If you love water, swimming, and sunbathing, then the open-air pools and lidos around Lake Thun will truly be like your dream paradise. Crystal-clear water will definitely cool you down in the hot summer months while being surrounded by breathtaking mountains. Sounds like a scene from a fairy tale, right? Trust me, it actually looks like one too.
Lake Thun is especially welcoming to those who enjoy the prevailing gentle breeze, like to sail and windsurf. Swimming is typically allowed all around the lake, however, make sure to check out the signs carefully. Especially, if you love photographing then pictures taken at this emerald lake will definitely be in your gallery favorites for a long time.
About Lake Thun?
The deep-blue-colored Lake Thun is situated between the cities of Thun and Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland, on the northern edge of the Alps. This gorgeous place is surrounded by a magnificent backdrop of mountains. Lake Visitors are invited to cool off in a number of swimming and coastal locations.
The Thun lake is fed by two major rivers- Kander and Aare. It has a maximum depth of 217 meters, and an average depth of 136 meters. Additionally, the maximum width of the lake is 3.5 kilometers. The southern part of the lake is shallow and better when visiting with families. Contrary, the northern part of the lake is more sloped, so one will need to pay more attention when swimming in this specific area.
Lidos at Lake Thun
The shoreline of Lake Thun is more than 50 kilometers long. Modern infrastructure mixed with nature’s wonders will truly make anyone fall in love with it. This is why you will come across numerous bathing places all around the lake. After a long walk, sightseeing, or hiking, they can offer perfect relaxation at the end of the day. Below, we will explore some of the most beautiful and unique Open-Air pools and lidos around lake Thun.
Thun lido
Also known as “Strämu”, the Thun lido is loved by locals and tourists, adults and kids. This place managed to become a favorite place for everybody. What is one of the greatest features of this particular lido? Well, undoubtedly the view. From there, you can see the Amazing Bernese Alps. The swimming pool comes with a diving platform that is 10 meters high and is located right in the middle, visible to everyone. And let’s also not forget the fun, 35 meters long water slide.
The unique thing about the Thun Lido is that it also offers calming pools for non-swimmers and for kids. However, major features are 25 meters and 50 meters pools and lake swimming space. If you love sports, then this facility also offers table tennis and beach volleyball. Let’s also not forget the restaurant with great, delicious dishes. Pretty much, the Thun Lido is a great location for families and friends and everybody can enjoy beautiful days there.
If you are wondering about the price, the entrance for children is CHF 2.50, Students/AVH costs CHF 4.00, and an adults ticket is CHF 6.00.
Lido in Spiez
The next beautiful lido I will introduce to you is Lido in Spiez. This place is located in a bay and is right on Lake Thun. If you like the feeling when adrenaline rushes, you have to definitely go there. Why, because there, you will come across the longest water slide in the area with a length of 86 meters. One of the greatest offers of Lido in Spiez is the restaurant that has a terrace with amazing views.
Non Swimmers can use the non-swimmer areas which are designed for relaxation and leisure. If you or your friends and family enjoy sports, the Lido in Spiez offers a football pitch, table tennis tables, beach volleyball, and 50 meters long swimming pool with multiple lanes.
As for the price, the cost of entrance for children is CHF 3.30, for adults it is CHF 6.60, and for Apprentices- CHF 5.50.
Neuhaus Lido near Interlaken
If you want to enjoy the panoramic views of lake Thun while sunbathing, then the Neuhaus Lido near Interlaken is perfect for you. In addition to all the comfort, the shady trees create a mystique environment and an amazing atmosphere. Not only it offers swimming pools and areas for swimmers and non-swimmers, but Sports lovers can play beach volleyball with family and friends. As we can guess from the name, the Neuhaus Lido is very close to the beautiful city of Interlaken.
