Thun Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

8-Day 7-Night Swiss Independent Travel Highlights Itinerary (Pure Public Transport Version).

Just got back from Switzerland. I am absolutely thrilled with this DIY itinerary I put together! I must say, the public transportation in Switzerland is incredibly convenient 🤣 Friends, come and copy this itinerary now! Day1️⃣ Geneva 🚆 Zermatt Stroll around the town of Zermatt, take a rest, and get over the jet lag 🌄 At sunset, head to the popular photo spot: Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint, and capture the town's blue hour 🏨 Highly recommend Hotel Welschen in Zermatt. You can look straight at the Matterhorn right from your room's balcony; the view is absolutely stunning Day2️⃣ Matterhorn 🏔️ Wake up early to catch the Alpenglow (Golden Peak), then go back to sleep until you wake up naturally 🚂 Take the cog railway up to the Gornergrat Observation Deck to admire the Matterhorn, get off at Rotenboden, and hike to Riffelsee Day3️⃣ Spiez + Thun 🚆 Take a train to Spiez, drop off your luggage, and then head to the town of Thun 🚌 Take Bus No. 21 to Gunten, where you can capture Mount Niesen and Spiez in the same frame 🛥️ Take a Lake Thun cruise from Gunten pier back to Spiez 🏨 Eden Spiez Hotel Day4️⃣ Oeschinensee Hiking 🚆 Train to Kandersteg 🚌 Bus No. 242 to the Oeschinensee cable car station Hike the GEDC trail, check in at the internet-famous lovers' tree, hike up via section G, and hike down via section E Day5️⃣ Interlaken + Brienz 🚆 Train to Interlaken Ost, go paragliding 🪂, an absolutely amazing experience! 🛥️ Take a boat cruise on Lake Brienz from Interlaken pier, hop off midway at Iseltwald, and check in at the filming location of "Crash Landing on You" 🚂 Take the vintage cog railway in Brienz, hop on at 14:58, and get off at 16:28 Day6️⃣ Lungern + Grindelwald + Jungfraujoch 🚞 Take the PE GoldenPass Express train from Spiez to the town of Lungern; the morning light is the most beautiful Store your luggage at Interlaken Ost station 🚆 In the afternoon, head to Grindelwald Terminal and take the cable car 🚠 up to Jungfraujoch 🏨 Hotel Cabana Grindelwald Day7️⃣ Lauterbrunnen + Wengen + Mürren + Grindelwald Alpine Town Lauterbrunnen 🚞 Wengen Lauterbrunnen 🚌 Bus No. 141 to Stechelberg, then transfer to the cable car 🚡 up to Mürren The lighting two hours before sunset is the most gorgeous, highly recommend staying in Grindelwald to enjoy it Day8️⃣ Mount First Full Day Itinerary 🚡 Arrive at Schreckfeld station early at 9 AM, do the First Glider right away, and then line up for the Mountain Carts 🚡 Head back to First station, walk the First Cliff Walk, and hike to Lake Bachalpsee 🚡 Go down to Bort station and ride the Trottibike scooters 🛴 all the way down to the base of the mountain

