Thun is a charming lakeside town where calm streets, mountain views, and gentle waterfront paths create an easygoing atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying, discovering pretty corners, quiet parks, and scenic spots that make the whole city feel like a peaceful Swiss postcard.
Why Thun Is Worth Visiting
- A peaceful lakeside setting that feels instantly calming.
- Stunning views of the Alps without the crowds of Interlaken.
- A charming Old Town full of bridges, riverwalks, and postcard corners.
- Thun Castle, offering panoramic views over the lake and mountains.
- Easy access to scenic boat rides on Lake Thun.
- Quiet parks and lakeside promenades perfect for slow travel.
- Local cafés with relaxed vibes and great views.
- Beautiful walking paths along the Aare River.
- A perfect mix of nature, history, and small-town charm.
Top Calm and Scenic Spots in Thun
1. Thun Old Town (Altstadt)
Thun’s Old Town, or Altstadt, is a charming historical area full of cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and medieval architecture. Key highlights include:
Schadau Park and Castle – 19th-century castle surrounded by scenic gardens and the Aare River, perfect for strolling and photography.
Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) – Iconic 16th-century building with a beautiful painted facade and a historic marketplace in front.
Hüsi Church – Dating back to the 14th century, known for its gothic architecture and serene interior.
Aare River Promenade – Scenic riverside walk with bridges, cafes, and historical landmarks.
Kunstmuseum Thun – Modern and classic art exhibitions in a historic building near the town center.
Schlossberg – Hilltop area providing historic towers, fortifications, and panoramic views of Thun.
Local Markets – Weekly markets selling fresh produce, Swiss cheese, and traditional crafts.
Historic Fountains – Colorful 16th-century fountains scattered throughout the Altstadt.
City Gates – Remnants of medieval gates like the Bern Gate, offering a glimpse into Thun’s past.
2. Thun Castle (Schloss Thun)
Built around 1190 by the Dukes of Zähringen, the castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Switzerland and dominates the city skyline with its bright white tower.
The Great Hall, dating from the late 12th century, is considered one of the most important Romanesque ceremonial halls in Europe; it still features original stone walls and impressive wooden ceilings.
The Castle Museum explores centuries of regional history, including medieval weapons, armor, Bernese rule after 1384, and objects from everyday life in the Middle Ages.
Four corner towers offer narrow lookout openings once used for defense; today they provide panoramic views of Lake Thun, the Bernese Alps, and the Old Town rooftops.
Steep wooden staircases inside the tower allow visitors to experience the original medieval architecture—nothing is modernized, keeping the authentic atmosphere intact.
Historical exhibits include 13th-century helmets, 15th-century swords, and rare artifacts discovered during archaeological work on the Schlossberg hill.
The castle courtyard reveals the original defensive structure, with informational signs explaining how the building expanded during the 15th and 19th centuries.
Pathways around the castle hill connect directly to Thun’s Old Town, offering one of the most scenic walking routes in the city.
3. Aare River Walk
The Aare River Walk runs through the heart of Thun, following bright turquoise waters that flow directly from the Alps, creating one of the most scenic and peaceful walking routes in the region.
Historic wooden bridges cross the river at several points, including the iconic Mühleschleuse, a 1723 water control structure famous today for its standing wave where local surfers ride year-round.
Riverside terraces and cafés line both sides of the promenade, offering quiet spots to enjoy coffee or pastries while watching the water rush past.
Tree-shaded pathways make this walk ideal in summer, providing cool airflow from the river and plenty of benches for relaxing or taking photos.
Views of Thun Castle appear frequently along the route, with the castle tower rising dramatically above the colorful Old Town.
Small docks and access points allow visitors to dip their feet in the water during warm months, while clearly marked swimming areas make it popular with locals.
Art installations and informational signs provide insight into Thun’s river culture, engineering history, and wildlife commonly found along the Aare.
Connections to other trails lead walkers toward Schadau Park, the Lake Thun promenade, and several quiet residential areas, making it easy to extend the walk into a full scenic loop.
4. Schadau Park & Schadau Castle
Schadau Park is one of Thun’s most peaceful green spaces, stretching along the lakeshore with wide lawns, old trees, and perfect picnic spots overlooking the Bernese Alps.
Schadau Castle (Schloss Schadau) was built between 1846 and 1854 in a neo-Gothic style, inspired by English country manors. Its pastel façade, ornate windows, and delicate stonework make it one of the most photographed buildings in Thun.
