Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Thun, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps, is a place I consider one of the most underrated towns in Switzerland.

… Thun!

If you haven’t heard about it, you’d be forgiven. I personally hadn’t until I decided to stop there spontaneously during a one week trip around the Bernese Oberland and honestly? I was shocked by how pretty it was, and confused that it hadn’t come up as a must-see during my research.

Known as ‘gateway to the Bernese Oberland’, understated Thun is a town too often overshadowed by the incredible natural wonders surrounding it… which is a shame. This medieval town is beautifully built over the winding Aare River, with scenic views all over.

Granted, Thun is small, but it’s beautiful and (on a sunny day like when I visited) gloriously charming, with a picture perfect Old Town, a cool medieval castle, flower-decked wooden bridges, and quite a few unique surprises. So, read on for a small list of things to do in Thun, Switzerland!

1. Thun Castle

By far, the number one attraction in Thun is its castle, imposingly perched on a hill (Schlossberg) offering sweeping views of the town, lake and surrounding mountains.

The castle dates back to the late 12th century and was built by the Dukes of Zähringen. Over the centuries, it has seen quite a bit of action and has been expanded several times. Originally, it served as a stronghold and a residence for the local nobility.

Today, Thun Castle is a museum that offers a great mix of history and beautiful architecture. When you visit, you can explore the well-preserved knights’ hall, which is one of the largest of its kind in Switzerland. There are also interesting exhibits showcasing medieval weaponry, armor, and everyday objects from the castle’s long history.

Even if you don’t have time to explore the castle inside, the walk up here is more than worth it for the views alone.

2. Kirchtreppe & Stadtkirche Thun

To reach Thun Castle, the route I’d recommend is up the (slightly hidden) Kirchtreppe.

These steep steps date back to 14th century, when they were constructed to provide a direct route between the lower town and the castle, as well as the nearby church of St. Mary’s. They were also designed to offer protection from the weather, making the climb easier and more comfortable, especially in harsh conditions.

Once you reach the top you can also stop to admire the beautiful Stadtkirche (church) before heading to the castle. This historic church features a striking medieval tower dating back to around 1330, while the nave was added later in 1738. The church is known for its beautiful late Baroque interior, including frescoes from the 15th century.

Granted, there’s not much to see along the way up these steps, but something about heading up to a castle via covered walkway gave definite Hogwarts vibes.

3. Wander down Obere Hauptgasse

The main street in Thun, Obere Hauptgasse is another must-see during your time in town.

Not only is it filled with charming boutiques, bars and art galleries decked in florals – its unique split-level design means that you have two pathways to choose from – double the fun!

Following along this path, you’ll soon reach another Thun must-see…

4. Rathausplatz

This historic square has been the heart of Thun since the 16th century. It’s surrounded by beautiful old buildings, including the Rathaus (Town Hall), which dates back to the early 1500s.

The square itself is very charming, with cobblestone paving and a variety of historic buildings lining it, like the Hotel Rathaus, which is housed in the oldest brick building in Thun, dating back to the 14th century. You can also find former guild houses and other structures from the 18th century.

Fast forward to present day, on Saturdays there’s a local market held here, when local vendors set up stalls selling fresh produce and local specialties. It’s also just a great spot to get photos, and if you angle it right you can see the castle peeking out above the pretty buildings.

5. Cross the city’s beautiful wooden bridges

Switzerland is no stranger to covered bridges – after all, exploring them is one of the most famous things to do in Lucerne!

But far fewer people talk about the wooden bridges of Thun, which is a shame because they’re honestly gorgeous… especially in the warmer months when they’re covered in vibrant blooms.

Thun has two main covered bridges, the Obere Schleuse Brücke or Upper Lock Bridge and the Untere Schleuse Brücke or Lower Lock Bridge. Both of these bridges were constructed in the 1720s and play a crucial role in controlling the water levels of the Aare River… as well as the bonus role of just… standing there while looking gorgeous.

Crossing and ogling them is a must when in Thun.

6. Admire Thun’s lock surfers

Another fun surprise in Thun is that there’s surfers practicing their craft right in the locks.

Yes – I know, seeing river surfers is one of the most popular things to do in Munich, but Thun? I hadn’t ever heard of this being a thing until I saw it with my own eyes.

And it’s honestly mesmerizing! Make sure you don’t miss them when you’re in town.

