The Zähringer keep of about 1190 above Thun's old town, with four corner turrets, a museum of regional history in its Knights' Hall and sweeping views of the Alps.
Schloss Thun is a Zähringer castle keep built around 1190 above the old town of Thun, about 25 minutes by train from Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland. It stands on the Schlossberg at Schlossberg 1 and is recognisable by its massive square keep with four corner turrets. Inside, a museum of regional history occupies several floors, with the Knights' Hall, weapons, tapestries, furniture and archaeological finds from the area. A climb to the top of the keep ends at a platform with views across Thun's rooftops, the Aare, Lake Thun and the Alps, including the Niesen, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on clear days. Most visitors spend about 1.5 hours. In 2026 the castle is open daily 10:00AM to 5:00PM from April to June and September to October, daily 9:30AM to 5:30PM in July and August, daily 1:00PM to 4:00PM from January to March, and on Sundays from 1:00PM to 4:00PM in November and December, with daily opening from 25 December. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Admission is CHF 10 for the castle, CHF 5 for the special exhibition and CHF 15 for the combination ticket, with Swiss Museum Pass and Swiss Travel Pass holders entering free. Children 6 to 16 pay CHF 3, under-6s are free, and a family card costs CHF 20. Guided tours run on Saturdays from June to October for CHF 5 plus admission. From Thun station, the castle is a 15-minute uphill walk through the old town, and the castle phone is +41 33 223 20 01. Clear afternoons give the best view, and summer weekends are the busiest.
| Admission | Adult Castle CHF 10 (~$12); special exhibition CHF 5 (~$6); combination CHF 15 (~$18); Swiss Museum Pass and Swiss Travel Pass free · Child Children 6-16 CHF 3 (~$4); under 6 free; family card CHF 20 (~$25) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 2026: April-June and September-October daily 10:00AM-5:00PM; July-August daily 9:30AM-5:30PM; January-March daily 1:00PM-4:00PM; November-December Sundays 1:00PM-4:00PM (daily from 25 December); last entry 30 minutes before closing |
| Typical visit | 1.5 hours |
| Best time | Clear afternoons for the view; Saturdays June-October for guided tours (CHF 5 plus admission) |
| Getting there | Train Interlaken West to Thun (about 25 minutes) or BLS boat (2 hours 10 minutes), then a 15-minute uphill walk; castle phone +41 33 223 20 01 |
| Address | Schlossberg 1, 3600 Thun |
Location
Schlossberg 1, 3600 Thun
46.7599, 7.6297 View on map
Highlights
- Zähringer keep of about 1190 with four corner turrets
- Museum of regional history in the Knights' Hall
- Rooftop views of Thun, the Aare and the Alps
- Saturday guided tours June-October
- Old town approach via the covered stairs
Tips for visiting
- Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- Swiss Museum Pass and Swiss Travel Pass holders enter free.
- Combination ticket for castle plus special exhibition costs CHF 15.
- Join a Saturday guided tour (CHF 5 plus admission) from June to October.
- Visit on a clear afternoon for the best view.
- Allow time for the 15-minute uphill walk from the station.
When to visit
Clear afternoons for the view; Saturdays from June to October for guided tours.
Accessibility
The castle is a medieval keep with narrow stairs and uneven floors, so wheelchair access is limited, and the approach from the old town is uphill. Contact the castle for details.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 1.5 hours including the museum rooms and the climb to the keep platform.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes. Children 6-16 pay CHF 3, under-6s are free, and the knights' hall and tower climb engage younger visitors.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed in the grounds and from the tower; ask the ticket desk about museum rooms.
How do visitors get there from Interlaken?
By train from Interlaken West to Thun in about 25 minutes, or by BLS boat in 2 hours 10 minutes, then a 15-minute uphill walk.