The lakeside terrace in front of the castle offers uninterrupted views of Lake Thun, especially stunning at sunset when the water turns gold and the mountains glow.
The park’s historic trees, including 19th-century cedars and giant sequoias, were planted during the castle’s original landscaping to give the estate an aristocratic look.
Walking paths circle around the gardens, passing flowerbeds, small ponds, and quiet benches—ideal for slow strolls or reading outdoors.
Restaurant Schloss Schadau, located inside the castle, serves Swiss and European dishes in an elegant interior featuring restored murals and high ceilings from the 1850s.
The Thun Panorama (Wocher Panorama), located at the edge of the park, is the world’s oldest surviving circular painting (painted 1809–1814). It shows daily life in early 19th-century Thun with incredible detail.
Direct access to the lake allows visitors to take boat rides, rent paddleboards in summer, or simply sit at the water’s edge and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
5. Lake Thun Promenade
The Lake Thun Promenade stretches from Thun toward Hünibach, offering one of the most beautiful lakeside walks in Switzerland, with uninterrupted views of turquoise water and snow-capped Alpine peaks.
Wide, well-maintained paths make it perfect for all visitors, including families, cyclists, and slow-paced walkers who want a relaxing, scenic route.
Wooden piers and small docks appear along the promenade, giving access to the lake for swimming in summer or simply dipping your feet in the cool, crystal-clear water.
Shaded resting areas under tall chestnut and lime trees offer comfortable breaks on hot days, with benches placed right at the water’s edge for maximum views.
Clear views of the Niederhorn and Niesen mountains accompany walkers the entire way, making the route especially photogenic during sunrise and sunset.
Boat stations, such as Thun Schiffstation and Hünibach, allow visitors to hop on a scenic ferry ride—perfect for exploring lakeside villages like Spiez, Oberhofen, or Beatenbucht.
Cafés and outdoor terraces line parts of the promenade, serving ice cream, light snacks, and drinks with panoramic lake views.
Designated swimming zones, including grassy lakeside areas, make it popular with locals who come for evening swims and picnics.
Information boards along the route explain the lake’s depth, glacial origins, local fish species, and historical use of ferries dating back to the 10th century.
Connections to hiking trails lead to Oberhofen Castle, Hilterfingen viewpoints, and quiet residential neighborhoods ideal for peaceful walks.
6. Panorama Trail Thun – Hilterfingen
The Panorama Trail between Thun and Hilterfingen is one of the area’s most relaxing scenic walks, following gentle hills above the lake and offering wide views over Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps.
Well-marked gravel paths make it accessible for beginners, families, and casual hikers, with only mild inclines and plenty of shaded stretches.
Consistent lake views accompany the route, especially near the upper terraces of Hünibach and Hilterfingen, where the water appears deep turquoise on sunny days.
Benches placed at lookout points allow walkers to rest while admiring the Niesen, Niederhorn, and the pyramid-shaped Stockhorn massif.
Small vineyards and traditional Swiss farmhouses line parts of the trail, giving a glimpse into local rural life and offering picturesque backdrops for photography.
Clear signposts guide visitors toward several side routes, including paths that lead down to the lakeshore or up toward forested viewpoints above Hilterfingen.
Wildflower meadows bloom along the trail in spring and early summer, attracting butterflies and adding color to the already scenic views.
Quiet residential lanes in Hilterfingen connect the end of the trail to cafés, lakeside terraces, and boat docks, making it easy to continue exploring.
Easy public transport access allows hikers to start in Thun and return by bus or boat, creating a relaxed, flexible half-day outing.
Hidden Gems Loved by Locals
Wocher Panorama (1809–1814) – The world’s oldest surviving circular painting, tucked inside a modest rotunda in Schadau Park. Created by Marquard Wocher, it shows everyday life in Thun more than 200 years ago, with tiny scenes like market stalls, river swimmers, and churchgoers. Most visitors walk past without realizing how historically important it is.
Bonstetten Park – A wide, lakeside green space just outside Thun, quietly loved by residents. It’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnics under giant chestnut trees. On clear evenings, locals gather here to watch the sun set behind the Niederhorn, painting the lake gold and pink.
Sunnbüel Viewpoint (Hünibach) – A peaceful hilltop lookout above the residential streets of Hünibach. It offers one of the best “secret” views of Lake Thun and the Alps, without the crowds you find on the main promenades. Locals come here for morning walks, reading sessions, or quiet photography.
Kulturhof Schadau – A hidden cultural courtyard behind Schadau Castle where small concerts, wine tastings, and community events take place. The atmosphere is informal and creative, and many travelers never realize it exists because it’s tucked behind a row of trees.
