Fairytale castles by the water
Five fairytale castles and twelve thousand-year-old churches punctuate the landscape around Lake Thun. Visit their historic rooms and find out more about the people who lived there. Whether admiring the castle from inside or out, there’s plenty to see and discover. Stroll through the castle park and take in the view of the lake and the Bernese Alps.
5 fairytale castles on Lake Thun
Art exhibitions and cultural events in the castle
12 thousand-year-old churches on Lake Thun
Do you know all of the five castles on Lake Thun? Each castle is unique: some lie right on the shore of the lake, while others perch high on top of a hill. There are romantic fairytale castles and huge towers known as “bergfrieds”. As you enter the castle complex, you’ll be transported back in time. The wonderful castle gardens are notable for their assortment of ancient tree species and splendid spectacle of flowers.
With its four distinctive white towers, the 12th-century medieval castle of Thun is the symbol of the town. Atop the Schlossberg (Castle Hill), you’ll enjoy an enchanting panoramic view over Thun and the surrounding mountains of the Bernese Oberland. The Stockhorn and the Niesen, in particular, can be clearly seen from here. The illustrious castle was built by the Dukes of Zähringen and is now a heritage site of national significance. Visit the Thun Castle museum and its imposing knights’ hall or indulge in culinary delights in the Schlossberg restaurant and hotel.
Thun also has a second castle – Schadau Castle, which is situated in the midst of the picturesque Schadau Park. The park is located on the banks of the lake and is a popular place to take a relaxing walk and admire the view of the lake. Schadau Castle is listed with the Swiss heritage association and is one of the country’s most beautiful, most architecturally significant castles. How about a spot of afternoon tea or brunch at Schadau Castle? Enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant, a sherry in the bar or a stay in one of the hotel’s enchanting rooms. Schadau Castle: more than just a beautiful view.
On the banks of Lake Thun, nestled in the midst of a splendid park complex filled with exotic trees, lies Hünegg Castle. The grand residence of the Prussian Baron Albert von Parpart and his spouse Adelheid von Bonstetten was built in 1861 and inspired by the castles of the French Loire Valley. Learn more about how people lived in the past: its lavishly decorated Art Nouveau interior has remained unchanged since 1900.
Oberhofen Castle is located directly on Lake Thun. The romantic castle complex, with its Bergfried tower, which was constructed around 1200, has had many owners in its long history. The castle gained its present appearance after it was bought by the Neuchâtel-Prussian aristocratic family de Pourtalès in 1844 and converted into a summer residence. Sit in warmth and comfort in the Restaurant Schloss Oberhofen on the shore of Lake Thun and enjoy the panoramic views, no matter how cold it is outside.
Surrounded by vineyards, Spiez Castle rises majestically above the bay of Spiez. The castle’s thousand-year-old church is built in an early Romanesque style. Spiez Castle is a heritage site of national significance. In its historic exhibition rooms, you will be introduced to the castle’s 1300-year history and the story of the knight Adrian von Bubenberg. To round off the tour, head to the cafeteria where you can enjoy a luxurious glass of Spiez wine. Do you love art? Find out about the castle’s annual special exhibitions before you visit.
The 12 thousand-year-old churches around Lake Thun are known far and wide and steeped in myth and legend. Inspired by a dream, Rudolf II King of Burgundy and Lombardy had them built in Aeschi bei Spiez, Amsoldingen, Frutigen, Hilterfingen, Leissigen, Scherzligen, Sigriswil, Spiez, Thierachern, Thun, Uttigen and Wimmis. A 13th church in Uttigen burned down in 1536.