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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-ms stockhorn-thunersee-sommer.jpg

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

please see: www.bls.ch/en/freizeit-und-ferien/schiff/billette-und-abos

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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BLS Boat Cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

Map BLS boat cruises

A breath of “sea air”, a whiff of nostalgia – any cruise aboard one of the decorative steam or motor vessels on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz turns into a delightful experience.

The fleet of the BLS Navigation Company counts 12 vessels, two of which are paddle steamers. Whichever boat one chooses, the magnificent view remains as fascinating as ever: The legendary “big three” Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, numerous historic villages and castles, and the unique scenery of the Bernese Oberland are just a few among the many highlights of the cruises. Various themed and culinary cruises nicely round off the offer on the turquoise lakes.

  • Area:  Length of Lake Brienz 14 km, length of Lake Thun 17.5 km
  • Duration: e.g. Interlaken West–Thun 2 h 10 min
  • One-hour cruise (round trip) on Lake Brienz
  • Perfectly coordinated connections train/boat at all lake terminals (Thun, Interlaken West/Ost, Brienz); piers directly at the railway stations
  • During peak season, a historic paddle steamer operates on each lake
  • All main decks with wheelchair access (some boats with lift to upper deck)
  • Bicycle transport possible depending on available space due to occupancy rate
  • À-la-carte restaurants aboard all boats
  • Themed buffets on special culinary cruises
  • Lake Thun: year-round operation (peak season May to October with hourly departures, reduced timetable during off-peak season)
  • Lake Brienz: seasonal operation (April to October)
  • Hop-on / Hop-off at the attractions along the lakeshore possible

All connections here

Ticket This route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) / GA travelcard

There are two classes on most boats: main deck = 2nd class, upper deck = 1st class

Reservation

  • Reservation required for groups of 10 or more people (prior selection of one menu for all persons required for groups of 20 or more people in case consumption is intended)
  • For individual travellers, a table or seat reservation in the onboard restaurant can only be made with a binding commitment to consume (+41 (0)58 327 48 34))
  • On special culinary cruises, a table reservation is strongly recommended for individual passengers as well
  • Surcharge for bicycle day pass CHF 14

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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.

Sunset cruise ship on Lake Thun

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. 

Evening cruise on Lake Thun with the Bluemlisalp steamer

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. 

Scenic sunset with the bay of Spiez at Lake Thun

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. 

Castle in Oberhofen at Lake Thun

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.

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lake thun boat tour

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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

Easy saxeten canyon, master crocheting, grabenmühle - prospecting for gold - trout fishing, poisonous, medicinal and green 'dragon tea' herb garden.

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BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel

Wellness indulgence with a jump in lake thun, interlaken free walking tour, observing nature and wildlife on the niederhorn, cortina lounge bar, paradise for adventure and paragliding, merligen, bern region beatus wellness & spa hotel 5 stars.

Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

Gwatt, Bern Region Deltapark Vitalresort 4 Stars

1 Night, Price per double room

from CHF 294

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

Niesen, mülenen berghaus niesen kulm, thun, bern region schadau castle 3 stars, interlaken, bern region hotel chalet swiss 3 stars, interlaken, bern region the hey hotel 4 stars.

from CHF 244

Gunten, Bern Region Parkhotel Gunten 3 Stars

Thun, bern region the lab hotel 3 stars, thun, bern region hotel seepark thun 4 stars, current offers, carlton-europe vintage adults hotel, interlaken 3 for 2.

Price per person in the Suite valid: 24.04.2024 - 30.04.2024

Schloss Schadau Hotel - Restaurant, Thun Romance by the lakeside

Price per double room valid: 24.04.2024 - 31.05.2024

BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Merligen Wellness by the lake

Price per double room

Interlaken Hiking holidays Via Jacobi Interlaken - Romont

Price per person in double room valid: 24.04.2024 - 31.12.2024

Thun Hiking: Lake Thun Panorama Trail

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Thun, Bern Region vera calma – Café & Bar

Reccomendation of MySwitzerland

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, interlaken, bern region victoria-jungfrau grand hotel & spa: ristorante e pizzeria sapori, beatenberg, bern region gasthaus riedboden, interlaken, bern region victoria-jungfrau grand hotel & spa: restaurant la terrasse brasserie.

