Among the numerous European reservoirs, Lake Thun, Switzerland, occupies a special place. This unique area with spectacular natural landscapes, castles and Alpine peaks can pleasantly surprise the traveler who finds himself here. After visiting the surroundings of the reservoir, you can not only enjoy impressive panoramas, but also plunge into the Middle Ages and even visit a real palace. And combine all these activities with a variety of cruise tours offered on Lake Thun.
General information about the city of Thun
The city of Thun is located in the north-west of the Federal Republic of Switzerland, part of the canton of Bern and is located 28 km from the capital. Surrounded by the waters of the lake of the same name, the city offers unique views of the Alpine mountains Nizen (2362 meters) and Stockhorn (2190 meters). Tun is spread out on both banks of the Aare River, which flows into Lake Tun. The small town of 21.57 square kilometers is located at an altitude of 552 meters above sea level. Its small population is just over 42 thousand inhabitants.
Thun is quite an ancient city: after all, the first settlements on its territory appeared in 2500 BC. e. And in the 12th century, on one of the hills, the Duke of Zehringen built a small but majestic castle, which today has become a symbol of Thun. The city has a strategic location: during the Second World War, the surrounding mountains became a safe haven for many Swiss residents. Today, it is a popular tourist area of the country, combining medieval motifs with notes of modernity.
City of Thun attractions
Although Thun in Switzerland is quite a miniature city, on its territory there are many attractions that are worth visiting for all tourists who find themselves here. In order to get around all the notable corners of the area, you will need no more than 3 hours. So what can you see in this city?
Old Town of Thun
Walking through the cobbled streets of old Thun, the traveler will be interested in an unusual combination of elegant historical houses and numerous shops selling goods to suit all tastes. And in order to fully experience the local atmosphere, a tourist can always visit a special excursion, in which he will be introduced to the owners of shops who are ready to tell everyone about the secrets of life in this city.
Be sure to take a walk through the old Obere Hauptgasse, decorated with colorful flags and flower pots. The unique difference between Obere Hauptgasse and others is its architectural solution: this is a two-tiered street, where the roofs of buildings on the first floor serve as a pedestrian zone for the second tier, which is very original. A visit to the surrounding restaurant with traditional national dishes will only add to your overall impression of Swiss flavor.
City Church of Thun
The city of Tun preserves the most valuable historical monuments, along with which religious buildings are also represented. Among the inhabitants of Thun, 61% are Protestants, and 14% are Catholics, so the main city church is reformed. Built in the early 14th century, the temple has repeatedly changed both its internal and external appearance. Initially, the decoration of the building included numerous frescoes and murals, but in the middle of the 18th century it was thoroughly renovated, and the church acquired a completely different look.
Today, the main motif of the interior decoration was the late Baroque, complemented by stucco decorations. In general, the interior of the church is made in a strict style, which is typical of all reformed churches. The tower of the structure is visible from almost all corners of the city, so it is not difficult to find the object. When visiting this landmark, do not forget to take a look at the old city gate Burgtor, which is located just behind the church building.
Thun Castle
Built in 1190, Thun Castle has become a true embodiment of the fairy tale in real life. Today, its building houses the historical museum, which displays exhibits from the period of ancient Times and the Middle Ages. In one of the towers of the castle there is a Knight’s Hall of impressive size, where you can see a collection of halberds and other weapons. In other rooms, visitors can explore archaeological artefacts, antique furniture and children’s doll houses that exactly copy the dwellings of the medieval period.
The city of Thun was once the center of ceramic production in Switzerland, and today this fact is confirmed in the numerous painted vessels presented in the exhibition of the castle. It is noteworthy that the territory of the object itself is very landscaped: there are small open terraces, gardens and squares, as well as cafes. And in the courtyard of the palace itself, you can look at an ancient well, the depth of which is more than 31 meters.
Many tourists who have visited here note that the towers of the building offer spectacular views of the Alpine Mountains, the Old Town and Lake Thun.
- The attraction has a special mode of operation: so, from April to October it is open from 10: 00 to 17: 00, in other months you can visit it only from 13: 00 to 16: 00, while from November to January the castle is open only on Sundays.
- An entrance ticket for an adult costs 10 ₣, for students-8 ₣, for children from 6 to 16 years old-3 ₣. You can also purchase a family card (2 adults + 2 children) that costs 20 rubles.
- Website: https://schlossthun.ch/.
Schadau Castle and Park
Located on the picturesque shores of the lake, Schadau Park is notable for its castle, which was built in the late 19th century for the banker Denis de Rougemain. The building is decorated in the neo-Gothic style and previously housed the exposition of the Gastronomic Museum of Switzerland. And on the well-groomed territory of the park, not far from the building, you will find a small museum of wicker things.
Currently, weddings and other special events are held here. You can always take a walk around the site of the attraction and admire the structure from the outside. There is also a hotel and restaurant located within its limits.
