Discover the Lake Thun region by boat
A boat trip on Lake Thun is a fabulous way to discover the many excursion destinations around the lake.
The region around Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland offers numerous interesting excursion options that you can easily reach by boat. Below you will find our favourites. With some of them you can benefit from discounted combined tickets. Take inspiration from us.
The Thun and Interlaken West ports are located right next to the railway stations. If you travel by train, you can plan your boat trip independently of your departure and arrival points.
Boat trip experiences
Culinary delights
How about a good breakfast on board to start your trip on Lake Thun? The peaceful morning atmosphere on the lake is a very special experience. Or enjoy a trip on the lounge ship OaSee, where you will be treated to a culinary buffet of starters, grills and pizzas.
New Year’s Eve boat trip with «Chronicles of Sunshine»
Combined tickets (boat trip + excursion)
If you would like to visit one of the following excursion destinations, we recommend that you purchase a combined ticket. This includes the boat trip with admission or the mountain railway to the respective activity.
Niederhorn (with boat, bus and mountain railway to the Niederhorn)
St. Beatus Caves (boat trip and admission to the caves)
Nature experiences
A boat trip on Lake Thun is a fabulous way to experience the beauty of the landscape. Combine the trip with a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, a detour to one of the lidos or a visit to St. Beatus Caves, for example. If you decide to hike along the panoramic circular trail, the boat is a good choice for the way back.
St. Beatus Caves
St. Beatus Caves on Lake Thun are among the best-known and most popular excursion destinations in Switzerland! Explore the fascinating cave world of the Niederhorn massif on a well-maintained and illuminated path. Discover the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years and immerse yourself in a unique underworld.
Take advantage of our combined ticket and save 50% on admission to St. Beatus Caves.
Faulensee−Spiez beach path
Stage 1, Thun–Sigriswil
This hike takes you through medieval Thun, past idyllic Hünibach to Aeschlen. There, a little thrill awaits you at dizzying heights: the spectacular 340-metre panorama bridge, which leads 180 metres above the Gummischlucht gorge to Sigriswil. Now you can either continue on the panoramic hike in the direction of Merligen or take the path in the direction of the Gunten boat landing and round off your excursion with a leisurely boat trip in the direction of Thun or Interlaken.
| Walking route | Thun–Hünibach–Aeschlen– Sigriswil–Gunten |
| Distance | 12 km |
| Walking times | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Elevation difference | + 640 m / - 400 m |
| Level of difficulty | easy |
Niederhorn
The crunch of snow underfoot, the glittering snowy landscape in the soft sunlight, an enchanting serenity enveloping us and filling us with peace and tranquility – You experience all of this on a beautiful winter hike on the Niederhorn.
The winter hiking trail from Niederhorn to Howald to Waldegg not only offers spectacular views but also allows you to immerse yourself in the peaceful and untouched nature.
| Route | Niederhorn - Hohwald - Parkplatz Waldegg |
| Distance | 7,7 km |
| Height difference | 730 m |
| Hiking time | 3 h |
| Remark | Winter hike with tobboganing |
Buy a combined ticket for the journey to the Niederhorn (route: Thun–Beatenbucht–Niederhorn return)
Castle experiences
Five magnificent castles with well-tended parks lie on the shores of Lake Thun. From their towers you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the Alpine chain and the glittering lake. Various exhibitions take you on a voyage of discovery into the past, and the castle restaurants spoil you with gastronomic delights.
Please note the opening hours.
Thun Castle
Culture, history, legend
At Thun Castle you will travel through 800 years of history and gain a unique insight into the history and culture of the Thun region. Take a virtual tour of medieval Thun and meet historical personalities along the way. Visit the mighty donjon with the most well-preserved hall from the High Middle Ages. With the imposing tower, the Zähringers created a visible sign of their power in the 12th century.
Hünegg Castle
The fairytale castle on Lake Thun
Hünegg Castle is not a conventional museum. Instead, it is a unique reflection of the way of life in times gone by. The complete and extensive furnishings have not been changed since 1900. The tour of the Museum of Historicism and Art Nouveau creates the impression that time has stood still. You almost expect to meet noble gentlemen in the salon.
At weekends, rarities and antiques are sold in the attic – though of course, no objects from the castle's collection.
Oberhofen Castle
Magic from 8 centuries
Visit the romantic castle complex with its picturesque lakeside tower, oriental smoking salon and spacious park with a playground right by Lake Thun. Immerse yourself in the 800-year history of this monumental building. Since 1954, the castle has housed a museum dedicated to the history of its former inhabitants. It also gives a voice to those without whom the life of the Count de Pourtalès and his family would have been unthinkable – the servants.
Schadau Castle
Hotel and restaurant
Schadau Castle was built as a private summer residence from 1846 to 1854. It is a listed building of national importance and is now owned by the city of Thun. Enjoy the historic ambience with an overnight stay in the castle hotel, a fine meal in the castle restaurant or a walk through the beautifully situated Schadau Park.
Spiez Castle
Experience 1,300 years of history
The permanent exhibition presents the former castle inhabitants of the von Strättligen, von Bubenberg and von Erlach families in an interactive way. Stations to try out, 3D viewers and the knights' path bring past times back to life – a special experience for children and families.
Combine the castle tour with a walk through the well-tended castle garden and enjoy the dreamlike location with a glass of wine from the Spiez vineyards in the castle café.
Availability
On Lake Thun the ships sail all year round.
Rates
Route tickets
Day passes
First class
- CHF 119.00 Adults
- CHF 59.50 Half-Fare travelcard
- CHF 24.00 Children, 6–15.99 years
- CHF 179.00 Globi family day ticket 2 adults / 4 children
- CHF 89.50 Globi family day ticket with Half-Fare Card 2 adults / 4 children
Second class
- CHF 79.00 Adults
- CHF 39.50 Half-Fare travelcard
- CHF 15.00 Children, 6–15.99 years
- CHF 119.00 Globi family day ticket 2 adults / 4 children
- CHF 59.50 Globi family day ticket with Half-Fare Card 2 adults / 4 children
Saver Day Passes for train, bus and ship
Travel around Switzerland all day long on public transport from CHF 29.00.
Early birds are rewarded – those who book the earliest pay the least. Travel around Switzerland all day long on public transport from CHF 29.00 – by train, bus or boat.
Vouchers & savings tips
Here you will find BLS Schifffahrt vouchers and interesting savings tips.
How to get there
Travel comfortably by train to Thun, Spiez or Interlaken West.
The Thun and Interlaken West ports are located right next to the railway stations. From Spiez train station it is a 15-minute walk to the landing stage.
Location Departs from Thun wharf
Contact
- BLS navigation service
- +41 79 743 73 98
- BLS Navigation www.bls-schiff.ch
