Thun is our favourite place in Switzerland and one of those destinations that genuinely surprised us with how beautiful it was. The things to do in Thun are centred around one of the most stunning natural settings in Europe — a medieval castle rising above a turquoise lake, the snow-capped Alps filling the horizon behind it, and a river running through the old town where locals surf standing waves year-round. We stayed in an Airbnb with a balcony directly overlooking the castle, and when Maddy looked out at the view of the Alps from the lake for the first time, she actually teared up. It is that kind of place.
Thun is consistently overlooked in favour of Interlaken and Lucerne, which makes it all the better — the crowds are manageable, prices are slightly lower, and the setting is every bit as extraordinary. This guide covers everything you need.
HOW TO GET TO THUN
Thun is about 30 minutes by train from Bern and just under an hour from Zurich. The train station sits right in the town centre, steps from the old town and the river. From Interlaken the train takes about 20 minutes. If flying into Switzerland, Zurich is the main hub — direct trains run to Bern every 30 minutes with a connection to Thun.
Pro Tip: Get an eSIM before you travel. Saily is our go-to — code THEJETLAGJOURNEY25 for 25% off. Airalo is a great alternative (code JLJ10 for 10% off).
WHERE TO STAY IN THUN
Stay in the old town or anywhere with a castle or lake view. We rented an Airbnb with a balcony overlooking the castle and cannot recommend it enough — waking up to that view every morning is extraordinary. Check Airbnb for castle-view apartments before defaulting to hotels; they exist at reasonable prices compared to equivalent views in Zurich or Lucerne.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN THUN
Boat Trip to Interlaken — one of our absolute highlights of Switzerland. We took the boat from Thun across Lake Thun to Interlaken and used it as a booze cruise through the Alps — glasses of wine in hand, the mountains getting bigger as we crossed the lake. It is one of the most beautiful journeys you can make in Switzerland. The boat runs regularly in season and the trip takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Take the boat one way and the train back, or stay in Interlaken for the afternoon. Do not miss it.
Thun Castle (Schloss Thun) — the 12th century castle sitting above the old town is one of the most beautifully positioned fortresses in Switzerland. The view from the tower over the lake, the Alps, and the town below is extraordinary. The castle houses a historical museum and entry is very affordable. Walk up through the old town streets and covered staircases to reach the entrance.
River Surfing on the Aare — Thun has a standing wave on the Aare River where local surfers ride year-round. Watching people surf in perfect river waves with a medieval castle in the background is one of the most uniquely Swiss things you will see. Find a spot on the bank and watch for a while — completely free.
Lake Thun — the lake is the centrepiece of Thun and the view of the Alps reflected across it is genuinely one of the most beautiful sights in Switzerland. Walk the lake promenade, rent a pedalo, or find a spot on the shore and sit with it. The best views of the Alps and castle together are from the water itself — another reason the boat trip is unmissable.
Old Town (Altstadt) — Thun’s old town is built on an island in the Aare and has a unique feature found almost nowhere else: raised walkways running along the first floor of buildings above the street, with shops at both street level and the upper walkway. Walk Obere Hauptgasse for the full effect. The covered staircases, fountain squares, and medieval streetscape make this one of the most charming old towns in Switzerland.
Day Trip to Lauterbrunnen — about 40 minutes from Thun by train and one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Europe. Seventy-two waterfalls cascade down sheer cliff faces into a flat valley floor — Staubbach Falls drops 297 metres in a single unbroken cascade. The valley is widely believed to have been the direct inspiration for Rivendell in Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and standing in it you completely understand why. Take the cogwheel train up to Mürren or Wengen for views from above. This is one of the best day trips in Switzerland — do not skip it.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN THUN
Thun’s restaurant scene leans toward Swiss classics and lakeside dining. Swiss German cuisine — rösti, raclette, fondue — is excellent here and more affordable than Zurich or Geneva. Look for restaurants along the Aare or with castle views. The old town has good cafes for lunch between sights, and the lakefront has several spots worth settling into for a long afternoon.
ETIAS — WHAT AMERICAN TRAVELERS NEED TO KNOW
Switzerland is not in the EU but is part of the Schengen Area, so ETIAS will apply to American travelers from late 2026. It takes about 10 minutes to apply and costs €20. Read our complete ETIAS guide for everything you need to know.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN THUN
Is Thun worth visiting in Switzerland?
Absolutely — it is our favourite place in Switzerland. The castle, the lake, the Alps, the river surfing, and the proximity to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken make it one of the strongest bases in the Bernese Oberland. Stay here instead of or alongside Interlaken for a better experience at lower prices.
How do I get from Thun to Interlaken?
By train in about 20 minutes, or by boat across Lake Thun in 1.5 to 2 hours. The boat is the experience — take it at least one way and enjoy the Alps unfolding as you cross the lake.
Is Lauterbrunnen worth visiting from Thun?
Yes — 40 minutes by train and one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. The valley with its 72 waterfalls is believed to have inspired Rivendell in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Do not miss it as a day trip.
What is river surfing in Thun?
A standing wave on the Aare River where local surfers ride year-round. One of the most uniquely Swiss things to watch — free to observe from the riverbank. Best in warmer months when the most surfers are out.
How many days do you need in Thun?
Two days works well — one for the castle, old town, river, and lake, and one for the boat trip to Interlaken or the day trip to Lauterbrunnen. Three days if you want to do both day trips properly.
MORE FROM THE JET LAG JOURNEY
Read our complete 10 day Switzerland itinerary, our Lausanne city guide, and our Switzerland budget travel tips. For the wider European picture, our guide to how to plan a trip to Europe covers everything from start to finish.
