10 Attractions in Lake Thun That Make the Lake Worth a Visit

WanderInEurope is reader-supported. Affiliate links and ads help us keep creating useful content for you.

When I explored Switzerland and created my 4-day Central Switzerland itinerary, 6-day Bernese Oberland Itineraries, and 14-Day ultimate Swiss Alps itinerary, I discovered more than a dozen beautiful lakes.

There’s Lake Thun and Lake Brienz — two beautiful attractions near Interlaken; Lake Lucerne beside the beautiful city of Lucerne; Bachalpsee near Grindelwald; Riffelsee near Zermatt; Lake Oeschinen near Kandersteg; Lake Geneva, Lake Lugano, and more. Each one is beautiful — I have to say! But they’re not all equally worth it. For an experience that goes beyond just lakeside sightseeing, breathtaking scenery, and relaxing boat rides, though, Lake Thun is the way to go.

Around Lake Thun, you can find a legendary cave, a panoramic bridge, a uniquely shaped mountain, and magical castles. I even call Lake Thun ‘Switzerland’s fairy tale lake’ because there are not just two or three castles around it, but five! I think it’s Switzerland’s version of Lake Como in Northern Italy. But instead of villas, Lake Thun has castles.

Another advantage of Lake Thun over other lakes in Switzerland is its strategic location, easily accessible from big cities such as Bern. Also, it’s closer to the Jungfrau Region, which is one of Switzerland’s top destinations. If you’re staying in Bern for a couple of days or decide to spend a few days in the Jungfrau Region, Lake Thun is one of the easiest day trips you can take.

Let me show you in detail the amazing places and experiences around Lake Thun and why you must visit it on your next trip to Switzerland.

Lake Thun, one of Switzerland’s largest lakes, is nestled in the Bernese Oberland, the mountainous region of the Canton of Bern.

If you’re journeying from Switzerland’s major cities like Bern, Basel, Zurich, or Geneva, the town of Thun is your nearest destination on Lake Thun. From Bern, Thun is approximately 30 kilometers or 18.5 miles to the south. You can reach it by a 20-minute train ride or a 30-minute drive, assuming a moderate speed.

Daily scene in Lake Thun in Oberhofen, Switzerland — Daily scene in Lake Thun (Oberhofen Area)

Other large towns around Lake Thun are Spiez and Interlaken, which are located on the southwestern shores and southeastern tip of the lake, respectively. Both are accessible via train from Bern. These towns also serve as the major transportation hubs around Lake Thun. Once you reach them, you can start exploring the lake by boat, bus, and of course, train.

Boat cruising in Lake Thun, Switzerland — Boat cruising in Lake Thun

The eastern shores of Lake Thun are serviced by buses, while trains service the other side. Ferry services are available all year round, although there are fewer ferry departures during the winter season. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the public transportation in Lake Thun is free (or covered). Of course, you can also explore Lake Thun with your car. However, unless your main goal is to have an unforgettable scenic road trip, I wouldn’t recommend using a car to get around.

Scenic drives in around Lake Thun, Switzerland — Scenic drives in around Lake Thun

Before you visit Lake Thun, however, there are a few things to remember. Since Lake Thun is an outdoor attraction, the overall experience at the lake may vary per season. Some places of interest offer lesser experiences during winter. For instance, Oberhofen Castle’s museum isn’t accessible during this time.

The weather also greatly affects the overall beauty of the lake. Please lower your expectations if the forecast isn’t predicting sunny weather during your trip. Consider this photo of Oberhofen Castle during a foggy day as a visual explanation.

Oberhofen Castle in Lake Thun during a cloudy day, Switzerland — Oberhofen Castle in Lake Thun during a cloudy day

1. Thun Castle

Among the attractions around Lake Thun, Thun Castle could be the first you’ll visit. Located in Thun, this castle is easily accessible from Switzerland’s major cities. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the town’s train station. Today, it functions as a museum where you can discover new cultural and historical items.

