Lake Thun Region
Intro
At the northern rim of the Alps, in the midst of the Bernese Oberland, Lake Thun is surrounded by a fabulous mountain scenery, a myriad of cozy villages, and the charming cities of Thun and Interlaken.
Description
The small town of Thun at the western end of the lake with the same name is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. It boasts a medieval Old Town, a mighty castle and an attractive pedestrian zone. One of the best-known towns in the Bernese Oberland is Interlaken, at the foot of the Jungfrau Region. The town at the upper end of Lake Thun is an ideal starting point for excursions to the Bernese Oberland.
Lake boats sail Lake Thun all year round. In summer a magnificently restored historic paddle steamer plies the lake. On the sunny southern slopes between Thun und Merligen subtropical vegetation flourishes that has given the region the name the “Riviera of Lake Thun”. On the opposite side of the lake, in the Bay of Spiez, which is presided over by a beautiful castle, you will find small vineyards. Not to be missed are the twelve one-thousand-year-old Romanesque churches that dot the coastline, for example in Einigen.
Winter
When snow conditions permit, the winter resorts around the lake, Aeschi, Goldiwil/Heiligenschwendi, Schwanden/Sigriswil, Heimenschwand, Innereriz, and Beatenberg/Niederhorn offer excellent and family-friendly ski and snowboard runs. The great skiing areas in the Jungfrau Region are easily reached from Interlaken. From Spiez the snowfields of Simmental, Gstaad/Saanenland, and Adelboden are easily accessible.
Summer
Niesen (2362m), Stockhorn (2190m), and Niederhorn (1950m) are the well-known panoramic mountains around Lake Thun. They are reached by cable cars and are starting points of beautiful hiking trails, challenging bicycle tours and paragliding adventures.
Lidos and bathing spots all around the lake invite you to take a dip and cool off. Sailors and surfers appreciate the constant breeze. Popular paths along the lakeshore lead from Thun to Hünibach or from Spiez to Faulensee. On the north shore of the lake is the St. Jacob’s Trail that once upon a time brought pilgrims from all over Europe to the Spanish town of Santiago de Compostela. The St. Jacob’s Trail also leads to the St. Beatus Cave. The imposing limestone caves fascinated with their enormous stalactite formations. According to a 6th-century legend, St. Beatus lives at the entrance to the cave.
Lidos and bathing spots all around the lake invite you to take a dip and cool off. Sailors and surfers appreciate the constant breeze. Popular paths along the lakeshore lead from Thun to Hünibach or from Spiez to Faulensee. On the north shore of the lake is the St. Jacob’s Trail that once upon a time brought pilgrims from all over Europe to the Spanish town of Santiago de Compostela. The St. Jacob’s Trail also leads to the St. Beatus Cave. The imposing limestone caves fascinated with their enormous stalactite formations. According to a 6th-century legend, St. Beatus lives at the entrance to the cave.
