Schadau Castle

Schadau Castle (Schloss Schadau) sits on the shore of Lake Thun in Thun, Canton Bern, right where the lake drains into the Aare river. A neo-Gothic residence from the mid-19th century, it is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. Today it houses a restaurant, a small hotel and the Swiss Gastronomy Museum, and the surrounding park is open to everyone.

What is Schadau Castle?

Despite the name, this is not a medieval fortress but a historicist country house. It was commissioned by the banker Abraham Denis Alfred de Rougemont, who bought the estate in 1837 and expanded it. The plans came from the Swiss architect James Victor Collin and his French colleague Pierre-Charles Dusillon. Construction ran roughly from 1846 to 1854, with sources giving slightly different completion years. The design blends French and English Gothic with Renaissance touches, and inside, a decorated spiral staircase is a highlight.

What can you see?

• The lakeside facade with turrets and battlements, best seen from the shore path or from a boat.
• An English-style landscape park with promenades and views over the lake toward the Alps.
• The Thun Panorama by Marquard Wocher (1809-14), one of the oldest surviving panoramas in Europe, moved to the park in 1961.
• The Swiss Gastronomy Museum inside the castle.
• A restaurant, in operation here since 1928, plus a nine-room hotel opened after renovation.

How did the city come to own it?

After 1917 the building declined and faced demolition. In 1925 the city of Thun bought it for 380,000 francs following a public vote, and it still owns the castle and park.

How do you get there?

The castle stands at Seestrasse 45 on the south bank of the Aare, about a 20-25 minute walk from Thun station along the riverside paths. You can also arrive by lake boat or local bus. Thun station has direct trains from Bern and Interlaken.

When should you visit?

Late spring to early autumn is best, when the restaurant terrace is open and lake views are at their clearest. The park is open year-round, so a short stroll works in any season.

Frequently asked questions

Is Schadau the same as Thun Castle? No. Thun Castle (Schloss Thun) is a medieval fortress on the hill above the old town. Schadau is much younger and stands by the lake.

Can you go inside? Yes, as a restaurant or museum visitor or as a hotel guest. The park is open to all.

How long should you plan? An hour covers the park and shoreline; allow half a day with a meal and the museum.

Is it a protected monument? Yes, it is in the Swiss inventory of heritage sites of national significance.