Location of Thun Castle and Lake Thun, Switzerland — Location of Thun Castle Location of Thun Castle and Lake Thun

View of Thun Castle from Aare River, Switzerland — View of Thun Castle from Aare River

View of Bernese Oberland from the top of Thun Castle in Thun, Switzerland — View of Bernese Oberland from the top of Thun Castle

Thun Castle close up view from the courtyard in Thun, Switzerland — Thun Castle close up view from the courtyard

What makes Thun Castle a factor in why Lake Thun is an amazing place to explore is the view it offers from its tower. From there, you can see an overlooking panorama that includes Thun, Lake Thun, and the snowy peaks of the Bernese Oberland. A magical scene of Thun Stadtkirche with the snow-capped mountains in the background can be captured from the tower!

If you wish, after your visit to Thun Castle, you can explore the Old Town of Thun to see some of Thun’s picture-perfect sights. For your convenience in locating other attractions in Thun, see my map of Thun.

Read the Guide to Thun Castle

Explore Thun Old Town

Thun Picture-Perfect Viewpoints

Map of Thun (Attractions & Top Experiences)

2. Schadau Castle

Another reason why Lake Thun is a splendid destination is definitely Schadau Castle. This castle, also located in the town of Thun, sits in an English park beside the point where Lake Thun starts flowing down to the Aare River. It’s a 15-minute walk from Thun’s train station or a quick bus ride (bus #1).

Location of Schadau Castle and Lake Thun, Switzerland — Location of Schadau Castle

Facade of Schadau Castle in Thun, Switzerland — Facade of Schadau Castle

Beautiful details of Schadau Castle’s exteriors in Thun, Switzerland — Beautiful details of Schadau Castle’s exteriors

Lovely lawns and flowers in Schadau Park in Thun, Switzerland — Lovely lawns and flowers in Schadau Park

Schadau Castle seen from Lake Thun, Switzerland — Schadau Castle seen from Lake Thun

Schadau Castle's octagonal tower and beautiful interiors in Thun, Switzerland — Schadau Castle’s octagonal tower and beautiful interiors

A scenic picnic in Schadau Park in Thun, Switzerland — A scenic picnic in Schadau Park

If you love architecture, Schadau Castle is a must-see as it’s one of the most notable historical and architectural masterpieces in the Bernese Oberland. Its imposing neo-gothic exteriors and preserved 1850s interiors are a marvel you can’t miss. They are a feast for the eyes! Some notable features of its interiors are the sandstone spiral staircase at the entrance, the elegant faux marble in the eastern corridor, and the leather wall coverings in Rougemont Hall.

The scenes inside the castle will make you feel like you’re a prince or princess in your own fairytale story. However, as far as I know, only checked-in visitors can tour Schadau Castle. Nonetheless, you can still explore its scenic park where you can take in the idyllic views of the mountains of the Bernese Oberland and Lake Thun. There, you can also find the hidden gem of Thun, which is the Thun Panorama.

Discover Thun Panorama

Schadau Castle has a long history that dates back to the mid-14th century when it was merely a small manor house. Three centuries later, the von Erlach family purchased the property and transformed the Schadau manor into a mini castle, soon building a wall around it.

The mini castle and the wall survived until the Kander River was regulated to flow into Lake Thun. The additional water supply from the Kander River caused the surface level of Lake Thun to rise, submerging parts of the castle. The only remaining remnant of the castle’s fortification is the octagonal tower near the banks of the Aare River.

Fast forward to the 19th century, major rehabilitation of Schadau Castle took place when its new owners earned substantial money from Paris and the King of Prussia. The swamp surrounding the castle was transformed into a spacious English Garden. This repair resulted in a stunning “Anglo-Gallic” gothic architectural masterpiece with Renaissance elements from its original form. Some say that the fairytale flair of Schadau Castle is similar to the castles in the Loire valley and Tudor Gothic castles.

In the last decade, a lot has happened at Schadau Castle. The castle was even on the brink of demolition because it had not been used or cared for in several decades. However, the demolition campaign did not happen; instead, new renovations were made. Schadau Castle served new purposes too. It became an alcohol-free restaurant, a vegetable farm during the world wars, and a Swiss Gastronomy Museum.