Amsoldingen Church (11th century) – A Romanesque village church just a short bus ride from Thun, surrounded by fields and traditional farmhouses. Its thick stone walls, ancient fresco fragments, and peaceful graveyard make it a favorite among locals who appreciate quiet historical spots.
Gwattlischenmoos Nature Reserve – A protected wetland area south of Thun, loved by birdwatchers and nature walkers. Wooden boardwalks lead through reeds and quiet ponds, with regular sightings of herons, grebes, and rare migratory birds.
Obere Hauptgasse Raised Sidewalks – While technically in the Old Town, the raised medieval sidewalks often go unnoticed by tourists. Locals appreciate them for their quirky charm, tucked-away cafés, and artisan shops hidden on the upper level above the street.
Relaxing Activities in and Around Thun
Lake Thun Promenade Walk – Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade from Thun to Oberhofen. Stop at benches near the Schadau Park pier for views of swans and the Alps. Best visited in the morning for calm water reflections.
Picnic at Schadau Park – Spread a blanket under the chestnut trees near Schadau Castle, built in 1808. Enjoy local Swiss cheese, fresh bread from Bäckerei Hug, and watch rowboats on the Aare River.
Coffee at Café du Lac – Located at Seestrasse 46, this café offers Swiss pastries like Nidelkuchen and lake views. Ideal for mid-morning relaxation or afternoon tea.
Boat Cruise on Lake Thun – Operated by BLS Schiffahrt, cruises last 1–2 hours, visiting villages like Spiez and Faulensee, offering panoramic views and fresh lake air.
Panorama Spa Thun – Situated in Haltenstrasse 20, enjoy saunas, steam baths, and lake-facing relaxation terraces. Open year-round, perfect on rainy or cold days.
Cycling Along the Aare River – Gentle 10 km trails from Thun to Gwatt through meadows and forests. Bike rentals available at Veloplus Thun.
Sunset Views from Hünegg Hill – Short 20-minute hike with views over Thun, Lake Thun, and the Bernese Alps. Perfect for photography between May and September.
Food and Coffee: Where to Eat in Peace
Café du Lac – Located at Seestrasse 46, this lakeside café offers Swiss pastries such as Nidelkuchen and fresh coffee with views of Lake Thun. Best in the morning for a quiet start.
Bäckerei Hug – Famous for traditional Swiss bread and pastries, with locations in Obere Hauptgasse 36. Perfect for a relaxed breakfast or takeaway picnic in Schadau Park.
Restaurant Schadau – Inside Schadau Castle (built 1808), serving seasonal Swiss and European dishes. The terrace overlooking Lake Thun is ideal for a calm lunch or early dinner.
Café Kairo – Cozy café in Obere Hauptgasse 14, known for homemade cakes, artisan coffee, and a peaceful atmosphere away from tourist crowds.
Kaufmann Café & Bar – Located near Thun train station, it offers light meals, fresh salads, and pastries. Spacious seating and quiet corners for reading or working.
Restaurant Rathauskeller – Historic 16th-century venue at Am Markt 1, serving traditional Swiss cuisine in a calm, elegant interior. Lunch is quieter than dinner.
Velo Café – Near the Aare River at Aarequai 2, this café combines coffee and cycling culture, offering fresh sandwiches, smoothies, and relaxed riverside views.
Madhuri Thai Cuisine – Hidden gem at Neubrückstrasse 2, quiet during weekdays, serving authentic Thai dishes in a serene setting.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Start at Thun Castle – Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Lake Thun.
Walk the Old Town – Explore cobblestone streets like Obere Hauptgasse and admire historic fountains.
Take a Lake Thun Boat Cruise – BLS Schiffahrt offers 1–2 hour trips to Spiez or Faulensee.
Visit Schadau Park – Picnic near Schadau Castle, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Try Local Cuisine – Sample Swiss cheese and pastries at Bäckerei Hug or enjoy lunch at Restaurant Rathauskeller.
Use Public Transport – Trains and buses are punctual; get a Swiss Travel Pass for convenience.
Bring Comfortable Shoes – Cobblestones and hill paths require sturdy footwear.
Conclusion
Thun proves that small cities can have big charm. Between castles, lakes, and cozy cafés, you might just forget your phone—until you realize the swans are judging your selfie skills. Pack comfy shoes, an appetite for cheese, and a sense of humor, and Thun will steal your heart… and maybe your snack.