  • until 12 May Schwanden-Santa Monica Interlaken
  • until 30 Jun Bewahrte Schätze - Einblicke in die Keramiksammlung der Stiftung Schloss Thun Thun, 29.03. - 30.06.2025
  • From 24 May Streetfood Festival Interlaken Ost Interlaken, 24.05. - 26.05.2024
  • 25 May Usestuehle Spiez / 120 Jahre Spiezgewerbe Spiez, 25.05.2024

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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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BLS cruises on lake Thun

Your benefit with the berner oberland pass.

  • Free travel
  • on Lake Thun and free travel to every boat stop

Experience and relaxation on Lake Thun

The deep blue Lake Thun lies between the cities of Thun and Interlaken, nestled in an imposing mountain scenery.

Enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of wine on a scheduled boat of the BLS Lake Thun Navigation Compa ny, and at the same time admire the sight of historic castles and the unique panorama of the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

A boat trip is particularly suitable for discovering the diversity of the region around Lake Thun. At the eastern end of the lake lies the town of Interlaken, starting point for popular excursions to the Jungfrau region and the eastern Bernese Oberland.

Save with the Berner Oberland Pass

  • Free travel on all scheduled courses on Lake Thun incl. steamboat "Blümlisalp

With the Berner Oberland Pass, you also benefit from the Bonus Partner special price:

  • Reduced 1st class upgrade for one day at the price of CHF 12.– instead of CHF 17.–

With the Berner Oberland Pass you can travel free of charge by train and bus to every stop on Lake Thun .

Highlights on and around Lake Thun

  • Visits to the castles around Lake Thun: Thun Castle , Spiez Castle ,  Oberhofen Castle or  Hünegg Castle
  • Hike to the  Niederhorn
  • Visit  St. Beatus Caves Sundlauenen
  • Evening cruises on Lake Thun

Information

  • BLS Schifffahrt
  • Schedule Lake Thun and Brienz 2024

lake thun boat tour

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Schiffstation Thun Seestrasse 9 3600 Thun

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Impressions: bls cruises on lake thun.

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lake thun boat tour

One Day Lake Thun Itinerary Sightseeing + Visiting Castles

This post might have affiliate links. This means we could earn a small commission if you make a qualifying purchase. No additional cost to you. More info: Disclosure

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 .

9

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.

Map of Lake Thun (with public transportation) credits to bls-schiff.ch

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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Welcome to the deep blue Lake Thun

From lakeside castles to snow-capped mountains

A world of experience in the Bernese Oberland

Holidays packed with both adventure and leisure await near deep blue Lake Thun and the Diemtigtal Nature Park. Relax in a wellness hotel with stunning views, or embark on a hike overlooking the majestic mountains of the Bernese Oberland. Ride a boat across the biggest lake in the Canton of Bern and visit the castles of Lake Thun. You will find everything you could wish for around Lake Thun, from invigorating water sports activities to melodious music.

lake thun boat tour

14 Epic Things To Do In Interlaken, Switzerland

S witzerland is amazing. I know that seems simple but listen it is unreal. We have traveled a lot – full time for 8 years and it takes something special to wow us now. Well Switzerland did it, over and over again! There are so many epic things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland!! Let’s get into it.

Carson looking out at a castle from the boat on Lake Brienz

Interlaken is a great location for exploring the Bernese Alps area of Switzerland (also known as Bernese Oberland), which includes the magical town of Lauterbrunnen . When you are planning a trip to Europe you will want to add Interlaken to your list of stops.

Interlaken Overview

Interlaken is located between 2 stunning lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. And by stunning I mean water color that is so blue it looks like it was colored with dye! Plus waterfalls and mountains. I mean it is magical!

Interlaken is by the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps. Like I had mentioned we have been to some pretty epic mountains but the Swiss Alps are AMAZING. In the Jungfrau region you will find the famous 3 sisters: Eiger, Mönch and Jungrau peaks.