Now, Schadau Castle is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful hotels. In 2021, it was awarded the title “the Historical Hotel of the Year”—a coveted title given by ICOMOS or the International Council on Monuments and Sites.

If you wish to see Schadau Castle and learn more about its architecture, you can purchase the Swiss Art Guidebook at the reception of the Hotel Restaurant Schloss Schadau for CHF 15.

You can learn more about the restaurant and other services Schadau Castle offers from their official website, linked at the end of this post.

3. Hunegg Castle

Often, I notice that the older the buildings, the more elaborate and impressive they appear. Hunegg Castle is an exception. Despite being less than 200 years old, I believe the castle remains not only one of Lake Thun’s most notable structures but in all of Bernese Oberland!

Location of Hunegg Castle and Lake Thun, Switzerland — Location of Hunegg Castle

Architecture of Hunegg Castle in Thun, Switzerland — Architecture of Hunegg Castle

Hunegg Castle’s Facade by Tiger 99 from Wikimedia Commons (beside Lake Thun, Switzerland) — Hunegg Castle’s Facade by Tiger 99 from Wikimedia Commons

Hunegg Castle’s Park by Tiger 99 from Wikimedia Commons (beside Lake Thun, Switzerland) — Hunegg Castle’s Park by Tiger 99 from Wikimedia Commons

From the outside, Schadau Castle appears more pleasing to the eye than Hunegg Castle. However, when it comes to the interiors, Hunegg Castle is unique and incomparable to other castles around Lake Thun, all thanks to the Art Nouveau style it embodies. Absolutely marvelous!

If you are on a budget and wish to enter a real castle, Hunegg Castle is a great alternative to Schadau Castle. This castle functions as a museum with permanent exhibitions.

You don’t need to book expensive accommodation just to see its rooms and halls.

Expect to be transported back to the 19th century when you step inside Hunegg Castle. Its interiors are meticulously preserved. Most people say that the ambiance inside feels as if the castle’s owner from the 19th century just left yesterday! The exhibitions’ themes mainly revolve around Renaissance Revival and Art Nouveau paintings, architectural elements, furniture, and other intriguing rarities.

Hunegg Castle also hosts special temporary exhibitions. For 2023, the castle museum is showcasing the history of shipping on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The exhibition, called the Liechti Shipping Archive, is one of the largest of its kind.

When you visit Hunegg Castle, don’t forget to step onto its balcony. It offers a stunning vantage point overlooking Lake Thun and the castle’s park—an unmissable view from the castle.

Speaking of the park, Hunegg Castle’s park is a carefully designed green oasis, boasting over 5 hectares of lush greenery and breathtaking views. The park is open year-round, allowing you to enjoy the area’s natural beauty at any time of the year. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by a stunning pergola with a central fountain and a beautiful castle café—perfect for a break and a refreshment.

Don’t forget to explore the park, where you may stumble upon a charming miniature house from 1865 and a viewing pavilion. You’ll love the scenery from the pavilion, offering panoramic views of Lake Thun, the foothills, and the Alps. The park’s original route is still maintained to this day, allowing visitors to experience the park in all its glory.

If you want to learn more about Hunegg Castle, a link to its official website can be found at the end of this post. The castle’s visiting information, as well as announcements for the latest changes to temporary exhibitions, can be found there.

4. Oberhofen Castle

Switzerland has some of the most magical scenery in the world, reminiscent of scenes from fairy tale movies and series on the big screen. One such place is Oberhofen, a small town on the northern shores of Lake Thun. Oberhofen is home to its own castle, aptly named Oberhofen Castle. It’s here that your fantasies from your favorite fantasy movies can come to life.

