Hello everyone, I'm planning a trip to Switzerland in late June with my daughter and her friend (both 18). Instead of staying a night or two at multiple locations, we have decided that we would prefer to stay around the Lake Thun/ Lake Brienz region, so we can easily access that area of Switzerland. I have semi-landed on the idea of making a homebase in Thun, for the following reasons:

• it seems like a good sized city with plenty to do if the kids want to shop, eat out, stroll around, etc. in the evenings
• from the pictures, it looks like a gorgeous, medieval city as well
• it seems to be in a good location, both to visit Bern and the Interlaken areas, and we won't have a car
• the accommodation prices are much more reasonable than Interlaken, for example

Does anyone have any thoughts on Thun? It doesn't seem to be a city that is mentioned frequently as a home base, or even more than a day trip, so I'm wondering if I am missing something. I'd really appreciate any information. Thank you! Then after the 4 or 5 days there, we would likely spend 2 days in Murren, for an immersive mountain experience (with a few days focus on hiking). Then we would head back to Paris and then fly home.

I'd love any comments, suggestions, or thoughts. Thanks so much!

We had a day trip by train to Thun, from Lauterbrunnen, and really enjoyed it. From memory, it was attractive, not a big place, nice cafes and shops. I think we were contemplating using the ferry for part of the journey but it would have taken longer. In nice weather, the lake views would be gorgeous.

We enjoyed time on Lake Brienz but it is too far to use a base except for a few days of “lake time.”However you should look at the Berner Oberland. Interlacken is a transit hub for that area in the mountains. Stay in Grindelwald, Wengen or Murren. You’ll be in the mountains with incredible views, the reason to travel to Switzerland.

Hi amystancliff2239,

I adore Thun; I've visited it a few times and used it as a base for the area once. Yes, the town itself is interesting, with a castle, with lots of small alleys to explore, and with the arcaded shopping streets. I love walking along the lake for hours ... dreamy. There are busses & trains to take you all over the region and up & down the two lakes. Thun is called "the untouristed Luzern." I think you and your daughter and friend will enjoy it a lot!

Have fun as you plan!

s

Amy, I loved Thun as well and it is a great fit for your wishlist, a very attractive town with shopping, restaurants and evening attractions for younger adults. The mountain villages are pretty quiet in the evenings.
On our first trip, we based in Spiez (I did zero planning - we just stopped rather randomly on our first big trip to Europe 😬- so I had no idea what was nearby)
Second trip, we had 8 nights in Wengen (I learnt to plan, lol)
Third trip, we split 4 nights in Wengen, 4 in Thun.

I think your idea of splitting bases is great. Obviously mountain bases leave you hostage to the weather, but if you’re flexible with your wants, and just have your sunny day plans and your rainy/ cloudy day plans you can have wonderful experiences. A cloudy day (we check webcams every morning) at Schilthorn, but clear in valley, meant we walked from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg (magnificent walk) and took cablecar to Gimmelwald and Murren, instead of being in the clouds on Schilthorn. Waited for a clear day for our mountain day.

From Thun, we visited Bern, and Kandersteg as day trips.
But the lakes are just stunning, and there are many lakeside/ forest walks, ferry rides, sweet little villages, to enjoy.

As above; Thun is OK.
But be aware that morning Visp, Kandersteg, Interlaken and Zweisimmen bounded trains arrive often crowded (even in 1st class) from Berne, if the weather is fine.

Bookmarking. You’ve given me some good ideas!

Thank you, everyone, for replying so quickly. Given the interests and demographics of my travel group, I think the Thun area may be a good fit for what we are looking for. However, I am going to continue to do some research before I book anything. And I might look into getting a car vs. public transportation. To be continued! Happy New Year

Thank you for that comment. That is something to consider. I'm not familiar with the logistics of the Swiss train system at all. Are you able to reserve seats ahead of time?

And I might look into getting a car vs. public transportation.

This would be a mistake IMO. Switzerland has the best public transportation in the world. We've never once needed (or wanted) a car there.