaf people
• People with visual impairments
• Blind people
• People with cognitive impairments

More like this

Sailing school lake thun, boat rental sailing school lake thun, fun train scheduled rides, bathing area «schiffländte einigen», lakeside path «strandweg», ludotrail: playing through spiez.

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Adventure Interlaken

Original Swiss adventures in the Interlaken region. EAT, SLEEP, ADVENTURE, REPEAT!

Sunset Boat Cruise on the Lake of Thun: A Relaxing Way to end your Adventurous Interlaken day

If you are looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of nature and the company of your traveling companions after a day full of Interlaken adventures you might want to consider one of Interlaken’s stunning sunset spots . A definite highlight would be taking a sunset boat cruise on the emerald blue lake of Thun. The lake of Thun, located between Interlaken and the medieval city of Thun, is the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland, located in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It is surrounded by stunning scenery, including green meadows, forests, alps, and the famous peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

A sunset boat cruise on the lake of thun is a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind after a busy day. You can board the boat at any jetty around the lake, such as Interlaken West, Beatenbucht, Spiez, Gunten, Oberhofen, Hilterfingen, or Thun. The entire trip from Interlaken to Thun takes around two hours and 10 minutes. During the cruise, you can admire the changing colors of the sky and the water as the sun sets behind the mountains. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the castles on the banks and the charming villages along the shore.

One of the highlights of the sunset boat cruise on the lake of thun is the culinary offer. You can choose from a variety of dishes, such as the “Hot Stone” menu, which allows you to grill your own meat or fish on a hot stone at your table. You can also select from other options, such as salads, sandwiches, pasta, or desserts. The boat also has a bar where you can order drinks and snacks. The food and drinks are served by friendly and attentive staff who will make sure you have a pleasant and comfortable experience.

The sunset boat cruise on the lake of thun operates from May to October, daily from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, only the à la carte offer is available. The prices vary depending on the class of travel and the menu you choose. You can buy tickets online or on board. You can also combine your boat trip with other activities in the region, such as visiting the St. Beatus Caves, hiking to the Niederhorn, or exploring the towns of Interlaken or Thun.

A sunset boat cruise on the lake of thun is a memorable way to spend an evening with your partner or friends. It is a chance to escape from the stress of everyday life and enjoy some quality time together. It is also a great way to discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Switzerland. If you are looking for a relaxing and romantic experience, you should definitely try a sunset boat cruise on the lake of thun.

For more information and tickets have a look at the BLS website here .

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Winter cruises on Lake Thun

Are you planning a boat trip and would like to get an overview of the fares for a cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz? Whether a trip as an individual, group or school – below you will find all relevant price information you need.

Fares for cruises on Lake Thun & Lake Brienz

Fares_Lake-Cruises_2024.pdf

Ticket overview

Frequently asked questions

Are discounts offered to children and seniors.

Children under the age of 6 travel for free, while children aged 6 - 15 years only have to pay half-price. The Junior travelcard and Children’s Co-travelcard (for children aged 6 - 15 years) are valid on all scheduled cruises.

No discounts are available to seniors.

Are special day tickets available?

With the BLS Navigation day ticket , you can travel as much as you want on any of our scheduled cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Are group discounts available?

For groups of 10 people or more, we offer a discounted group rate (30% reduction on the single-person rate). To claim the discount, the group ticket must be purchased and paid for by one person and a reservation is required.