Oberhofen Castle’s location beside Lake Thun, Switzerland — Oberhofen Castle’s location

Oberhofen Castle in Lake Thun and its entrance in Thun, Switzerland — Oberhofen Castle in Lake Thun and its entrance

Two sides of the water tower of Oberhofen Castle seen from a boat in Lake Thun, Switzerland — Two sides of the water tower of Oberhofen Castle seen from a boat in Lake Thun

View of Lake Thun from Oberhofen Castle park in Thun, Switzerland — View of Lake Thun from Oberhofen Castle park

Tall trees and the colorful plants inside Oberhofen Castle’s Park in Thun, Switzerland — Tall trees and the colorful plants inside Oberhofen Castle’s Park

Intricate furnitures and awe-inspiring elaboration inside Oriental Smoking Room in Oberhofen Castle, Thun, Switzerland — Intricate furnitures and awe-inspiring elaboration inside Oriental Smoking Room in Oberhofen Castle

For me, Oberhofen Castle is one of the main reasons why Lake Thun is worth visiting. Oberhofen Castle is Lake Thun’s counterpart to the famous Chillon Castle near Montreux on Lake Geneva. It’s a feast for the eyes, especially its water tower, for which Oberhofen Castle is renowned. It can be photographed against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Bernese Alps.

Most importantly, this castle, dating back to the 13th century, has an iconic picture-perfect appearance, an expansive scenic park, a magnificent castle museum, and a restaurant where you can create an ultimately memorable moment to cherish for a lifetime.

Sightseeing outside the castle grounds and taking photos of its water tower is only the tip of the iceberg of the overall experience. A visit to Oberhofen Castle has two main parts:

relaxing in its vast castle park and
marveling at the extraordinary castle interiors.

Among the parts of Oberhofen Castle, the castle park has the longest time open to the public in the entire year.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, this is just the place to be. Not only does the castle park have a calming view of Lake Thun, but it also has benches where you can sit and spend time for some tranquil moments. Don’t miss the Swiss Cross plant art at the shores of Lake Thun, still in Oberhofen Castle’s park! It’s a giant flower parterre, a tradition in Oberhofen Castle since 1926.

Speaking of greenery, Oberhofen Castle’s park has trees from different parts of the world, too. You can learn about them through the educational panel boards near the remarkable trees. You’ll indeed like wandering in the park if you’re a dendrophile.

For old-world architecture enthusiasts like me, the castle museum of Oberhofen Castle is one of the most marvelous places you will see in Bernese Oberland. Oberhofen Castle museum is packed with rustic things and mesmerizing interior design. Stepping inside this castle will also send your consciousness back to late medieval times.

The most notable room in Oberhofen Castle you must really see is the Oriental Smoking Room. It is the most unique feature of Oberhofen Castle, commissioned by Count Albert de Pourtales, the Prussian Ambassador in Istanbul in the 19th century.

Inspired by eastern architecture, Oriental Smoking Room is an unusual discovery during a Lake Thun trip. The striped fabric covering the furniture, mesmerizing pattern on the ceiling, intricate woodcraft all over the room’s walls, and stained glass windows are like no other in Switzerland.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Oberhofen Castle

5. Spiez Castle

Among the castles around Lake Thun, Spiez Castle has the longest history, as early as the early medieval ages. Parts of the castle grounds, such as its chapel, date back to the 8th century. As Spiez Castle is located in Spiez, a town on the southern shores of Lake Thun, this castle lets you see a distinct scenery compared to the rest of the lake’s castles. You would like to come here to behold a different perspective of the Bernese Oberland, with vineyards surrounding you.

Location of Spiez Castle in Lake Thun, Switzerland — Location of Spiez Castle

Overlooking view of Spiez Castle and Lake Thun, Switzerland — Overlooking view of Spiez Castle and Lake Thun

View of Spiez Castle with Lake Thun in the backdrop in Spiez, Switzerland — View of Spiez Castle with Lake Thun in the backdrop

Beautiful Garden of Spiez Castle and Spiez Chapel in Spiez, Switzerland — Beautiful Garden of Spiez Castle and Spiez Chapel

Quaint and Rustic Interiors of Spiez Castle in Spiez, Switzerland — Quaint and Rustic Interiors of Spiez Castle

View of Spiez Castle's chapel and Lake Thun from the castle tower in Spiez, Switzerland — View of Spiez Castle’s chapel and Lake Thun from the castle tower

Spiez Castle makes Lake Thun worth exploring as it gives an experience that’s a blend of beautiful natural scenery and fascinating history. Interestingly, as you learn Spiez Castle’s history, you discover the different parts of the castle you can explore when you visit it.