_TI***33

Stayed in a fairy-tale lake view room at the foot of the Alps—so healing

Girls! Just got back from Switzerland. Summer in Interlaken is absolutely amazing! This place is like God spilled a palette of colors. The two lakes have different shades—one Tiffany blue, the other peacock blue. I didn’t want to leave! 🏔️ Amazing location The guesthouse is right in the center of Interlaken, just a few steps from the east station, but the soundproofing is excellent—no train noise at all. The balcony faces Höhematte Park, a huge lawn area. Lying in bed, you can see the three peaks of the Jungfrau region. I screamed the moment I opened the curtains in the morning! 🚂 Best way to get around Tested and proven! You must buy the Swiss Travel Pass. Four days cost about 280 CHF (latest price for 2026). You get 25% off Jungfrau tickets, free rides to Harder Kulm viewing platform, and unlimited lake cruises! Download the SBB Mobile app—it shows real-time train schedules and lets you buy tickets. Swiss trains are so punctual that if it says 3:15, it’s exactly 3:15, down to the second! ⛰️ Must-do hardcore routes Day 1: Head straight to Jungfrau! Take the train from the east station to Grindelwald, then transfer to the Eiger Express. The new V-shaped cable car opened in 2024 is super smooth. It takes only 15 minutes to reach the Eiger Glacier station, then switch to the cogwheel train for a 40-minute ride to the summit. Round-trip tickets cost 235–260 CHF in peak season. It’s pricey but totally worth it! The Sphinx observation deck offers a 360-degree unobstructed view. The Aletsch Glacier lies right below, and on a clear day, you can see France and Germany! Day 2: Have some thrills at First! Take the cable car from Grindelwald up to First. The First Cliff Walk along the cliff is free. The glass walkway hanging in midair is nerve-wracking but perfect for photos. For more excitement, try the First Flyer zipline, First Glider, or mountain cart racing down from the top—so much fun! Each activity costs about 29–35 CHF. Get there early to line up because popular rides sell out by noon. 🚢 Lake cruises on both lakes are a must Lake Thun and Lake Brienz have completely different vibes! Lake Thun offers an elegant route, departing from the west station pier. It stops at Spiez, Oberhofen Castle, and ends at Thun old town. The whole trip takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. Don’t miss Spiez! The angle of the lake bay perfectly captures the castle and snowy mountain reflections—every shot looks like wallpaper! Lake Brienz is more natural and pristine, with unreal mint-green water. The cruise leaves from the east station pier and takes about 1 hour to reach Brienz town. You can get off at Giessbach Falls and take Europe’s oldest mountain railway up to Mount Rothorn. The vintage steam train against the Alpine backdrop creates an unforgettable atmosphere! 🌄 Sunset at Harder Kulm is a must Right next to the east station, the cable car takes 8 minutes to the top at 1,322 meters elevation, overlooking all of Interlaken and both lakes. The three peaks of Jungfrau are right in front of you. The observation deck extends into a platform with transparent glass underfoot—thrilling and perfect for photos! It’s open until 5 PM in summer. I recommend going up at 4 PM to watch the sunset turn the snow-capped mountains pink. That moment made me cry. 💡 Practical tips Switzerland is really expensive. Bottled water in supermarkets costs 2–3 CHF, so bring a water bottle to fill with free Alpine spring water! In July, daylight lasts very long—darkness only falls around 9 PM, so you can make the most of your day. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! The high altitude means strong UV rays. I didn’t apply any on the first day and got sunburned. It’s below freezing at the Jungfrau summit, so even in July, bring a windbreaker or light down jacket.

MICHAELA CASTRO󱱹4

The other side of Lake Thun is quieter than you might imagine

🇨🇭 Many people visiting Lake Thun head to the southern shore towns, such as around Spiez · 🚡 This time, we stayed halfway up the north shore in Beatenberg, and with the Swiss Pass, we could take the downhill cable car to the lakeside for free, so we decided to spend a day exploring the north shore of Lake Thun · 🏘️ The towns of Merligen, Gunten, and Oberhofen on the north shore are quieter and more local compared to the south shore, with better views directly facing the Alps · 🏰 There aren’t any particularly stunning spots along this line, so there were almost no other tourists along the way. The most iconic site might be Oberhofen Castle, a castle built by the water, though unfortunately it’s closed to the public in winter · 🚌 Bus 21 connects these towns perfectly from Interlaken to Thun · 🫟 If you enjoy slow travel, the north shore really offers that “Swiss lakeside living” vibe ·

Avery.Watson^89

I discovered the most postcard-like viewpoint in Switzerland

🌄 Many tourists in Thun just take a few photos by the old town river and leave, but the best view to appreciate the entire city and the distant Alps is from the tower of Thun Castle. · 📍 Photo Spot You can climb to the top floor inside the castle, where the four corner towers serve as viewing platforms facing four directions. · From the southeast tower, you can see three layers of scenery at once: 1️⃣ Foreground The red-roofed old town of Thun and the river 2️⃣ Midground The blue Lake Thun 3️⃣ Background The snowy Alps · 🖼️ The towers of Thun Castle have been preserved since the 12th century, so the doorways are so small that it’s hard to enter even with a backpack. Viewing Thun from here feels like looking at a landscape that has existed for hundreds of years. ·

