Thun Castle

Thun Castle (Schloss Thun) rises above the old town of Thun in the Swiss canton of Bern, close to where the Aare river leaves Lake Thun. Its four corner turrets and massive keep define the town's skyline, and inside is a museum covering the history of the town and the surrounding region.

Who built Thun Castle?

Duke Berthold V of Zähringen had the fortress raised in the late 12th century. Some sources date it to 1180–1190, others to around 1200. The keep survives today and counts among the best-preserved of its kind in Switzerland. After the Zähringen line died out the castle passed to the Kyburg family, who added the upper storeys, and it later came under Bern. For centuries it served as a seat of Bernese administration and justice, and from the 19th century part of it held a regional prison. A museum moved in during 1888.

What is inside?

The exhibition spreads across seven levels, from the cellars up to the towers, and draws on roughly 17,000 objects tied to the story of Thun and its surroundings. Displays range from weapons and everyday items to rooms once used by officials.

The highlight is the Knights' Hall, a room about 14 metres high inside the keep, described as one of the largest surviving ceremonial halls of the High Middle Ages in Europe. Alongside the permanent display, a changing exhibition runs each year in the New Castle (Neues Schloss) of the complex. For 2026/27 it is "Ausgezeichnet! Der goldene Stern von Thun", on from 25 April 2026 to 22 March 2027.

What is the view like from the towers?

From the walls and turrets you look over the old town roofs, the Aare, Lake Thun and the Alpine peaks beyond. It is one of the best photo spots in town, especially on a clear day.

When should you go, and what does it cost?

The castle is open all year, but hours change with the season. According to the official factsheet: April to June plus September and October daily 10:00–17:00, July and August 9:30–17:30, February and March daily 13:00–16:00, and November to January on Sundays 13:00–16:00 (daily from 25 December to 10 January). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. An adult ticket costs CHF 10, and a combined ticket with the New Castle CHF 15; reduced fares are lower. Check schlossthun.ch before you go.

How do you get to the castle?

It sits on a hill directly above the old town, so the approach starts in the centre. Trains from Bern reach Thun, and from the station you walk through the old town and climb uphill by stairs or a cobbled lane. The final stretch is steep, which is worth keeping in mind with small children or reduced mobility.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I plan? The museum and the tower views usually take 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is the castle open in winter? Yes, with shorter hours: from November to January mainly Sunday afternoons, and daily 13:00–16:00 in February and March.

Can the hall be hired? The Knights' Hall is available for events from mid-March to mid-November.

How is it different from Schadau and Oberhofen? They are separate sights on Lake Thun. Thun Castle is the medieval fortress in the town, while Schadau and Oberhofen sit on the lakeshore.