Thun Castle
At Thun Castle, you can experience culture and history up close. Explore and be amazed.
Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Thun Castle, the Castle Museum invites you on a journey through more than eight centuries of history. See the awe-inspiring donjon built by the Zähringian dukes in around 1200. Trace Thun’s development as a town while discovering the selected treasures of Thun’s Town Hall collection. Learn more about the 800-year history of the “stadtholders”, or stewards, of Thun Castle – from the Zähringer and Kyburg dynasties, through to the various “Schultheisse” (a medieval rank equivalent to that of mayor) of Thun, who were appointed in Bern. Experience the pomp and glory of the high-medieval Great Hall. Take in the unique carpentry of the roof truss, which dates from 1434, and enjoy the impressive views of the city, lake and Alpine panorama from the top of the towers. In addition, the “Neues Schloss” (“New Castle”) hosts an annual special exhibition.
From the train station and the Thun boat landing stage, the castle can be reached in a few minutes via the Old Town and the castle steps or the church steps by the town-hall square.
Special exhibition
Preserved treasures - insights into the ceramics collection of the Thun Castle Foundation
Special exhibition in the new castle, April 24 to May 25
Alongside the Bernisches Historisches Museum and the Rittersaalverein Burgdorf, the Museum Castle Thun is an important Bernese regional museum for the history of ceramics in the Canton of Bern and German-speaking Switzerland. Since its foundation, the focus has been on collecting ceramics and researching regional ceramic production. Today, the museum houses one of the largest collections of ceramics in the canton, including the most important collection of "Thun majolica" and special pieces by ceramists such as Friedrich Ernst Frank, Caesar and Hans Schmalz, as well as the Desa art pottery. Thanks to the Ceramica Foundation, a general inventory of the ceramics collection is currently being carried out. This special exhibition offers an insight into the diverse inventory of ceramics, designs and working materials from Heimberg and Steffisburg ceramics workshops, with the entire collection to be made accessible online by 2025.
Children & families
Become a knight
There are many ordeals to overcome before you are knighted. Just as in medieval times, your training takes place in three stages: first as a page, then a squire and finally a knight. And just as in the Middle Ages, you must undertake a knight’s quest to another castle. Possible destinations include Oberhofen Castle, Thun Castle and Spiez Castle. From May to October; for children aged 6 to 12; CHF 10.00 per knight’s pass.
Detective trail in the castle
There are clues hidden inside the castle. If the little detectives manage to follow these and solve all the puzzles, they can use the correct code to open the wooden chest inside the prison. The piece of evidence that awaits them inside can be exchanged for a small reward at the ticket desk.
Children’s birthday parties
Whether they want to be knights, princesses, dragon-slayers or treasure-hunters – at Thun Castle, children aged 7 to 12 can celebrate an unforgettable birthday. With or without party buffet/barbecue, as desired. From CHF 200.00 all-inclusive. Max. 8 children plus 2 adult companions.
Fairytale wedding in Thun Castle
Enquiries, information, rates and advice
Opening times Today (Wednesday) open
Opening times, castle museum
February 1 to March 31, 2025
daily 13.00 - 16.00 hours
April 1 to June 30, 2025
daily 10.00-17.00 hours
July 1 to August 31, 2025
daily 09.30-17.30 hours
September 1 to October 31, 2025
daily 10.00-17.00 hours
November 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026
every Sunday 13.00-16.00 hours
December 25, 2025 to January 4, 2026
daily 13.00-16.00 hours
Subject to change without prior notice
Rates
Entry fees, museum castle
- CHF 10.00 Adults
- CHF 8.00 Concessions*
- CHF 3.00 Children aged 6 to 15.99
- CHF 8.00 Groups of 10 or more people**
- CHF 5.00 Audio guide (D, E, F, I, Chin.)
* Retirees, recipients of invalidity pension, trainees, students with ID, military personnel
** Per person
Free to children under the age of 5.99 as well as with the Raiffeisen members’ card, Swiss Museum Pass, Museums-Pass-Musées, Swiss Travel Pass and for members of the patrons’ association (“Förderverein”).
Entry fees, special exhibition
- CHF 5.00 Adults
- CHF 3.00 Children aged 6 to 15.99
Castle guided tour for groups
- CHF 140.00 Guided tour, 1 hour, max. 20 people plus entrance fee castle
Lake Thun Castle Card
The Castle Card (Schlössercard) grants individuals / families discounted entry to four major cultural-heritage sites by Lake Thun and a refreshment break at the Restaurant Schloss Schadau.
The Castle Card is valid for one year from the date of issue. You therefore have plenty of time to explore the four museum castles and enjoy a good coffee, prosecco or syrup on the wonderful terrace offering panoramic views of the mountains.
- CHF 35.00 Individuals
- CHF 70.00 Families (2 adults, 2 children)
Included in the price:
- Entry to the castle museums at Thun, Oberhofen, Hünegg and Spiez
- 1 drink (coffee, prosecco, wine, syrup) per person at Schadau Castle
Available at the reception desk of each of the five Lake Thun castles: Spiez, Schadau, Thun, Hünegg and Oberhofen.
Museum Pass Thun
- CHF 22.00 Adults
- CHF 20.00 Reduced price (AHV, IV, students, apprentices)
Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration
BLS suggestion
Museum Pass Thun
In Thun Castle you have the possibility to buy the Museum Pass Thun. This is a new offer and includes, in addition to admission to Thun Castle, Thun Art Museum and Thun Panorama.
How to get there
From the train station and the Thun boat landing stage, the castle can be reached in approx. 15 minutes via the Old Town and the castle steps or the church steps by the town-hall square.
From the Parking City Ost Schlossberg car park, the lift takes you directly up the castle hill.
Location
Contact
- Schloss Thun
- +41 33 223 20 01
- Schloss Thun www.schlossthun.ch
