Schloss Thun
Knowledge & culture

Thun Castle

High above Thun, the castle tells more than 800 years of history. Medieval halls, historic collections and views from the towers over the city, lake and Alps make a visit a special cultural experience.

800 years of history under one roof

The keep, built around 1200, takes you on a journey through the history of Thun – from the Zähringen and Kyburg dynasties to the mayors of Thun. Discover the high-medieval Knights’ Hall, selected treasures from the town hall collection and the impressive carpentry in the roof structure dating from 1434.

From the towers, you can enjoy sweeping views over Thun, the lake and the Alps. The museum experience is complemented by changing special exhibitions and events.

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.

"Distinguished! The Golden Star of Thun – 550 Years Since the Battle of Murten"
25 April 2026 – 22 March 2027

Starting on 25 April 2026, Thun Castle will spotlight a particularly dazzling chapter of Swiss history: the new special exhibition «Distinguished! The Golden Star of Thun – 550 Years Since the Battle of Murten» is dedicated to the legendary enhancement of Thun’s coat of arms during the Burgundian Wars. Charles lost everything – Thun gained a star.

Marking the 550th anniversary of the Battle of Murten, the special exhibition explores the history of seals and coats of arms in Thun. At the centre of the exhibition are precious flags, banners, seals and heraldic emblems, compelling stories, and a question that continues to fascinate visitors today: Why does Thun bear a golden star in its coat of arms?

The exhibition shows how historical events, collective memory and symbols shape urban identity – presented in an engaging way for history enthusiasts, families and everyone wishing to discover Thun from a new perspective.

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.

Made in Thun

A fun scavenger hunt for the whole family: Where have the exhibits escaped from the display cases? The goal is to find Minette and her friends throughout the castle.

Culture at the castle

Public cultural events are held regularly in the Knights' Hall. The unique atmosphere and excellent acoustics make classical concerts as part of the castle concert series or the SchlossTheaterThun theater company an unforgettable experience. All events can be found in the annual program.

December on Schlossberg

Samichlous will visit Schlossberg on 6 December from 13.00 to 16.00 hours. On 12 December, things will get magical: from 16.00 to 21.00 hours, the Festival of Lights on Schlossberg will create a magical atmosphere and festive pre-Christmas mood. Come and be enchanted with your family and friends and enjoy the special magic of Schlossberg during Advent.

Whether it's a special occasion such as a team outing or private celebration, you can take a journey through time together. Let yourself be transported back to bygone eras and experience Thun Castle on your desired date, all year round.

On 7 November and 5 December, you can explore the castle at night by lantern light while listening to spooky stories. The public tours "Night at the Museum" start at 20.00 hours. In German. 

On 26 November 2026, Schloss Thun will become a magical place. At 19.00 hours, storyteller Andreas Sommer will tell legends and fairy tales. Suitable for ages 7 and up, in German.

Registration: info@schlossthun.ch / For more information, click here.

Castle tour

On the castle tour, you will discover 800 years of history in just 60 minutes – vividly narrated and full of exciting insights. The medieval castle towers above the city and today houses a diverse museum with impressive exhibits.

Duration: 1 hour; languages: DE, FR, IT, EN
Cost: CHF 160 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

City and castle tour

The popular combined tour combines a walk through Thun's old town with a visit to Thun Castle and its historical museum. This allows you to experience the town and castle in a single, varied program.

Duration: 2 hours; languages: DE, FR, IT, EN
Cost: CHF 200 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

From the castle tower to the new world – An anabaptist tour

Follow in the footsteps of the Anabaptists of Thun, Simmen, and Emmental, including the tower prison where Anabaptist men and women were held captive. Designed especially for visitors from the U.S. and Canada.

Duration: 1 hour; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 160 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

Almost Emperor – Nobility Tour “Before Sisi”

The Zähringers, Kyburgs, and Habsburgs: from the “almost-king” Berchtold V to the Kyburg legacy and the rise of the Habsburgs, featuring the enigmatic Thun executioner’s sword. A prelude to the “Road of Dynasties” from Bern to the ancestral castle of Habsburg.

Duration: 1 hour; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 160 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person 

Behind bars

In the footsteps of court and prison

Duration: 1 hour; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 160 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

HERSTORY

Strong women in the history of Thun and the Bernese Oberland

Duration: 1 hour; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 160 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

Faith and power

In the footsteps of saints, founders, reformers and anabaptists

Duration: 1 hour; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 160 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

On the wooden path through Thun Castle

An exciting search for clues to the castle’s diverse conversions and dynamic architectural history

Duration: 1 hour; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 160 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

High on horseback and yet bankrupt

Aristocratic life on Lake Thun

Duration: 1 hour; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 160 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

Guided tour of the collection depot

Get a peek behind the scenes and discover where our precious treasures are kept and cared for

Duration: 1.5 hours; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 160 per group (max. 6–8 people)

Night at the museum

Ghost stories at Thun Castle. Experience Thun Castle by lantern light!

Duration: 1.5 hours; languages: DE
Cost: CHF 490 per group (max. 20 people) incl. castle admission and special opening

History of the Zähringer

In the footsteps of the Zähringer in Thun town and castle

Duration: 2 hours; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 200 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

History of the Kyburgs

The Kyburgs in Thun: History of the town and castle

Duration: 2 hours; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 200 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

Tourism history in Thun

Discover the diverse tourism history of the city of Thun

Duration: 2 hours; languages: DE, FR, EN
Cost: CHF 200 per group (max. 20 people); admission: CHF 10 per person / 10 people or more: CHF 8 per person

The romantic castle grounds offer a stylish setting for your dream wedding. Towering over Thun, with views of the surrounding mountains, Thun Castle is a unique, picture-postcard idyll. The castle hill and the town of Thun have a shared history spanning more than eight centuries. An ideal place to make your eternal vows. Whether in the renovated rooms of the new castle or in lofty Thun Castle with its four towers and feudal knights’ hall, in the restaurant, in the banqueting rooms, lounges, castle courtyards or hotel: the unique atmosphere of this historical setting is palpable everywhere.

Enquiries, information, rates and advice

Opening times, castle museum

1 February to 31 March 2026
daily 13.00–16.00 hours

1 April to 30 June 2026
daily 10.00–17.00 hours

1 July to 31 August 2026
daily 09.30–17.30 hours

1 September to 31 October 2026
daily 10.00–17.00 hours

1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027
every Sunday 13.00–16.00 hours

25 December 2026 to 10 January 2027
daily 13.00–16.00 hours

  
Subject to change without prior notice

  • 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”).

  • CHF 5.00 Adults
  • CHF 3.00 Children aged 6 to 15.99

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.

With the Museum Pass Thun you also get admission to Thun Castle, Thun Art Museum and Thun Panorama.
  • CHF 22.00 Adults
  • CHF 20.00 Reduced price (AHV, IV, students, apprentices)
Holders of the Raiffeisen Card or the Swiss Travel Pass can visit the museums free of charge.

 

Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration

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.

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.

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