10 Things to Do in Thun-Oberland Railway, Thun Switzerland
The Thun-Oberland Railway is a scenic railway line in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. The line runs from Thun via the Simmental valley to Zweisimmen, passing through the picturesque villages of Spiez, Frutigen and Kandersteg. It is a popular tourist destination, offering breathtaking views of the Alps and the Bernese Oberland. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Thun-Oberland Railway.
1. Take a Train Ride
The Thun-Oberland Railway is a great way to explore the breathtaking scenery of the Bernese Oberland. The journey takes you through the Simmental valley, with its rolling hills and lush meadows, and along the shores of Lake Thun. On the way, you will pass through the villages of Spiez, Frutigen and Kandersteg, and admire the spectacular views of the snow-capped Alps.
2. Visit the Thun Castle
The Thun Castle is a medieval fortress overlooking the city of Thun. It was built in the 12th century and served as the residence of the Counts of Thun. Today, the castle is open to the public and offers guided tours, as well as a museum and a cafe.
3. Explore the City of Thun
The city of Thun is a charming and historic city, situated at the foot of the Alps. It has a beautiful old town, with cobbled streets, quaint shops, and a picturesque lakeside promenade. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to explore.
4. Visit the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum
The Ballenberg Open-Air Museum is a living museum, showcasing traditional Swiss architecture and culture. It is located in the Simmental valley and features over 100 buildings, including farms, mills, and workshops. There are also animals, gardens, and a variety of activities for the whole family.
5. Go Hiking
The Thun-Oberland Railway is a great starting point for a variety of hiking trails. There are numerous trails of varying difficulty, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The trails offer stunning views of the Alps and the surrounding countryside.
6. Go Skiing
The Thun-Oberland Railway is close to some of the best ski resorts in Switzerland. The resorts offer a variety of ski runs, from beginner slopes to more challenging runs for experienced skiers. There are also plenty of activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing and sledding.
7. Visit the Aare Gorge
The Aare Gorge is a spectacular natural formation, carved out by the Aare river. The gorge is located near the town of Meiringen and is accessible via a cable car. At the bottom of the gorge, you can explore the rocky cliffs and admire the cascading waterfalls.
8. Explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is a stunning valley in the Bernese Oberland. It is known for its dramatic waterfalls and lush meadows, and is a great place for hiking and exploring. The valley is also home to the iconic Jungfrau mountain, which can be seen from many of the valley's viewpoints.
9. Visit the Oeschinen Lake
The Oeschinen Lake is a stunning alpine lake, located in the Kandersteg region. The lake is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland and offers some of the best views in the region. The lake is accessible via a cable car and is a popular spot for swimming, boating and fishing.
10. Go Sledding
The Thun-Oberland Railway is close to some of the best sledding spots in Switzerland. The area is home to numerous sledding hills, ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging runs. The sledding hills offer stunning views of the Alps and are a great way to explore the region.