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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.