It also offers an opportunity to witness the evolution of a castle over time. From its medieval tower to its baroque garden hall, the castle has undergone many modifications and renovations over the centuries, and so on…

So, let me narrate the brief history of Spiez Castle. Spiez Castle holds a rich history that spans centuries. Its walls—they have stood tall through wars, fires, and major renovations. The earliest written reference to the castle dates back to 762 A.D, and its oldest surviving structure, a tower, was built around 1245.

In the 15th century, the castle underwent significant renovations after a devastating fire. During this time, the middle wing and north tract of the castle were completely rebuilt, giving the castle its current volume and arrangement. This renovation was led by the Mayors von Bubenberg, who made significant changes to the castle’s structure, including the construction of the gatehouse.

Later, during the era of the lords of von Erlach, the castle underwent another round of renovations. Almost all the main areas of the castle were extended and improved. Franz Ludwig von Erlach began the renovations in 1597 and lasted until 1602, which involved the middle wing, north building, and keep. He created additional living space on the first floor, shifted the castle entrance, and constructed a three-story high oriel.

When the 19th and 20th centuries came, the castle underwent further renovations. It was transformed into a magnificent manor house with a fully hipped roof, a panorama terrace, and a large garden—the appearance of the castle we can see today.

Currently, the Spiez Castle is under the care of the Spiez Castle Foundation. They are now the people who work tirelessly to preserve the castle’s rich history and beautiful architecture.

During your visit, you can expect more experiences aside from sightseeing when visiting Spiez Castle. The castle also has a museum, an art exhibition, and a park, perfect for a lovely stroll. You can also climb the tower of the castle for the panoramic views of Lake Thun and Spiez.

I really recommend exploring the interiors of the castle (the white hall, to be particular), especially if you love old-world architecture. That room is a feast for the eye. It has intricate stuccoes, beautiful relief sculptures below the ceiling, and an elegant fireplace to make you feel like you were an aristocrat centuries ago.

Exploring the castle, you can also expect to see many traditional displays to introduce you to the local culture and history. You can get a more authentic experience by trying some fun activities like trying on medieval armor, writing with quill and ink, and more!

You can learn more about Spiez Castle (guided tours, updated visiting information, and other announcements) from their official website, linked at the end of this post.

6. Panoramabrücke Sigriswil

If you are looking for an epic vantage point of Lake Thun, you should try Sigriswil. It is a small town on the slopes of Sigriswiler Rothorn, approximately 300 meters above the surface of Lake Thun. If you are from Thun, you can get to Sigriswil with just a single thirty-minute bus ride (Bus #25). Visiting Sigriswil, you get a rewarding view of Lake Thun with unobstructed views of Mount Niesen—the pyramid mountains of Switzerland. The best views, however, are found in the town’s main tourist attraction, the Panorama Bridge.

Sigriswil location and Lake Thun, Switzerland — Sigriswil location

Sigriswil Panorama Bridge and the panoramic view from the bridge in Sigriswil, Swtizerland — Sigriswil Panorama Bridge and the panoramic view from the bridge in Sigriswil

View of the Alps from Sigriswil and its Panorama Bridge, Switzerland — View of the Alps from Sigriswil and its Panorama Bridge

Sigriswil Panorama Bridge is a 340-meter-long suspension bridge that connects Sigriswil and Aeschlen. It is a part of the famous 56-kilometer hiking trail around lake Thun, a bridge that hangs 182 meters over Gummischlucht gorge.

In my opinion, this bridge is also a reason why lake Thun is worth visiting because of the exhilarating feeling that you can have while crossing it. Not only does it have a height to thrill you to the bone, but most importantly, because of the breathtaking view you can see from the bridge.