Story Of the Mountains

There are a variety of legends around these mountains and some will say it is actually a Father, Son and Daughter. In any case the base of the legend is that these 3 mountains were actually giants that were rude to a mountain troll. The mountain troll cursed them and that turned them into the mountains covered in ice and snow.

Whatever the real story is their grandeur and beauty is unmatchable!

The Eiger is the easternmost of the three peaks and is known for its steep north face. The peak stands at 3,970 meters (13,025 feet) and is often covered in snow and ice.

The Mönch is located in the center of the group and is slightly lower than the Eiger, standing at 4,107 meters (13,474 feet).

The Jungfrau is the highest of the three peaks, standing at 4,158 meters (13,642 feet). There is a popular train that takes visitors up to the Jungfraujoch, a saddle between the Mönch and Jungfrau peaks that is often referred to as the “Top of Europe”. More on that below!

From Interlaken you can take scenic train rides, get into all sorts of adventure sports with paragliding being a top choice. Or just spend your time taking in all of the natural beauty. There is also a

Jungfrau ski region that is pretty epic.

Getting Around

The city of Interlaken is a great base location for exploring this part of Switzerland. The trains in Switzerland are well run and were some of the nicest trains we went on during our time in Europe.

Interlaken has the Interlaken Ost Railway Station and the Interlaken West Train Station. It is a quick train ride from one to the other in Interlaken. We took the train from the Ost station to get to Lauterbrunnen.

You can easily walk around Interlaken but if you want to get out to some of the mountain towns you will have to take a train, taxi or bus and to get there plus some trams. It seems like a lot and seems confusing but once you are there it really isn’t and people are helpful at the train/tram stations to help!

We always found it was best to go to the train station to ask the workers what pass we needed or what train we should book. Ok not just train but also cable car or funicular or cogwheel train – ha! It does take some effort to get up into the mountains but it is totally worth it.

If you are coming into Switzerland from Italy we recommend taking the Bernina Express . It is the coolest train ride we have ever been on!

Things To Do In Interlaken

Here we will cover things to do in Interlaken and also things that you can do in the surrounding area. From epic boat rides to the amazing views it is time to visit Interlaken!

Lake Brienz

We had a 3 month unlimited Eurail pass. With this pass we were able to get on the Lake Brienz boat tour for free! Sweet! We made a stop at the boat dock to confirm this and to secure the time we should come back to go on the boat.

We had 2nd class Eurail passes which meant we had to sit in the 2nd glass part of the boat. It was fine. But the 1st class part was right at the front of the boat and would have been a sweet spot to sit!

We headed out on the boat and couldn’t get enough of the bright blue water of the lake!

Giessbach Waterfall

Or plan was to go to the Giessbach Waterfall . That meant we would get off the boat at the Grand Hotel Giessbach stop and take the funicular up the side of the mountain to get to the historic hotel.

From there we would walk over to do the Giessbach Waterfall trail. You don’t have to go on the trail to see the waterfall you can see it from the hotel. But if you want to walk up and over the waterfall and have epic views back down at the hotel and lake you need to walk up to the top of the waterfall.

It is about a 1.5 mile hike and you are going uphill pretty much the whole way in switch back style. It is worth it so just do it!! The views were unreal and some of the prettiest we have ever seen.

After that walk back down to the hotel and make a stop to grab a snack before either getting on the funicular to head back down to the boat dock. Or walk down from the hotel. It is pretty walk and not that hard.

It is a half mile hike and also means you don’t have to wait for the funicular.

At this point you can either wait for the boat to come or you can take the 3.5 mile walk along the lake shore to the town of Iseltwald and pick up the boat there. We opted to do the walk.

Note you have to be aware of the boat times. They only stop at certain times and they end for the day pretty early. Be aware so you know how much time you have for walking!! We were a bit stressed and did a pretty quick walk just to be sure we got to Iseltwald in time for the boat.

This was a super cute town and if we had known how cute it was we would have planned to spend more time here or even stayed overnight!

