Lake Thun with a view of the impressive Niesen.

How the Aare and Lake Thunsurpass the sea

Vacation at the Mediterranean Sea or at Lake Thun? A voyage into the South brings beautiful beaches and the sound of the sea with it. The Bernese Oberland jewel can certainly keep up: Bathing in cool waters, adventurous trips on lakes and rivers or high up on the surrounding peaks – it never gets boring in the Lake Thun region.

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The Bonstettenpark is an idyllic recreational area by the water.

Eissstockschiessen auf dem Thuner Mühleplatz.

Green «Bonstettenpark» instead of white sand

Whether for swimming, to enjoy the sun, going for a walk or watching ducks and swans – the «Bonstettenpark» attracts with shady spots and a fantastic view in summer. And it is within easy reach – only a few minutes from the train station Thun by bus. Especially popular: Barbecuing, swimming, sunbathing – repeat. Let the day pass by comfortably, enjoy life – who needs the beach anyway?

Not everybody can – nor wants to – relax all day. No worries, Lake Thun has more than enough to offer for an active person. From countless bathing beaches around the lake to sailing to a capital city trip by the rubber boat – Lake Thun offers more than enough water activities: to participate oneself or to watch in amazement.

Caution when riding the waves

There are, for example, the famous surfers at the Scherzligen and Mühleschleuse locks. Daredevils can always be seen riding the waves there. You do not need meter-high ocean waves to surf. The Aare will do. More than that - it produces a wave at the Mühleschleuse lock that has earned the nickname “The Monster”. Not only because of its impressive power but also because of its peculiarity of causing injuries and broken boards.

The Mühleplatz and the Aarequai invite you to take a stroll.

The monster – the name given to the wave

at the Mühleschleuse by its discoverers.

Hundreds of small purple and white

flowers herald the arrival of spring on the Niederhorn.

The Niesen is also considered to be the local mountain of Thun.

High up into the mountains

Those who find the water too dangerous – or simply prefer to stay dry – can cool off with a trip to the heights. It’s not for nothing that Thun is called the gateway to the Bernese Oberland: There is a suitable route for all levels of fitness and technique. Level 1: Climb the summit by cable car. You do not have to struggle up the Niederhorn or the Niesen – and you can enjoy the view from the top over a cozy coffee. Level 2: walk up, take the train down. Alternatively, you can also use a scooter, depending on availability. Level 3: up on foot, down on foot. This enables numerous possibilities which are not accessible by cable car and thus bring a good touch of adventure with them.

The cool waters at Lake Thun are refreshing on hot summer days.

The Blümlisalp, the paddle steamer built in 1906,

in front of Schadau Castle.

A little shopping mall

Speaking of restaurants: Thun not only has the fitting holiday program for water enthusiasts and people who love being active. While it is far from being a metropole, Thun still has everything that you could wish for in a city. Especially Bälliz – the shopping-island encircled by two Aare outlets – can easily keep you busy for a whole day. Numerous cafés by the water offer the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy yourself between visits to the stores.

A wide variety of bike trails around

Lake Thun invite you to explore the area.

Stroll along the two levels of the extraordinary

high pavements in the Obere Hauptgasse.