NomadWanderlust

Switzerland Must-Ride! Complete Guide to the Most Beautiful Golden Pass Line

Come check out this treasure guide to Switzerland's "most beautiful scenic route"! 🥰 🚂【Train Introduction】Golden Pass Line 📍Address: Rue de la Gare 22, 1820 Montreux 💰Ticket Price: 449 CHF (about 3200 RMB) ⏰Operating Hours: 06:20-18:10 (open year-round) ✨Train Highlights: ➡ Connects two major holiday paradises: Lucerne and Montreux ➡ Passes through Lake Geneva + Lake Thun + Lake Brienz + Lake Lucerne ➡ Travels along the Alpine foothills, pastures, and vineyards It’s basically a journey through the essence of Switzerland! 🏞️ 🚄【Train Types】 ✅ Golden Pass Panorama · Sightseeing train, 180 km full route · Extra-large panoramic windows, 360° unobstructed views · Departs every 30 minutes (but runs slowly) ✅ Golden Pass Express · Express version, also suitable for daily commuting · More frequent departures, faster speed · Perfect for those in a hurry 🌄【Must-Visit Sections】Highly recommended! 1⃣️ Lake Geneva Section · Must-visit: Savoy Villa · Hidden gem: Biel Water Lock Station · Every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy! 📸 2⃣️ Lake Thun Section · Must-see: Medieval Thun Castle · Secret garden: Alpine Vineyards · Experience Swiss pastoral charm! 🌿 3⃣️ Lake Brienz Section · Fairytale-like Brienz Castle · Lake water as blue as a gem 💎 · Recommended to enjoy with a cup of coffee slowly 4⃣️ Lake Lucerne Section · Classic landmark: Lion Monument · Vintage-style Lucerne Castle · The lake view is breathtaking! 🍽️【Food Time】 Highly recommend arranging on the train: 🧀 Swiss cheese fondue (a cheese lover’s dream) 🌭 Swiss mini sausages (bursting with juice in every bite) 🍫 Swiss chocolate (a sweet delight) 🏨【Accommodation Tips】 Recommended to stay near the train stations: ✨ Fairmont Montreux Palace ✨ Lakeside guesthouses in Lucerne ✨ Interlaken resort hotels

WanderlustVoyager55󱱹1

Thun Lake One-Day Leisure Travel Guide｜The Most Gentle Lake Light Journey at the Foot of Jungfrau

Walking along the shore of Thun Lake, the snow-capped mountains seem to be right before your eyes, and the lake water is as still as a mirror, reflecting the quietest moments of life to you. 📍 Route: Grindelwald → Spiez (board the boat) → Thun (explore) → Return to Spiez (stay) 🗓️ Date: August 31, 2025 🏨 Accommodation: La Belle Vue Boutique Hotel & Cafe (by Spiez Lake) ⸻ Itinerary and Cost Details From Grindelwald to Spiez Train takes about 45–55 minutes, ticket price ranges from 10 to 25 CHF. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, this segment is completely free. Boat from Spiez to Thun The journey takes about 45–60 minutes, ticket price is around 36 CHF, also included in the Swiss Travel Pass with no extra charge. The lake scenery on this route is definitely worth experiencing. Thun Castle Entrance Fee Ticket costs about 12 CHF, free entry with Swiss Travel Pass. Return from Thun to Spiez By train, it takes about 15 minutes one way, ticket price 6–10 CHF; if you choose to return by boat, it is also free with the pass. 👉 If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, this entire Thun Lake trip is almost free, and you only need to pay for the short train ride from Thun to Spiez (6–10 CHF). Spiez: The Starting Point by the Lake Descending from Grindelwald, the mountain shadows fade and the lake light draws near. Arriving in Spiez at noon under bright sunshine, the hotel is right by the lake, and opening the window you can see sailboats gliding on the water. After dropping off your luggage, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the pier, just in time to catch the boat to Thun. ⸻ 45 Minutes on Thun Lake: The Most Beautiful Route Thun Lake is known as Switzerland’s “Sapphire,” with turquoise-blue water that looks like the sky melting into the lake. On the route from Spiez to Thun, you can see the white peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau from the bow of the boat—clear and breathtaking. Along the way, three lakeside castles are also worth noting: Oberhofen with its tower spire rising from the lake, Hünegg surrounded by woods, and Schadau Castle with its pink walls and white towers. It feels like sitting inside a slow fairy tale movie. ⸻ First Glimpse of Thun: A Quiet Small Town and the Aare River When the boat docks, Thun Castle basks in the sunlight, and the Aare River flows through the town, rushing but not noisy. Thun combines the grandeur of the Bernese Highlands with the warm life of a small town. ⸻ Thun Castle: The Best Spot to Overlook the Lake Climb the stone steps, and the castle’s white walls shine under the sun. From the tower, the entire Thun Lake spreads beneath your feet: the lake surface, orange rooftops, the Aare River, and distant snow-capped mountains together form the most iconic Swiss scene. Free entry with Swiss Travel Pass. ⸻ Church, Old Town, and Riverside Coffee Aroma Thun Church is right next to the castle, its clock tower shadow falling on the square. Walking down leads to the old street, where the river is divided by small bridges, and many cafes line both banks. When the wind blows, you can smell chocolate and coffee. This place feels more lived-in and quieter than Lucerne, without being interrupted by crowds. ⸻ Sitting by the Riverside for a While Before leaving Thun, I sat on a bench by the Aare River. Sunlight filtered through the leaves onto me; some people were fishing, some reading, some daydreaming. The true beauty of travel is probably this kind of unhurried time. ⸻ Accommodation: La Belle Vue Boutique Hotel & Cafe Located by Spiez Lake, a five-minute walk to the pier. Rooms have lake views, and at night you can hear the gentle clinking of masts by the lake. Breakfast and coffee are excellent, making it a highly cost-effective small boutique hotel in the Spiez area. Room rates range from 180 to 260 CHF, and advance booking is necessary during peak season. ⸻ Summary of Transportation · Grindelwald → Spiez: Train (45–55 minutes) · Spiez → Thun: Boat (45–60 minutes, best scenery) · Thun → Spiez: Train or boat · All routes are included in the Swiss Travel Pass, only the train from Thun to Spiez requires a small additional fee ⸻ Best Photo Tips · Board the boat from Spiez to Thun in the afternoon for the best lighting · Thun Castle from 3 PM to 5 PM offers the best light ⸻ Practical Tips · Thun Lake can be windy; bring a jacket even in summer · Thun’s old town has many cafes with reasonable prices; consider having a meal there · When taking photos on the boat deck, avoid occupying space for too long · August to September is peak season; book hotels in advance ⸻ Thun is not a “must-check-in” spot, but its gentleness and tranquility will make you fall in love with it unknowingly. If you want to slow down your trip in Switzerland, I would recommend Thun Lake to you.