General information about Tunsky Lake
Thun offers views of green meadows, forests and endless Alpine peaks, including the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It was in this landscape that, in 1835, steamboats became the first means of public transport to take visitors across Lake Thun to Interlaken. To this day, one steamer, the Blumlysalp, rumbles and sails through the clear blue waters of Lake Thun. During the leisurely two-hour drive from Thun to Interlaken, you can enjoy fine dining while admiring the view of the castles on the shore and the mountains beyond. Since Lake Thun does not freeze in winter, BLS winter cruises continue to operate daily flights from Thun to Interlaken and back.
Every year in August, Spitz Bay, which has a reputation as the most beautiful bay in Europe, hosts a two-day musical extravaganza on Lake Thun-the seaside festival. Another major music event, Thunerseespiele, takes place in the Guatt area of Thun in the summer.
Some informative facts about the reservoir:
- Its area is just over 48 square kilometers.
- The length of the Swiss lake is 17.5 km, and its maximum width reaches 3.5 km.
- It is one of the deepest in Switzerland, due to its location in a glacial lowland. So, in the deepest part of the lake — 217 m to the bottom.
- On the shore of the lake there are 4 castles — Thun, Schadau, Oberhofen and Schloss Spitz.
- The lake is home to many fish species, including pike, perch, burbot, eel, trout, and carp.
Although the waters of Thun remain cold for most of the year, in summer they warm up to 20.8 °C, which makes it possible to take a dip in the reservoir. And for those who do not find this water temperature very comfortable, there are special paid swimming pools with views of the picturesque surroundings.
Attractions of Tunsky Lake
Lake Thun in Switzerland is famous not only for its natural landscapes, but also for a considerable number of attractions. In addition to the city of Thun, which we reviewed above, you can also admire other notable corners. Among them you will find both mountains and castles, as well as ski resorts. What sites are worth visiting in the area of the reservoir?
City of Spitz
Located in the bay of the lake, the small town of Spitz is famous for its medieval castle. Surrounded by vineyards and a miniature park, the palace is set against a backdrop of mountains, a lake,and vibrant vegetation. Adjacent to the building is a small Romanesque church dating back to the 10th century. The largest tower of the structure with a height of 39 meters is also the oldest part of the building, dating back to the 13th century.
In the so-called “Old Castle” there is a Castle Museum that explains the history of this place and its owners. The next parts of the Castle Museum are art exhibitions, as well as the Castle Tower with a 360 ° panoramic view, which can be reached by stairs. Guests can sit outside in the castle courtyard. The Spiez winery used the castle’s cellar to produce wine from the vines surrounding the landmark.
What else is available on the territory:
- New castle. Civil weddings and other celebrations are held here.
- Castle church. It hosts many different social events, such as church services, concerts, lectures, and presentations.
- Greenhouse.
- Castle Park.
- The baroque herb garden, rose garden and other areas of the palace complex with fountains and flower beds are open to the public all year round.
The residential building “Le Roselier” with frescoes by Victor Surbek, the former rectory overlooking the lake and the defensive tower overlooking the bay are privately rented. - Boat port on Lake Thun and castle moat.
Practical information:
- The attraction (museum) is open on Mondays from 14 to 17, from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 17, in July and August – until 18.
- The entrance fee for an adult is 10₣, for children from 6 to 16 years-2 ₣, up to 5 years-free of charge.
- Website: www.schloss-spiez.ch.
Interlaken
Interlaken is one of the most famous resorts in Switzerland, often referred to as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The city is located at the foot of the famous Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger peaks, whose slopes have long been favored by skiers and rock climbers. Interlaken is rich in cultural attractions, including the Park of World Secrets, the Museum of Tourism and the Museum of Rural Life.
Oberhofen Castle
The hallmark of the city of Oberhofen am Thunersee is an old castle located on the right bank of Lake Thun. Within the walls of the building there is a museum, which contains a unique collection of paintings from different eras, an exhibition of antique furniture from the 16th to 19th centuries, an exhibition of various types of weapons, as well as a medieval art gallery. On the fourth floor of the castle, you can look into the Turkish smoking room, built by Count Portuale after a trip to Constantinople. It is located at the top of the tower, where you will get a pleasant experience thanks to the breathtaking view of the lake and mountains.
On the territory of the attraction there is a chapel dating from the fifteenth century with its impressive frescoes. The Oberhofen Castle Park is one of the most beautiful gardens in the Alpine region.
- The attraction is open to the public from 11:00 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday (Monday is a day off).
- The price of admission to the museum for an adult is 10 rubles, for children from 6 to 16 years-2 rubles, up to 6 years-free of charge. There is no charge for entering the park.
- Official website: www.schlossoberhofen.ch.
Chillon Castle is the most visited castle in all of Switzerland
Cruises
There are year-round boats on Lake Tun, many of which offer tourists to go on a cruise. Cruise programs often differ in their subject matter: it can be a gastronomic tour with a chic lunch on board, or a Christmas trip,or a trip with fondue.
The price of the tour also depends on the chosen tour.: For example, a Christmas trip will cost 13 ₣ per adult, while a fondue program will cost 80 ₣. Such a cruise is a great way to enjoy the picturesque surroundings and discover the most important sights of Lake Thun, Switzerland.
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