It was hard to decide between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. In the end we picked Lake Brienz because I always go for the blue water and waterfalls! But I would 100% go back to visit Lake Thun.

Funky Chocolate Club

If you love chocolate you won’t want to miss the the Funky Chocolate Club! It is a chocolate workshop and café that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and production of Swiss chocolate while also creating your own chocolate creations.

The workshop includes a guided tour of the chocolate-making process, where you can see the different stages of chocolate production and learn about the various types of chocolate. After the tour you can try your hand at making your own chocolate creations, under the guidance of a professional chocolatier.

In addition to the chocolate workshop, the Funky Chocolate Club also features a café where you can sample a variety of chocolate treats, such as truffles, pralines, and hot chocolate.

St Beatus Cave

St. Beatus Cave is a natural cave system that has been open to the public since 1904 and is named after Saint Beatus, an Irish monk who, according to legend, lived in the cave and fought a dragon that terrorized the area.

The cave system consists of a series of underground chambers and passages. You can explore the cave with the help of a guide, who will provide information about the geology, history, and legends associated with the cave.

The cave has stunning rock formations, underground waterfalls, and deep pools of crystal-clear water. There are also a variety of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years and create unique shapes and patterns.

You can also take a boat ride on an underground lake!

Lauterbrunnen

You can take the train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen. Let me just say this – do it!! Lauterbrunnen is amazing.

When you are here you can stop at one of the many restaurants and get some cheese fondue. You can also walk the trails here to see the waterfalls that are located right outside of town.

Lauterbrunnen is situated in a deep valley surrounded by towering cliffs. There are also 72 waterfalls in the area cascading down the walls.

You could spend a day in Lauterbrunnen enjoying the shops, restaurants and scenery or use it as a base to explore the mountain villages and the famous mountain top locations.

We took a tram up to the mountain village of Murren and didn’t have a plan besides walking around the village. We found a playground for the kids to play on and a cute coffee shop where we got coffee and a pastry while the kids played a giant chess game.

The views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains and the Swiss Alps all around us were gorgeous and we loved the fresh mountain air!

Grimmelwald

From Murren we walked to Grimmelwald. It was a 30 minute downhill hike to get there from Murren and it was a gorgeous walk with the mountains and paraglides all around us.

When we got to town we found that they had honesty shops all over the town where you could check out the properties products from cheese to meat and sometimes souvenir type things. You pay what they have for the prices by just leaving your money in a box (with all the other money other people have left!). We loved this concept and that people here trust people!

We got some cheese and meats and were so excited to try everything.

Mountain Hostel

Next up we came to the Montain Hostel. They served delicious pizza and drinks and we sat at a picnic table with epic views out over the mountains.

We all said the next time we come to Switzerland we are going to stay in Murren or Grimmelwald!

It takes a minute to get here and multiple trains and trams but it was worth it! You get to the top of the mountain – at the location where one of the James Bond movies was filmed. There is a museum and experience there all about the movie and how it was filmed there.

There is also a restaurant that rotates. So you can sit and eat while the restaurant slowly rotates around and gives you all the epic views with the floor to ceiling windows. The kids said it was one of the coolest things we had ever done!

There is also a lookout platform where you can walk out to take in the mountain views and to walk the skiers going down the hill.

On the tram on the way to the top you can stop at Birg to get out and do the Thrill Walk! This is a walk that takes you around the mountain on a walkway and some other fun things like a tunnel to crawl through and a tight rope walk.

It was an amazing experience and we loved every minute of it. Take note that we did need to make reservations for eating – and almost missed it! So be sure to book early. You also need tickets to get up here so make sure you do all of your research so know when you need to book everything.

Jungraubahn Train

Take a train ride on the highest railway to the highest train station in Europe. You will have epic views on your way up but will also go through a tunnel for part of it where it will be dark. The ride is long from the bottom to the top. For this reason we opted to do the Schilthorn instead.

Ideally I would have liked to do both! So we could compare them. Once you reach the top there is a snack bar and a variety of activities if the Snow Fun Park is open. There are also a variety of hiking options when you are at the top.