Let’s say you are currently facing Mount Niesen and Lake Thun. If you turn around, your eyes will be blessed by the idyllic and verdant Swiss countryside dotted with chalets and barns. Look down, and you can spot the narrow gorge with rock formations continuously being carved by the Gutenbach River. And on a clear sunny day, the views to the south can reach as far as the Jungfrau massif.

If you are a fan of Korean Drama, you might like to come to Sigriswil Panorama Bridge as it is one of the filming locations of Crash Landing in You TV show. The only downside of visiting Sigriswil Panorama Bridge is that there’s a fee to cross it. It’s only 8 CHF, though. But it would be better if they just made it free.

7. Saint Beatus Caves

Another reason why lake Thun is worth visiting is because of the various experiences that this lake offers. There’s more to just a calming cruise, fairytale castles, and breathtaking viewpoints. Lake Thun also has a subterranean wonderland, and it’s called Saint Beatus Caves.

Saint Beatus Caves location and Lake Thun, Switzerland — Saint Beatus Caves location

Stalagmites, stalactites, and mirror pools inside Saint Beatus Caves, Lake Thun, Switzerland — Stalagmites, stalactites, and mirror pools inside Saint Beatus Caves

Bottom view of the waterfall outside Saint Beatus Caves in Lake Thun, Switzerland — Bottom view of the waterfall outside Saint Beatus Caves

Because of Saint Beatus Caves, your Lake Thun trip can still be worth it, even if it is raining, foggy, or snowing! Saint Beatus Caves is open all year round, and the overall experience you can have inside the cave is waterproof.

If you’ve been inside another cave and seen stalagmites, stalactites, and mirror pools before, most of what you’ll see in Saint Beatus won’t be new. Of course, it’ll not totally be the same as the other caves. In a way, Saint Beatus Caves can still be a unique experience as it’s a mix of history/culture and nature. And you’ll see it as early as the start of your trip inside Saint Beatus Caves.

The legend or history of Saint Beatus Caves will be introduced in the early parts of your excursion in the cave. Through the displays in the cave, you’ll learn about the legend of Saint Beatus, who killed the fire-breathing dragon that lived inside the cave. Overall, there are more than 20+ points of interest in Saint Beatus Caves.

Notable parts of the caves and different rock formations are also well-illuminated. You may check the screens or download Saint Beatus Guided Tour App on your smartphone to learn more about them. Then, if you are really interested in the caves, you can visit the cave museum. It has some fascinating exhibits about speleology (the exploration and study of caves).

Aside from the cave and museum, there are two more places in Saint Beatus Caves which I think you’ll also like:

the waterfalls outside the cave and
the restaurant.

Saint Beatus Caves’ waterfalls are absolutely picturesque when seen from the bottom. It reminds me of the structures in Rivendell, the home of the elves in the Lord of The Rings. And the restaurant? Both tummies and eyes will be satisfied! It has a dining area offering an overlooking view of Lake Thun.

By the way, you don’t need to worry if it’s dangerous inside Saint Beatus Caves. The pathways inside the cave are well-built and illuminated. If you want to learn more about Saint Beatus Caves, you can check its official website linked at the end of this post. The latest visiting information, FAQs, and everything that you need to know is there.

8. Niederhorn

For me, the Jungfrau Region is the ultimate destination in the Bernese Oberland. It has some of the best once-in-a-lifetime experiences and heaven-on-earth scenery that nothing can compare! However, if we talk about awe-inspiring views, we can’t deny that the scenery from the mountaintops surrounding Lake Thun is nearly as spectacular as the ones in the Jungfrau Region. That’s why exploring Lake Thun and visiting its points of interest are also worth exploring, for example, Niederhorn.

Niederhorn's location and Lake Thun, Switzerland — Niederhorn’s location

Spectacular valley below Niederhorn near Lake Thun, Switzerland — Spectacular valley below Niederhorn near Lake Thun

View of Lake Thun and Interlaken from Niederhorn, Switzerland — View of Lake Thun and Interlaken from Niederhorn

The breathtaking cliffs and valleys of Niederhorn, Switzerland — The breathtaking cliffs and valleys of Niederhorn

Niederhorn is one of the easiest-to-reach summits around Lake Thun. Visitors can quickly reach this peak from Beatenberg by cable car. On the other hand, the cable car station in Beatenberg is only a 30-minute bus ride from Interlaken (hop on bus #101 and alight at Beatenberg-Niederhorn cable car station).