Neuhaus Lido offers all essential facilities for your comfort including showers, cloakrooms, and WCs. Numerous activities offered by the facility include renting a kayak, SUP, or pedalo. In addition to that, you can also get Steerable motorboats without the test. Undoubtedly, the Neuhaus Lido near Interlaken is a great place to spend a warm summer day with loved ones.
Merligen Lido
Now it is time to explore Merligen Lido, located right next to the Merlin Beatus bus station. Apart from the perfect location, it also has nearby parking for those who visit with a car. This Lido is open from mid-may to mid-September and offers a wide range of services and features.
One of the great things about the Merlin Lido is that it has a large heated pool. It has a length of 25 meters and a temperature of 23 degrees. In addition to that, there also is a children’s pool, table tennis area, sandpit, and bistro. The largest pool in the Merlin Lido can accommodate 200 people. What can compare to swimming in the relaxing, soothing water while being surrounded by the mountain panorama?
Address: Strandbad Merligen | Seestrasse 294 | 3658 Merligen
Gunten Lido
Gunten Lido is another beautiful facility on Lake Thun which has amazing mountain views of Stockhorn Range, and Niesen. Gunten Lido is currently known as “Hirschebedli” and once was part of Hotel hirschen. Currently, the swimming zone is located on the right side of the lake and is free to enter. Here, you can enjoy the cool water, eat ice cream, get a drink and tasty snack and spend some quality time with loved ones.
Oberhofen Lido
Oberhofen Lido is another popular place located on Lake Thun and offers a restaurant, sunbathing lawn, children’s pool, large swimming pool, and non-swimmer pool. Additionally, you will also come across the trampoline and the floating platform which is 5 meters high. Another great thing about this Lido is that it has free admission.
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Hünegg bathing site and lido
Hunegg bathing site and lido are amazing places for families and groups of friends. Especially, if you travel budget-friendly, this place will welcome you happily, because the entrance is actually free. Apart from swimming and diving, in the Hunegg bathing site and lido, you can enjoy various sports activities such as table tennis. Additional facility features include changing cabins, loungers, and a Badi-Bistro.
Faulensee Lido
Another wonderful free Lido on Lake Thun is Faulensee Lido which is especially good for picnics and lounging. It is open all year and is very easy to access. It has a parking space and the facility is also close to the bus station. Showers, toilets, and changing rooms are available for everybody.
Leissigen Lido
Leissigen Lido is the perfect location for aperitifs, concerts, and events. It is family-friendly and full of features and activities such as table tennis and stand-up paddleboard. This Lido has a nons-swimmers area too. Breathtaking views are even more spectacular in the evening when the sun set paints the horizon in orange and red colors.
“Hidden” Bathing Sites on Lake Thun
Everyone knows and enjoys the Lidos around lake Thun, however, they often become crowded. Therefore, you may be looking for something not so known to everybody. Such spots are “Hidden” bathing sites on lake Thun.
Lake Meadow Gwatt
Lake meadow Gwatt is a great site that has to be reserved in advance. There, you will come across the barbecue area and snack vending carts. (on the weekends) The entrance to Lake Meadow Gwatt is CHF 5.00 for each person.
Delta Park Gwatt
Delta Park Gwatt is another beautiful, not crowded place where you can spend some quality time with your family and friends. It has small steps entering into the lake, which is the perfect location to take pictures. The area is designed for barbecue and rafting and is located near the “Deltapark” boat station.
Wallrain Spiez
Wallrain Spiez is another cozy public bathing area with a sunbathing lawn. The visitors can access the lake with small steps. Comfortable benches and shady trees really set the mood. However, note that there is no fireplace or showers at this location.
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Summary & Final Thoughts
Lake Thun is a beautiful, mesmerizing place with crystal-clear water and large surrounding mountains. Because of this, there are many open-air pools and Lidos. Those Lidos explored above offer everything starting from the heated swimming pool and ending with sports activities. Who would get bored gazing at high mountains while sunbathing or swimming in the cool water? Not me, definitely.
