A New Hang Out

A few weeks ago, on a Sunday afternoon, our family decided to take a train to Thun so we could jump on a boat to visit a castle on Lake Thun.  It is a place that we have seen many times but never gone.  Well, we finally did.  And then I had to go back!!

For those who have come for a visit or have experienced the Swiss transportation system on your own, you know that the efficiency and quality make traveling around this beautiful country very easy.  We have become very accustomed to the accessibility of all forms of transportation, and taking a trip to another city or mountain is very doable, especially when I need to be back to pick the kids up from school.

If the weather is good, I usually park the car at the school after dropping the kids off and take the train across the street at the Gümligen Bahnhof. On this particular day, it was bright sunshine and warm. We have had an unusually warm spring thus far, which has been nice. However, the mountains are not as visible when it is warm in the spring due to the fog. This was the case as I boarded the train in Gümligen.

The train ride to Thun is only 20 minutes, but it takes you through the countryside filled with small villages and farms.  And as you move further south, the beautiful presence of the Alps captivates your attention.

The boat is docked right across the street from the Bahnhof when you arrive in Thun.

Once the boat leaves the dock, it is a beautiful ride on Lake Thun.  You can take the boat to Interlaken, zigzagging back and forth across the lake and stopping along the way.  We usually like to bring guests to Spiez, but on this day, it was a 20-minute ride to Oberhofen and, more specifically, the Oberhofen Castle.

The Oberhofen Castle sits next to the pier, where you exit the boat.  Its architecture and location make this a wonderful place to spend the day.  The restaurant inside the castle’s walls and outside seating on the lake is perfect.  As you can see, this is about a peaceful and serene place on Lake Thun’s shores.  This is the place whether you want coffee, a light snack, lunch, or a glass of wine.  With the castle to your left, the lake to your right, and the Alps all in front of you…no words are needed.  It’s just a good book or good company.  It was a book, some excellent salmon, and wine for me.

After lunch, I strolled around the grounds and over to the backside of the castle for the first time, where I was met with breathtaking views and landscapes.  Plus a secret garden!!!

It was a beautiful day overall. I took the bus back to the Thun Bahnhof and then took the 20-minute train back to Gümligen to pick the boys up from school.

If you can come to Switzerland, please try to visit the Oberhofen Castle (have the salmon)… don’t tell anyone about it!!! 😉