On a sunny day, jaw-dropping views await you on top of Niderhorn. At the summit, you’ll have not only the overlooking views of Lake Thun. You’ll see how Switzerland’s landscape transforms from flat (Central Plateau) to breathtaking rugged peaks (Bernese Oberland) as your eyes sweep the horizon, north to south.

The most unique part of the scenery from Niederhorn is the stiff and craggy cliff/ridge that you’ll see west of the communication tower. This diagonally rising cliff has Lake Thun and Mount Niesen in the backdrop. It’s a scene to take your breath away.

If you just arrive at the Niederhorn cable car summit station, you just have to follow the trail at the ridge towards the communication tower. The trail has a wooden barrier, so it’s totally safe to hike. You should see the epic views soon after you pass the tower.

I think the ridge trail is also one of the best features of Niederhorn. I haven’t discovered any other ridge trails yet with really spectacular views as Niederhorn.

Like most mountain excursion destinations in Switzerland, Niederhorn has a number of outdoor activities you can try. From simple hiking to wildlife observation to paragliding and more. You can check the official website of Niederhorn for more information (available activities, cable car timetables, etc.) in the resources section of this post.

9. Mount Niesen

Some of the best places to visit in Switzerland have their own natural landmarks. For Zermatt, it’s Matterhorn; Jungfrau Region, it’s Lauterbrunnen Valley or the Jungfrau Massif (Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau). For Lake Thun, we have Mount Niesen.

Mount Niesen's location and Lake Thun, Switzerland — Mount Niesen’s location

Mount Niesen and its reflection on Lake Thun, Switzerland — Mount Niesen and its reflection on Lake Thun

Mount Niesen's Funicular Railway, Switzerland — Mount Niesen’s Funicular Railway

Daytime panorama of Lake Thun from Mount Niesen, Switzerland — Daytime panorama of Lake Thun from Mount Niesen

Night Time panorama of Lake Thun from Mount Niesen, Switzerland — Night Time panorama of Lake Thun from Mount Niesen

Shadow of Mount Niesen over Lake Thun, Switzerland — Shadow of Mount Niesen over Lake Thun

Mount Niesen is a 2362-meter-high mountain in the Bernese Alps, a breathtaking tourist attraction around Lake Thun. It is also one of the factors why Lake Thun is worth visiting (and for a few reasons). The first reason is that Mount Niesen has a unique shape, which it is famous for. It looks triangular when seen from Lake Thun. And because of that, people start calling it the Pyramid of Switzerland.

It’s in Mount Niesen that you can also find a world record, the longest stairway in the world—the second reason. Although the stairway is only accessible a few days a year during a stair run event, visitors can still see it when they go up to the summit of Mount Niesen through the funicular. The stairway is literally just beside the funicular railway.

Can you imagine how awesome it is to see a world record? Overall, the stairway in Mount Niesen is 11,674 steps.

Like Niederhorn, Mount Niesen is also a fantastic vantage point of Lake Thun. From the top of Mount Niesen, you can see a spectacular, unobstructed panorama view of Lake Thun and the towns around it. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

Come to the summit of Mount Niesen on a sunny afternoon (a few hours before sunset), and you can witness the real spectacle of the mountain. During that time, Mount Niesen casts a perfectly triangular shadow over Lake Thun.

Mount Niesen sounds nice to visit, right? So, where is it exactly? You can find Mount Niesen southwest of Lake Thun or directly south of the town of Spiez. It is accessed through a funicular which has a valley station in Mulenen. Hiking to the summit is an alternative. To get to Mulenen from Thun or Interlaken, you first must ride the train to Spiez. It’s where you can transfer to a train heading to Mulenen.

If you are interested in visiting Mount Niesen, you may visit its official website linked at the resources section of this post. The visiting information, funicular timetables, Niesen-stairway run, and more are on their website.

