Lake Thun
Thunersee
A long lake west of Interlaken, with the castles of Spiez, Oberhofen and Thun along its shores, set against the pyramid-shaped Niesen. It is good for boat-hopping.
Lake Thun lies west of Interlaken. It is about 17.5 km long and is the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland. The lake is wide, with the pyramid-shaped Niesen rising behind the south shore, and vineyards and lakeside villas stretching along the north shore. BLS lake steamers depart from the Interlaken West pier and call at Spiez, Oberhofen and Thun. The trip takes about 2 hours and is free with the Swiss Travel Pass. In summer, the vintage paddle steamer Blümlisalp also runs. Recommended itinerary: see the lakeside castle and vineyards at Spiez, visit the fairy-tale castle at Oberhofen, then explore the old town of Thun. Take the train back to Interlaken, about 30 minutes.
Opening hours
Boats approx. Apr–Oct, multiple daily sailings; fewer in winter
Nearby sights
- Spiez Castle
- Niederhorn
- St. Beatus Caves
- Oberhofen Castle
- Niesen
- Thun Castle & Old Town
- Harder Kulm
- Interlaken Town & Höheweg