We were more relaxed today and got more sleep in as we have covered both mountains we wanted to see and we wanted to take it easy for today. Today’s plan is to take Lake Thun cruise and on the way back visiting Spiez and Interlaken. We took the train to Interlaken Ost and then walking to the west where we can take the cruise from. I was hoping we could walk by the lake but the lake was behind us and we had to walk thru the main road which were full of shops.
It was a 20 minutes walk to West station and we follow the direction for the cruise. We could see the cruise ship and was told we could buy the ticket on the ship. We also bought train ticket back from Thun to Interlaken west on the ship.
Lake Thun Cruise
Lake Thun is a beautiful lake located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. One of the best ways to explore the lake and its stunning surroundings is by taking a Lake Thun cruise. The colour of lake Thun was a beautiful turquoise blue which resulted from glacial particles known as “rock flour” which reflect the blue-green sector of the light spectrum.
A Lake Thun cruise typically ends in the town of Thun and takes passengers on a leisurely journey around the lake. The cruise offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Some of the highlights of a Lake Thun cruise include the picturesque town of Spiez, the stunning Niesen mountain, and the picturesque village of Oberhofen with its beautiful castle. The cruise also offers an opportunity to see the St. Beatus Caves, a network of limestone caves located on the northern shore of the lake.
There are several different types of Lake Thun cruises available, ranging from short sightseeing trips to longer excursions that include stops at charming lakeside towns and villages. Some cruises also offer onboard dining, with meals featuring local Swiss cuisine.
During the cruise, passengers can relax on the open-air deck or in the comfortable cabins, enjoying the fresh mountain air and the picturesque views. The boats are equipped with modern amenities such as restrooms and refreshment bars. The boat has first and second class. We sat outside on the second class and opened our picnic lunch as we started cruising
The cruise also stops at various points where people can get on and off and most of them are hotels. I could see many holiday homes and people sunbathing and swimming in the lake. I made a mental note in my head that in my next summer trip to Swiss, on top of hiking we also need to stay in one of those holiday home by the lake.
Thun Lake cruise was 2 hours journey. We alighted in Thun and continue to explore the town.
The town of Thun lies at the north-western end of Lake Thun, and is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The River Aare, which flows from Lake Thun to Bern, shapes the cityscape of the eleventh-largest city in Switzerland with some 44,000 inhabitants.
Here are the popular things to do in Thun
Visit Thun Castle
Thun Castle is a medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century and the city’s most famous landmark. Thun Castle’s tower that was built between 1180 and 1190, which towers majestically over the Old Town. A historical museum is housed in the tower rooms, showcasing finds from the past 800 years relating to the region and its history, as well as a special exhibition which changes each year. Pride of place goes to the restored 12th-century knights’ hall, however. The view from the castle tower of the mountains and the lake is also unparalleled.
We found a more efficient way to Thun Castle without taking the stairs. There is an elevator to go up to the castle located in the parking building. The Castle in the modern days have been turned into a Hotel and Restaurant but you can still visit and roam around the area and look at the view of Thun village from above.
Walk along the River Aare
The River Aare runs through Thun and offers a beautiful promenade for a leisurely stroll.
Visit the Old Town
Thun’s Old Town is a picturesque area with cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and charming shops and cafes.
Take a boat cruise on Lake Thun
Lake Thun is a stunning body of water, and taking a boat cruise allows visitors to see the area from a different perspective.
Visit the Thun Panorama
The Thun Panorama is a circular painting that depicts a panoramic view of the town and surrounding mountains. Visitors can walk around the painting and feel as though they are standing in the middle of the scenery.
Visit the Thun Art Museum
The Thun Art Museum features a collection of Swiss art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Take a day trip to nearby towns
Thun is located near many other charming towns such as Spiez, Interlaken, and Bern, which are worth a visit.
Spiez
Spiez is a charming town located on the shore of Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and excellent recreational opportunities. Spiez is also an ideal starting point for exploring a wide range of popular destinations in the Bernese Oberland and the Valais. We saw Spiez the first time when we get out of the Euro train from Milan and fell in love at first sight.
Here are some things to do in Spiez:
Visit Spiez Castle
This medieval castle dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most well-preserved castles in Switzerland. Visitors can tour the castle and its gardens and learn about its history.
Visit the Schlosskirche: This church, located next to the Spiez Castle, dates back to the 11th century and has a beautiful interior.
Take a boat cruise on Lake Thun: The lake is a beautiful sight to see and taking a boat cruise allows you to see the area from a different perspective.
Walk along the lakeside promenade: The promenade offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains and is a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Go hiking: There are many hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, offering breathtaking views of the area.
Visit the Spiez Vineyards: The vineyards in Spiez produce some of Switzerland’s best wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and sample the wines.
Take a day trip to nearby towns: Spiez is located near many other picturesque towns such as Interlaken, Thun, and Grindelwald, which are worth a visit.
We took the train from Thun and stop in Spiez where we then ride the little lido train which took us around Spiez in 40 minutes. The train really saved our legs from having to climb on our way back.
Interlaken
Interlaken is a picturesque town located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, situated between two stunning lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.
Many people stay in Interlaken when they want to explore Jungfrau region. There are many halal and Asian restaurants as there were many Arab, Indian and Chinese nationalities staying in Interlaken. Interlaken made a nice base if you also wanted to cover non-Jungfrau region.
Here are some things to do in Interlaken
Go hiking: Interlaken is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and there are many hiking trails for all levels. Some popular hikes include the Eiger Trail and the Schynige Platte hike.
Take a train ride: Interlaken is well-connected by rail, and there are many scenic train rides to take in the area. The Jungfrau Railway takes visitors up to the Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe.
Visit the lakes: Interlaken is located between two beautiful lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Visitors can take a boat cruise or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lakes.
Try adventure sports: Interlaken is known for its adventure sports such as paragliding, skydiving, and bungee jumping. The town is also a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. When we walked thru the park we saw many skydivers in the sky who made their landing in the park.
Visit the Harder Kulm: The Harder Kulm is a mountain peak that offers stunning views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a funicular up to the top.
Explore the town: Interlaken has a charming old town with many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can also check out the Höhematte Park, which is a large green space in the center of town.
Visit nearby attractions: Interlaken is located near many other attractions such as the Trümmelbach Falls, the Schilthorn peak, and the Grindelwald Glacier.
Today was our last day in the Jungfrau region and the last 4 days had been amazing. We still have not explored Schynigge Platte, Wengen and Almendhubel. Hopefully we will be able to return again and explore the areas we didn’t get to visit.
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