7. Hang out around Mühleplatz

This section of Thun couldn’t be any prettier. While there’s not a lot to do in Thun, I feel like I could easily spend a whole day here relaxing in the sun, enjoying a treat and absorbing the views.

Affectionately known as the “Mühli” by locals, Mühleplatz is right in the heart of Thun, along the banks of the Aare River. The square itself is a lively spot, surrounded by charming old buildings that house a mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to grab a coffee or a bite to eat while enjoying the beautiful views of the river and the picture-perfect architecture.

8. Thun Art Museum

And if you’re searching for things to do in Thun for art lovers, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s a Thun Art Museum!

This is actually quite a unique art museum, in that it doesn’t really have a permanent display, but rather presents four to five alternating temporary exhibitions every year, as well as one main exhibition of objects from the museum collection. These exhibitions always focus on contemporary and modern art, so if you’re into that then it’s worth checking out what’s on while you’re in Thun.

The museum is also housed in a gorgeous building that was once a hotel, and still has a lovely riverside café overlooking the Obere Schleuse to enjoy before or after you peruse some art.

9. Schadau Park

Closer to the lake, you’ll find the idyllic Schadau Park, where you can admire vibrant gardens, Schadau Castle, and enjoy lakeside dining at the historic Schadau Pavilion.

Yes, I know – how many times can I say Schadau? Many more times in fact, so let’s go…

Schadau Castle and Park’s history dates back to 1348 with the first mention of the House of Schadau. Originally just a house, it was rebuilt as a manor in 1638. The landscaped park was around it was then developed in 1838, and the current castle was constructed in 1852 in the Gothic Revival style.

These days, this is one of the prettiest spots to enjoy in Thun, with its turrets, ornate windows, and elegant facades. It’s also a hotel and restaurant now, so you can stay here or just visit for a meal in the gorgeous interior or terrace.

Of course, you can also take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the stunning views in the park – before heading to the Thun Panorama…

10. Thun Panorama

Another Thun attraction in this area is the Thun Panorama, a giant circular painting that transports you back to the 19th century.

The Thun Panorama, also known as the Wocher Panorama, is the oldest surviving panorama painting in the world. Created by Marquard Wocher between 1809 and 1814, this incredible artwork gives you a 360-degree view of the town of Thun as it was in the early 19th century.

The panorama itself is housed in a specially designed rotunda in Schadau Park, right next to the beautiful Schadau Castle. When you step inside, you’re completely surrounded by this enormous painting that measures about 38 meters in length and 7.5 meters in height. The level of detail is astonishing—you could spend hours just marveling at all the little scenes and details that Wocher meticulously included – like a virtual tour of historic Thun!

11. Get in the Aare (or stroll along it)

The picturesque Aare River practically glows turquoise on a sunny day, so it’s no surprise that going in for a dip is a favourite among locals.

If you’re not keen for a swim though, you can do as I did and simply walk along the river with an ice cream in hand – I promise you it’s just as magical. I got mine from Intrigo Gelateria and it was delicious.

12. Go on a Lake Thun Cruise

For the most stress-free way to appreciate Thun’s epic views, hopping on a Lake Thun cruise is the perfect way to fully appreciate the region’s stunning landscapes.

Lake Thun is the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland, with multiple ferry services to take you between the many shoreside towns and all the way to Interlaken if you want. You can purchase a full day pass that enables you to catch any ferry you want, or check out the many different boating options here (which include meal cruises, travelling on a historic steam boat and even jazz night cruises).

Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you could rent a paddleboard or kayak for a more intimate lake experience. Find out more here.

13. BONUS: Venture over to Oberhofen Castle

Finally, while not in Thun, a short hop away is an idyllic castle that I can highly recommend checking out – Oberhofen Castle, a romantic lakeside castle surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Originally built by the Dukes of Zähringen in the 13th century, the castle has passed through various hands over the years, each leaving their mark on its architecture and design. It was transformed from a medieval fortress into a luxurious residence during the 19th century when it was owned by the aristocratic Pourtalès family.

One of the most significant features of Oberhofen Castle is its picturesque lakeside setting as well as its fairy-tale-like structure, complete with a turreted keep and a chapel. The castle’s interiors are equally worth seeing, with rooms decorated in styles ranging from medieval to Victorian. It also houses a museum detailing the history of the region and the castle itself.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Thun?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Thun activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