calebtravel

Only after visiting Switzerland did I realize that fairy tales truly exist

Starting from Geneva, Geneva Canton, what I thought would be an ordinary trip turned out to be full of surprises, as if stepping into a hybrid world of fairy tales and movies! 🏞️ Thun Castle & Thun Town Thun became one of my favorite towns on this trip. Nestled by Lake Thun, its streets are lined with colorful houses and flower-filled balconies, along with a charming wooden bridge and hidden fountains. At the heart of the town stands Thun Castle, with its white walls and red roof. Climbing the castle tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire lake region. 🌟 Exclusive experience recommendation: Sit at a café in the old town, order a cappuccino, and watch the snow-capped mountains shimmer in the distance—100% therapeutic. 🚞 Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe Riding the world's highest-altitude cogwheel train to the summit of Jungfraujoch was the most spectacular part of this journey. Departing from Interlaken, the train winds through snow-capped mountain tunnels and glacial platforms, finally reaching the "Top of Europe" at 3,454 meters above sea level. You can visit the Sphinx Observatory, standing on the edge of the Alpine ridge to overlook the glaciers, or step into the Ice Palace and walk through ice tunnels adorned with crystal sculptures—like entering the real world of "Frozen." 🌟 Note: The thin air at the summit may be challenging, so take it slow—every step is worth savoring. 🌲 Lauterbrunnen Valley, Interlaken District Dubbed the "most beautiful valley in Switzerland," it lives up to its reputation. The entire valley feels like a place where fairies dwell: 72 waterfalls cascade vertically from towering cliffs, with mist swirling through the valley—serene yet awe-inspiring. The most spectacular among them is Staubbach Falls, plunging nearly 300 meters directly into the valley, making it one of Europe's highest free-falling waterfalls. You can walk along the trail behind the falls and feel the power of the spray rushing toward you. 🌊 Trümmelbach Falls This is Lauterbrunnen's most mysterious spot. Ten waterfalls are hidden inside the mountain, formed by glacial meltwater, roaring through the rocks like nature's underground symphony. After taking an elevator inside the falls, you can stand in narrow stone caves and watch the waterfalls pour down beneath you—deafening but utterly mesmerizing. One of the few "internal mountain waterfalls" open to the public in the world—highly recommended! 📌 Final thoughts: This isn't a traditional "checklist tour of Switzerland" but a journey into the intersection of nature, culture, and dreams. What amazed me most wasn't just the snow-capped mountains and lakes, but the hidden beauty waiting quietly to be discovered.

