Lake Thun

Lake Thun is one of two lakes that the famous tourist destination of Interlaken is situated in between (the other being Lake Brienz). Lake Thun is the largest of the two, and it is a really beautiful, captivating place surrounded by incredible mountains, castles, interesting towns, and scenic swimming spots. There’s so much to do at Lake Thun that you could happily spend a week here relaxing and taking it all in.

AT A GLANCE:

Lake Thun is a large Lake near Interlaken in Central Switzerland
Thun is the largest town on the lake, located on the western end of Lake Thun, and of course there well know Interlaken drawing in most of the tourists which sits between the middle of Brienznersee (Lake Brienz) and Thunersee (Lake Thun). The town of Spiez is also located on the south side of Lake Thun, and there are several more villages dotted around the shore of the 48km lake.
Lake Thun is home to 4 castles, St Beatus Caves and the Neiderhorn gondola are popular tourists attractions.
The scenic road around the perimeter of the Lake is beautiful and worth a drive – you will see beautiful views of the lakes and surrounding mountains.
Lake Thun is a paradise for swimming and other water sports – there are lots of boat trips, sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking that take place on the lake.
Public swimming spots and cafes are dotted around the lake, normally with small areas to park (metered) and sometimes with small play areas for the kids.
Best for – scenic views, swimming and watersports, views from the Neiderhorn, exploring castles and caves.

THINGS TO DO:

Swimming

Our favourite thing to do on Lake Thun is to go swimming. There are plenty of great swimming spots where we park, and many of them have a little play area, barbecue facilities, and a refreshments kiosk. The waters are cool and clear, and on a hot day, they’re really popular with families. Just bring a towel and stop anywhere that looks inviting! There are lots of people kayaking and paddleboarding too, so this would also be a great location for these activities.

Visit a Castle

There are five castles situated along the shores of Lake Thun that make for great day-trip destinations nearby. While we haven’t had the chance to visit them yet, they appear to feature children’s trails and outdoor playgrounds, making them family-friendly attractions. Learn more about the castles of Lake Thun and the activities they offer for a unique and enjoyable day out.

St Beatus Caves

One of the major attractions on Lake Thun, St Beatus Caves. The St. Beatus Caves near Interlaken are a fantastic spot for a family adventure. Wander through the magical caves with their sparkling waterfalls and fascinating rock formations—perfect for little explorers! Legend has it that St. Beatus once chased a dragon out of the caves, which adds an extra touch of excitement for kids. There’s also a small museum to dive deeper into the story, a fun playground, and a cozy restaurant with amazing views of Lake Thun.

The Neiderhorn

A trip to the Niederhorn is a great option for families visiting the Thun area who want to see some panoramic views without travelling too far. Take a scenic cable car ride up the mountain, where you’ll find gorgeous views, easy hiking trails, and plenty of fun for kids, like spotting marmots or trying out mountain scooters. Like many Swiss mountains, they are geared up for families with a playground and a restaurant at the top, so its an easy day out with the kids as well. Visit the website here to find out more.

Visit the town of Thun and Spiez

Thun, located at the west end of the Lake, furthest from Interlaken, is a lovely place for a walk and a cafe stop, with a picturesque old town making it a great spot for photos. There is a castle here, the lake side promenade and a few public play areas to chose from for the kids.

Spiez, located ated on the opposite side of the lake ( south side) is an equally quaint historic Swiss town that is definitely worth a visit, a walk around and a play in one of the small play areas dotted around for the kids. It’s also another great spot for taking beautiful pictures (although everywhere you go here is – it really is a photographers dream!)