A New Hang Out

A few weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon our family decided to take a train to the city of Thun so we could jump on a boat to visit a castle that sits 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 that taking a trip to another city or mountain is very doable, especially on the days 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 get the train right 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, yet when it is warm in the spring the mountains are not as visible due to the fog.  This was the case as I boarded the train in Gümligen.

The train ride to the city of Thun is only 20 minutes or so 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.

As you arrive in Thun, the boat is docked right across the street from the Bahnhof.

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

The Oberhofen Castle sits right next to the pier where you exit the boat.  Its architecture and location make this an absolutely beautiful place to spend the day.  The restaurant situated inside the walls of the castle with its outside seating right on the lake is perfect.  As you can see, this is about as peaceful and serene place you will find on the shores of Lake Thun.  Whether you just want coffee, or a light snack, lunch, or a glass of wine, this is the place.  With the castle to your left, lake to your right, and the Alps all in front of you…no words are needed.  Just a good book or good company.  For me, it was a book, some excellent salmon, and wine.

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

It was a beautiful day all in all.  I took the bus back to the Thun Bahnhof and hopped on the 20 minute train ride back to Gümligen to pick the boys up from school.  A beautiful and peaceful day.

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