ANDERSON BREWER09󱱹3

💎 Oeschinensee: Kandersteg’s Turquoise Mountain Lake in Summer & Winter 🏔️

Oeschinensee is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Bernese Oberland. It is the western gateway to the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Take the Lötschberger train from Bern, Thun, or Spiez directly to Kandersteg, then the gondola to the Oeschinen upper station.  The walk from Kandersteg train station to the gondola valley station takes around 10-15 minutes.  You cannot drive directly to the lake, so you have to either take the gondola and continue on foot, or hike all the way up.  The hike from Kandersteg takes about 1.5 hours, whereas from the mountain station it is a walk of around 25 minutes.  In summer, the lake is perfect for an outdoor day. Swimming, fishing, and a turn at the oars on a rowing boat are all on offer.  The water is usually cold, though in warm periods it can reach about 20°C.  There are free grilling areas around the lake, and firewood is available from the nearby restaurants.  For a view of the lake from above, hike to Heuberg, a steep trail from the mountain station via Läger.  A thrilling summer toboggan run is located right next to the upper station.  Winter is just as magical. The lake often freezes, and you can walk on the ice on a designated path. The winter season runs from December to mid-March, and no snowshoes are needed for the 30-minute snowy walk from the gondola.  There are two winter hiking trails, and you can watch ice fishers and then warm up by the fireplace at the Berghotel Oeschinensee.  You can also sled from the mountain station down to the lake.  The 3.5 km sledging course is a lot of fun.  Pro tips: If there is a risk of avalanches or the ice is not thick enough, the circular trail on the lake stays closed,  so always check conditions. The trail between the lake and Kandersteg is closed to hikers in winter because it is covered in skiers,  so take the gondola. Parking at the gondola valley station fills up quickly in peak season,  so consider arriving by train. Go early for the best light and the fewest crowds. Wear sturdy shoes in summer and waterproof boots with good grip in winter, and bring layers. #Oeschinensee #Kandersteg #BernerOberland #SwissAlps #MountainLake #WinterWalk #IceWalk #HikingSwitzerland #UNESCO #Sledding #TripcomTravel #TravelSwitzerland

RakimMayers

This is Switzerland. And yes, the food is part of the experience. Smurf's Buildings, Geneva Lake Geneva near Chillon Castle Gruyère cheese quiche from cafe Byron Chillon Castle Lake Geneva Tiramisu from Luce in Bern View from a tower in Castle Thun Pasta from Luce View of the river Aare near Castle Thun Münster Cathedral, Bern

ramezzz󱱹1

Exploring Switzerland: The Interlaken-Bern Lake Thun Loop

Start your journey from Interlaken, travel along the northern shore of Lake Thun all the way to Bern, and return by boat along the southern shore to complete a perfect circuit around the entire lake. First Stop: Beatenberg Take Bus 21 from Interlaken Ost station. Pass by St. Beatus Caves—catch a glimpse of them as you go—on your way to Beatenbucht, then transfer to the cable car up to Beatenberg. Standing on the observation deck, you’ll see the stunning panorama of Lake Thun and the surrounding mountains; it’s truly a spectacular sight. Next, head to Oberhofen Castle (Schloss Oberhofen). This lakeside castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The historic castle paired with the snow-capped mountains in the distance is mesmerizing from every angle. Continue to Thun Castle (Schloss Thun). From the castle heights, you can look out over the entire city of Thun. The layers of red roofs, the river, and the distant Alps create a beautiful landscape that is one of the highlights of this trip. After leaving Thun, take the train to the Swiss capital, Bern. First, take a bus to the Rose Garden (Rosengarten). Looking down from this height, you can see Bern’s Old Town surrounded by the Aare River—this is the most iconic view of the city. Walk down the path toward the Bear Park, and stop by Einstein’s Bench for a photo along the way. Next, explore Bern’s Old Town. The Zytglogge (Clock Tower), Bern Minster, cobblestone streets, arcades, and the trams weaving through the city create a rich, historic European atmosphere that feels like being on a movie set. For the return trip, take the train to Spiez. Spiez Castle (Schloss Spiez) sits elegantly by the lake. It is a compact and charming spot that is a favorite for photographers. It’s located by the water at the bottom of a hill, and you can take a bus there if needed. Finally, board a boat from Spiez (See) back to Interlaken West (See). Admire the views of Lake Thun, the lakeside villages, and the Alpine scenery along the way, ending your journey in the most relaxing way possible. This route is special because it brings together mountain scenery, lake views, historic castles, an ancient city, and a boat cruise all in one day, with almost no backtracking. With a Swiss Travel Pass (STP), the castles, cable cars, and all transportation are completely free. Transportation Guide: Interlaken Ost → Beatenbucht (Bus) → Beatenberg (Cable Car) → Schloss Oberhofen (Bus) → Thun (Bus) → Bern (Train) → Bern City Center (Bus + Walking) → Spiez (Train) → Spiez See → Interlaken West See (Boat)

樱兰格