One of Switzerland's most picturesque lake swimming spots, with impossibly turquoise water from glacial meltwater and panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. A perfect post-hike cool-down.
Strandbad Interlaken at Neuhaus sits on the eastern shore of Lake Thun, approximately 3 km south of Interlaken's town center in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It ranks among the most visually spectacular lake swimming venues in the Alps, combining brilliant turquoise water — produced by glacial flour (finely ground rock particles suspended in Alpine meltwater) — with an unobstructed panorama of the Eiger (3,967 m), Mönch (4,107 m), and Jungfrau (4,158 m) rising across the valley to the south.
The beach at Neuhaus occupies a well-defined grassy and gravelly lakeshore, open and moderately exposed to the prevailing valley breeze that tracks along the Bernese Oberland corridor. The water entry is gentle and gradual, suitable for all ages, and the turquoise clarity is exceptional — visibility several meters into the lake is typical on calm, sunny days. By midsummer, Lake Thun's surface temperature reaches 20–24°C, warmer than many higher-altitude Alpine lakes due to the lake's relatively low elevation and substantial surface area.
SUP boards and kayaks are available for rental directly at the site, adding active water recreation to a simple swim. The facility includes a restaurant with a mountain-view terrace, changing rooms, showers, beach volleyball courts, and a children's playground. Car parking is available on-site, which is uncommon among Swiss lake lidos and makes this a particularly convenient destination for visitors traveling with families or bicycles.
The site also serves as a stop for BLS lake steamers operating the Lake Thun circuit. Cyclists and pedestrians can reach Neuhaus via the lakeside path from Interlaken West station, and summer bus services also connect to the area. The combination of easy access, dramatic scenery, warm water, and comprehensive amenities makes Strandbad Interlaken Neuhaus one of the most recommended summer destinations in the entire Bernese Oberland.
Amenities
- parking
- changing rooms
- showers
- restaurant
- children's playground
- beach volleyball
- SUP rental
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, photographers, couples, sunbathers
Highlights
- Extraordinary panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau from the lakeshore
- Brilliant turquoise glacial water with exceptional clarity and warm midsummer temperatures
- SUP board and kayak rental available directly at the beach
- On-site restaurant with mountain-view terrace, car parking, and children's playground
- BLS lake steamer stop — the site can be reached or departed by boat on Lake Thun
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10:00 on sunny summer weekends as the on-site parking fills quickly
- Rent a SUP board in the morning — afternoon valley wind increases surface chop on the lake
- The turquoise color is most vivid on bright, sunny days; overcast conditions reduce the effect significantly
- Bus 21 from Interlaken West station serves the Neuhaus area in summer
- The mountain-view restaurant terrace is popular for evening meals — booking ahead in July is advisable
When to visit
Late July through mid-August offers peak lake temperatures (20–24°C) and the best chance of clear views to the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Early morning visits on weekdays avoid the weekend crowds and offer the calmest water for SUP.
Accessibility
The site has car parking with a short, level walk to the lakeshore facilities. Changing rooms are accessible. The lakeside path from Interlaken is largely flat and paved. The lake entry involves a gravel and grass shoreline; beach wheelchair availability should be confirmed with the facility directly.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the water at Lake Thun so turquoise?
The distinctive turquoise color comes from glacial flour — extremely fine mineral particles ground by glaciers above the valley and carried by meltwater into the lake. These suspended particles scatter sunlight, producing the intense blue-green hues the lake is known for.
How warm does Lake Thun get in summer?
Surface temperatures typically reach 20–24°C by late July and early August, making Lake Thun one of the warmer Alpine lakes and comfortable for extended swimming without a wetsuit.
Are there facilities for young children?
Yes — a children's playground and gently sloping shallow lake entry make the site a popular choice for families. The calm eastern shore also reduces wave action for younger swimmers.
Can visitors combine a swim with a lake cruise?
Yes. BLS lake steamers include Neuhaus on their Lake Thun circuit. Visitors can take the boat in one direction and return by foot or bicycle along the lakefront path to Interlaken.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry to the lido facilities is charged at the gate at standard Swiss municipal rates. SUP and kayak rentals carry an additional hourly charge. Check locally for current pricing.