Tummelbach Falls

You can walk here from Lauterbrunnen and we recommend that since it is a gorgeous walk in the valley. Once you get to Tummelbach you will take an elevator up to platform 6 and walk a few more platforms up before turing around and making the walk back down. Following the roaring falls through the mountain!

Walk Around Interlaken

Another option is to walk around the town of Interlaken. When we were there in April there were gorgeous flowers all over the place. There are also nice shops and restaurants all over town. Plus the epic mountain views!! You can also walk along the Aare River.

Harder Kulm

If you are into epic views you will want to make it up to Harder Klum. You can get there quickly on a funicular ride or take a hike to reach the top.

Where To Stay

This is where we stayed . It was a very budget friendly option and was right by the West train station. It worked out well for us since we weren’t in our room much at all! Bring by the Ost train station would have been a bit more convenient. But given the cost of the rooms we made it work!

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21 Best Things To Do In Prague With Kids

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The post 14 Epic Things To Do In Interlaken, Switzerland appeared first on Crazy Family Adventure .

Switzerland is amazing. I know that seems simple but listen it is unreal. We have traveled a lot – full time for 8 years and it takes something special to wow us now. Well Switzerland did it, over and over again! There are so many epic things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland!! Let’s get into ... Read more

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  1. Boat trips on Lake Thun

    Min. time required: 2:00 Season: all year Recommended season: mid April to mid October Max. altitude: 566 m (1857 ft) Lake Thun boats: quick introduction Lake Thun ("Thunersee" in German) is a large lake in the Bernese Oberland. It's between the towns Thun and Interlaken. You can cross the entire lake, or part of it, by boat.

  2. Cruises on Lake Thun

    Book now The joys of spring and the magic of autumn on the water Thunersee Experience a boat trip on Lake Thun, whatever the season. Scheduled services start with the coming of spring at the beginning of April, with several boats continuing to offer daily services on the deep-blue lake until November.

  3. Welcome on board

    Enjoy a boat trip with an ocean feeling on the deep blue Lake Thun or marvel at the impressive mountain ranges on a boat trip on the turquoise Lake Brienz. From Interlaken West you can reach Interlaken East in 5 minutes by train or in around 30 minutes walking distance. Frequently asked questions Are the boats wheelchair-accessible?

  4. Timetable

    About Lake Brienz; About Lake Thun; Discover offers; Gastronomy. Boat catering Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Table reservation; Who we are; Gastronomy offer. Menu; Banquet offer; Lake Brienz Water; Boat charter. Our boats. Lake Thun; Lake Brienz; Your event. Consulting request; Ready-made packages; Fares boat charter. Price calculator; Price list ...

  5. BLS cruises on Lake Thun

    Let your mind run free as you cruise the deep-blues of Lake Thun by boat. An excursion on the lake gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy unforgettable experiences. Glide quietly over the waves on a boat and admire the passing natural landscape. On the way, the captain repeatedly heads for the jetties of picturesque villages.

  6. Boat schedule

    Fajita Cruise «Viva Mexico» on Lake Thun! Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening as you spend a few hours exploring a whole new culinary world - into the world of Mexico with nachos, guacamole and fajitas.

  7. Cruise on Lake Thun

    When sailing on the biggest Bernese lake, Lake Thun, enjoy the beautiful Alpine panorama comfortably from the water. From Spiez you have perfect connections direction Thun andInterlaken. Everyday there are numerous scheduled boats which connect lakeside communes and the popular tourist attractions.

  8. BLS cruises on Lake Thun

    Let your mind run free as you cruise the deep-blues of Lake Thun by boat. An excursion on the lake gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy unforgettable experiences. Glide quietly over the waves on a boat and admire the passing natural landscape. On the way, the captain repeatedly heads for the jetties of picturesque villages.

  9. Lake Thun boat trip

    A boat trip on Lake Thun is a fabulous way to discover the many excursion destinations around the lake. The region around Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland offers numerous interesting excursion options that you can easily reach by boat. Below you will find our favourites. With some of them you can benefit from discounted combined tickets.

