Thun and Lake Thun Day Trip

Thun lies about thirty minutes from Bern by train, where the Aare leaves the lake of the same name, and it is one of the most attractive day trips from the capital. The town has a lively old centre built along the river, with a unique two-level shopping street where the upper walkway sits above the shop fronts. A castle with four corner towers rises above the rooftops, and from its tower there is a fine view over the lake and the Alps. A boat trip on Lake Thun is the highlight, with the mountains rising behind the water and small lakeside villages along the shore. A guided day trip by train brings the town, the lake and a cheese tasting together, with the logistics handled for you. The scenery is classic Swiss, and the trip suits travellers who want mountain views without a long journey or the high cost of a major alpine excursion.

Thun's old town is compact and easy to explore on foot. The covered wooden bridge, the river weirs where surfers sometimes ride the standing wave, and the arcaded streets with cafes give it a distinct character. The castle, built in the twelfth century, houses a regional museum, and the climb up covered steps to the entrance is part of the experience. The lake cruise passes lakeside castles and villages, and in clear weather you see the peaks of the Bernese Oberland ahead.

Check the details of the trip when you book, including the lake cruise schedule, which varies by season, and what the cheese tasting includes. Boat timetables are reduced in winter, and the lake can be misty, so a flexible plan helps. Dress in layers, as it is cooler on the water. Trains between Bern and Thun are frequent, so independent travel is straightforward too, with boats leaving from the station area.

If you have more time, you can extend the day to lakeside villages, such as Spiez with its castle and vineyards, or continue to Interlaken, which has its own guide on Twickly. A good plan is to visit the castle in the morning, enjoy lunch by the river and take an afternoon cruise. Thun also makes a pleasant quiet base if you want a smaller town with good transport links. Bring a camera and a light jacket, and keep an eye on the weather forecast, since the views are the main reward.

Thun has more to offer than first appears. The Obere Hauptgasse, the main street, has two levels of shops, with pavements on the roofs of the lower arcades and steps linking the two, which is unusual in Switzerland. The wooden bridge over the Aare and the river itself, which flows fast through the town, make an attractive walk. Locals swim in the river and paddle in the lake in summer, and the lakeside promenade is a good spot for a picnic.

The boats on the lake are a mix of historic paddle steamers and modern vessels, and the ride gives you views of castles, villages and the pyramid of the Niesen mountain. Cheese tastings at the end of the day round off the trip. If you travel in winter, bring warm clothing for the deck and check that boats are running, since the schedule is reduced and fog can reduce visibility. Children enjoy the boat and the castle stairs.