Major city · Switzerland
Thun
Base in Thun for 2 nights if you want a lake town with a real old town and quick trains to Bern, Interlaken and the Bernese Highlands.
Thun is a small city on the Aare where the river leaves Lake Thun, 17 minutes by train from Bern and about 30 from Interlaken. It works as a quieter, cheaper base than Interlaken for the Bernese Highlands: a medieval castle above the old town, a lake with swimming and boats, and rail links west to Bern and south to Spiez, Interlaken and the mountain valleys. Two nights covers the town and one lake or mountain day; one night is enough if you are only passing through.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CHF
- Best months
- May–Sep for the lake and swimming; Dec–Mar for snow on the mountains
- avoid Nov (grey, many lake boats and mountain lifts reduced)
- Airports
- BRN · ZRH · BSL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is in the Schengen area but not the EU: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is outside the EU customs area: allowances on meat, alcohol and tobacco are strict and checked at borders.
- Switzerland ↗Motorways need a vignette (sticker or e-vignette) before you drive on them.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Thun117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Thun, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).Switzerland-wide
- SIM or eSIMSwisscom, Sunrise and Salt sell prepaid SIMs (ID needed); Swisscom covers the most mountain terrain.Switzerland-wide
- Tap waterTap and fountain water is excellent.Switzerland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service included; round up or leave 5–10% for good service.Switzerland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/J. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Switzerland-wide
- SafetyThun is a low-risk town; the main hazards are the fast, cold Aare and mountain weather.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStation toilets cost CHF 1–2 (≈ US$2–3); restaurants and department stores are free for customers.Switzerland-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 144 ambulance · 118 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close early on Saturday in small towns and all day Sunday, except stations and airports.Switzerland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBRN Bern Airport (Belp) (Bus to Belp station, then S4/S44 train to Thun; about 40–50 min total).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: station to castle is about 10 minutes uphill.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8)
- Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range restaurantCHF 30–55 (≈ US$40–70)
- Beerdraught / supermarket canCHF 6–9 (≈ US$8–12)CHF 2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus single rideCHF 3–4 (≈ US$4–5)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekCHF 15–30 (≈ US$19–40)
- Museum or sight ticketCastle or museum entryCHF 8–12 (≈ US$10–15)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCHF 40 (≈ US$50)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per roomCHF 190 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per roomCHF 320 (≈ US$400)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CHF 100 (≈ US$130) · Mid CHF 180 (≈ US$250) · High CHF 320 (≈ US$400)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BRN Bern Airport (Belp) (Bus to Belp station, then S4/S44 train to Thun; about 40–50 min total) · ZRH Zurich Airport (IC trains to Thun in about 1 h 40 min) · BSL Basel EuroAirport (Train via Basel SBB to Thun, about 2 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
Best
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
Best
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
Best
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: May–Sep, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Thun: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: station to castle is about 10 minutes uphill. STI buses cover the city and lake-side districts; buy a zone ticket or a day pass if you ride three or more times. Trains from Thun station reach Bern in 17 min, Interlaken in about 30 min and Spiez in about 10 min. Lake boats leave from the quay near the station.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
IC train from Thun station
Old town, arcades and the Aare; easy half day or full day.
Door to door: About 40–50 min
Train from Thun, change at Spiez on some services
Use it as the transfer point for Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and the Jungfrau region.
Spiez
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Train from Thun
Castle, bay and vineyard walks above the lake.
Kandersteg
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train to Spiez, then the BLS line south
Oeschinensee and alpine walking; a full day.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Train to Interlaken Ost, then the Bernese Oberland line
Long for a day but doable if you leave early.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Train to Interlaken Ost, then Lauterbrunnen and the mountain railway
Better as an overnight than a day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old town (Rathausplatz, Obere Hauptgasse)
Best for a short stay: castle, river and restaurants on foot; 5–10 min walk from the station.
Station and Bälliz
Practical for early trains and shopping; the Bälliz pedestrian street runs from the station to the old town.
Aare quay and Mühleplatz
Bars and river views; a few minutes from the old town, slightly quieter at night.
Schadau and lake shore
Park, castle and lake swimming; 20–25 min walk or bus 1 from the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CHF 90–140 (≈ US$120–180) excl. bed
- Mid
- CHF 150–230 (≈ US$190–300) excl. bed
- High
- CHF 250 (≈ US$350)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 2 nights × CHF 190 | CHF 380 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CHF 180 | CHF 720 |
| Train Bern–Thun, one way2 × CHF 15 | CHF 30 |
| City bus single ride2 × CHF 3 | CHF 6 |
| Lake Thun boat, short hop2 × CHF 15 | CHF 30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CHF 20 | CHF 40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CHF 121 |
| Trip total≈ CHF 332 per person per day, bed included | CHF 1,327≈ US$1,700 |
2026 estimate in Swiss francs; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | CHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Lunch, café or takeaway | CHF 15–25 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Dinner, mid-range restaurant | CHF 30–55 (≈ US$40–70) |
| Beer, draught / supermarket can | CHF 6–9 (≈ US$8–12) / CHF 2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| City bus single ride | CHF 3–4 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Castle or museum entry | CHF 8–12 (≈ US$10–15) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | CHF 15–30 (≈ US$19–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Aare is fast and cold: swim at the supervised Strandbad or Schwäbis-Bad, not from the river banks.
- Castle and museum opening hours change by season and some close on Mondays: check before you climb up.
- Sunday is quiet: many shops shut and some restaurants close.
- Card payment is normal, but keep some francs for small kiosks and boat or bus machines.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Ambulance
- 144
- Fire
- 118
- European emergency
- 112
- Rega air rescue
- 1414
Pocket card
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ThunThun
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Bitte zu dieser AdresseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Ambulance144
- Fire118
- European emergency112
- Rega air rescue1414
Embassy
No embassies in Thun; most are in Bern, about 30 min by train. The US and UK missions are in Bern (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Thun → Bern: about CHF 15 (≈ US$19), 17 min
- Train Thun → Interlaken: about CHF 15–20 (≈ US$19–25), 30–50 min
- City bus single ride: CHF 3–4 (≈ US$4–5)
Say or show
- Grüezi — Hello (GRUE-tsi)
- Merci vielmal — Thank you (MER-si FEEL-mal)
- Bitte — Please (BIT-teh)
- Was kostet das? — How much is it? (vas KOS-tet das)
- Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? — Can I pay by card? (kan ikh mit KAR-teh TSA-len)
- Wo ist die Toilette? — Where is the toilet? (vo ist dee toy-LET-teh)
Swiss German is spoken; English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and stations.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Thun. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep for the lake and swimming; Dec–Mar for snow on the mountains · avoid Nov (grey, many lake boats and mountain lifts reduced) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BRN, ZRH and BSL: last train times, bus fallback, taxi rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: station and Bälliz, old town and castle, Aare quay and Mühleplatz, Schadau and lake shore.
- Place pages with verified seasonal hours (Thun Castle, Kunstmuseum, Schadau) and eat pages with last orders.
- Lake boat and mountain lift fixtures so summer and winter days can go green.
Sources
- officialThun official city website
- officialSwiss Federal Railways (SBB)
- officialThun Castle
- officialKunstmuseum Thun
- officialSchadau Castle
- officialSTI bus, Thun
- secondaryWikivoyage: Thun, revision 5306043 (CC BY-SA 4.0)