  10. BLS Boat Cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

    Tickets & Reservation Area: Length of Lake Brienz 14 km, length of Lake Thun 17.5 km Duration: e.g. Interlaken West-Thun 2 h 10 min Specials: One-hour cruise (round trip) on Lake Brienz Perfectly coordinated connections train/boat at all lake terminals (Thun, Interlaken West/Ost, Brienz); piers directly at the railway stations

  11. Cruise on Lake Thun

    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.

  12. Lake Thun

    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 ...

  13. BLS cruises on lake Thun

    A boat trip is particularly suitable for discovering the diversity of the region around Lake Thun. At the eastern end of the lake lies the town of Interlaken, starting point for popular excursions to the Jungfrau region and the eastern Bernese Oberland. Save with the Berner Oberland Pass

  14. Lake Thun, Spiez

    The tour culminates with a visit to the enchanting Blausee (Blue Lake) before a leisurely one-hour boat cruise on the picturesque Lake Thun. Limited to six people, this exclusive tour promises an immersive and personalized experience through the wonders of the Swiss landscape.

  15. Cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

    Embark on a boat trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz and enjoy wonderful views of impressive mountains, historic castles and romantic lakeside towns. Please note that this offer is currently unavailable. You will find more information here as soon as the offer is available again. Combine the journey with excellent on-board dining.

  16. Tickets

    Railway line Interlaken West - Interlaken Ost: The railway line between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost is included in the price of the Day Tickets for Lakes Thun and Brienz.; Children's 1-day ticket: Children aged 6 to 15 years can take advantage of a special one-day travel pass.The section between Interlaken West and Interlaken East is included in the price.

  17. Winter cruises on Lake Thun

    Description Info Nearby Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and the majestic mountain panorama In winter there is a daily boat service on Lake Thun between Thun and Interlaken West. Fall under the spell of the imposing landscapes that surround you on your trip on the winter boat.

  18. One Day Lake Thun Itinerary Sightseeing + Visiting Castles

    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. Afternoon in Lake Thun. 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.

  19. Lake Thun

    Current offer: Spring special at Lake Thun. Explore incredible hiking trails around the Niesen, Niederhorn and Stockhorn mountains or embark on a voyage of discovery to the impressive St. Beatus caves. Enjoy a leisurely boat trip on Lake Thun and experience total relaxation while gazing at breathtaking mountain peaks.

  20. Boat Tour Interlaken

    Boat Tour Interlaken - Luxury Private Boat Rides for up to 12 passengers. Boat tours, food services and water sports. ... Lake Thun was an absolutely incredible experience, quite possibly the best one I've ever had! Chris proved to be exceptionally helpful and extremely knowledgeable about the lake. He effortlessly guided us through its hidden ...

  21. Lake Cruise

    Lake Cruise. You can find all relevant information about lake cruises on Lakes Thun and Brienz here. Welcome on board! ... Here you can find out everything about our boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Learn more. Good to know. Here you will find practical information about lake cruises on Lakes Thun and Brienz. Learn more. Contact & Help

  22. Sunset Cruise Lake Thun

    Sunset Cruise Lake Thun. On a warm summer's evening, what could be finer than sailing off to view the spectacular sunset over the lake? ... In spring, summer and autumn, all tickets and combination tickets are available on our boats and at the stations in Thun, Spiez, Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost as well as Brienz. During the winter ...

  23. 14 Epic Things To Do In Interlaken, Switzerland

    It was hard to decide between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. In the end we picked Lake Brienz because I always go for the blue water and waterfalls! But I would 100% go back to visit Lake Thun.

  24. Fares

    Fares. 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.

  25. PDF Horaire Lac de Thoune et Lac de Brienz Timetable Lake Thun and Lake Brienz

    During the lowering of the lake from 3 January to 28 March 2024, BLS boat day tickets will be valid on the Thun - Hilterfingen and Neuhaus- Interlaken West sections bus route. ... Breakfast Cruise Sundays: Lake Thun Brunch. Thunersee Winter | Lac de Thoune Hiver | Lake Thun Winter 11.11. - 14.12.2024 Kurs | Course | Cruise 109/110