10. Harder Kulm

As you may have discovered by now, the best vantage points of Lake Thun (Niederhorn and Mount Niesen) require effort and time to reach. But, with Harder Kulm, it’s not absolutely the case! 1322 meters high at the southern tip of Lake Thun, Harder Kulm is again another beautiful vantage point of Lake Thun. It is one of the top destinations in the Jungfrau Region, featuring a viewing deck protruding from the mountain.

Harder Kulm's location and Lake Thun, Switzerland — Harder Kulm’s location

From Interlaken to Funicular Railway to Harder Kulm, Switzerland — From Interlaken to Funicular Railway to Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm's viewing deck with Lake Thun, Interlaken, Switzerland — Harder Kulm’s viewing deck with Lake Thun

Visitors to Harder Kulm’s viewing deck enjoy the awe-inspiring view overlooking the Jungfrau Region and Interlaken, sandwiched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It is a unique spectacular landscape that makes one ask, ‘How was this beauty even possible?’ Expect to get thrilled, too. Standing on the platform, it’s going to be all hollowness below you. Imagine that!

Harder Kulm is very close to Interlaken. You can reach Harder Kulm within 10 minutes from this town through the funicular that starts at the valley, a few steps from Interlaken OST.

Read: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Harder Kulm

Visit Lake Thun

If you’re looking for ideas on how to spend a day at Lake Thun, you’re in luck! WanderInEurope has a ready-made itinerary that covers the lake’s top spots, including Thun Castle, Oberhofen Castle, Spiez, and more. If you want to see Lake Thun along with other destinations in Central Switzerland or the Swiss Alps, I’ve got you covered too.

One-Day Lake Thun Itinerary

Ultimate 6-Day Bernese Oberland Itinerary

2-Week ‘The Best of Swiss Alps’ Itinerary

Planning a trip? From great hotel deals to skip-the-line tickets and affordable eSim to cheap rentals, check out the travel resources I recommend and use for a smooth and memorable trip.

Discover Deals That Take You Further

Note: Booking through my links is like giving a free donation to WanderInEurope. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps me create more helpful travel guides. Your support means a lot—thank you!

For a convenient, unique, or more enriching visit, check out these experiences and services:

Beyond Lake Thun

The adventure doesn’t end at Lake Thun. Some of Switzerland’s most incredible places are less than an hour away from its attractions. If you’re already at Harder Kulm, you can easily visit Lake Brienz, known for its unbelievably bright turquoise water. Take a boat ride and explore Iseltwald, often compared to Hallstatt near Salzburg, Austria.

Discover Lake Brienz

Explore Iseltwald

Just a 20-minute train ride from Interlaken, the valley often called “heaven on earth” is within easy reach.

Behold Lauterbrunnen

If you’re in Spiez, a direct train will take you to Kandersteg, one of the most scenic villages in the Bernese Oberland. From there, you can head to Oeschinensee, one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking lakes.

See Kandersteg

Resources

Visual Summary of Experiences and Attractions at Lake Thun

Beautiful places around Lake Thun, Switzerland — Beautiful places around Lake Thun

So, that’s all for my list of beautiful things to see in Lake Thun. Isn’t this lake amazing?? If you need to learn more about the different places mentioned in this post, you may check the websites linked below.

Did I somehow convince you to see Lake Thun and its tourist attractions? If yes, here are some of my recommended tours to different places in Lake Thun and passes that are helpful in exploring the lake:

Lake Thun Tours – Visit 3 of the top attractions around Lake Thun (Thun, Saint Beatus Caves, Panorama Bridge) plus a bonus destination: Lake Blausee.
Lake Thun Unlimited Boat Ride – See the tourist attractions around Lake Thun at your own phase.
Swiss Travel Pass – Unlimited use of public transportation (bus, trams, trains, boat). This is recommended if you are planning a week-long Switzerland trip.

10 Attractions in Lake Thun That Make the Lake Worth a Visit, Pinterest Pin

Pin this to save it for later or bookmark it to read anytime.