Thun Castle (Schloss Thun), Switzerland: Museum & Views

04/11/2026

Thun Castle (Schloss Thun) stands on a hill above the old town of Thun, at the point where the Aare River leaves Lake Thun. With its white walls, red roof and four corner towers, it is one of the best-known castles in Switzerland. Duke Berthold V of Zähringen built the main tower between 1180 and 1190. Later the castle belonged to the Kyburg family, and from 1384 to the city of Bern, which used it as a seat of government and a court. A museum opened in the castle in 1888, and today it is a Swiss heritage site of national importance.

What to See

The museum fills the five floors of the main tower and tells the history of the region over about 4,000 years. The highlight is the Knights’ Hall, a 14-metre-high hall from the Middle Ages with a big fireplace. It is the largest hall of its kind in Switzerland that has survived in its original form, and today it is also used for concerts and events. Other rooms show old furniture, toys, pottery and objects from daily life. Under the huge roof you can see the strong old wooden beams. Do not miss the four corner towers: from the top you have a wonderful view over the roofs of Thun, the lake and the snowy peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

How to Get There and Practical Information

Thun is about 20 minutes by train from Bern. From Thun train station you walk about 10–15 minutes through the old town to the castle. A covered wooden staircase from the old town leads up the hill. From April to October the museum is open every day, usually from 10:00 to 17:00, and in July and August from 9:30 to 17:30. In February and March it is open daily from 13:00 to 16:00, and from November to January only on Sundays in the afternoon. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing. The visit takes about one hour. You can combine it with a walk along the Aare River or a boat trip on Lake Thun.