Oberhofen on Lake Thun: Castle Park and Cultural History

On the northern shore of Lake Thun, Oberhofen stretches from the lakeside to wooded slopes. From there, you can enjoy views of the lake, the valley and the Alps. The castle park, cultural history, vineyard and seasonal lakeside activities offer different possible focuses for your stay.

Castle Park and Landscape

Around 1850, the Counts of Pourtalès began transforming the former orchard of Oberhofen Castle. They divided it into an inner castle garden with geometrically arranged flower beds and a park with paths, meadows and groups of trees. Four exotic giant sequoias and a hornbeam pergola define the appearance of the castle park.

Local Cultural History

Oberhofen Castle is linked to the region’s aristocratic past; Oberhofen was first mentioned in a document in 1133. An exhibition in the castle traces more than 800 years of history through the stories of its former residents. An interactive display shows the workplace of the household staff and how a kitchen functioned during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century. The topmost tower houses the Oriental Smoking Salon commissioned by Count Pourtalès, which offers views across the lake and mountains.

MUMM—the Museum of Timepieces and Mechanical Musical Instruments—offers an insight into 300 years of Bernese clockmaking. Its collection includes around a hundred objects from at least five centuries, including early barrel organs, music boxes and a player piano. Visits must be booked in advance and include expert guidance and demonstrations of antique mechanical instruments. Since visiting arrangements may change, check the details beforehand.

The Oberhofen cultural history trail leads visitors to local sights with short descriptions, a site map and information panels along the way. Stops include the group of buildings comprising the church, rectory and Ofehüsi. This includes a hall church, enlarged and rebuilt in 1727 over the foundations of four earlier churches.

Vineyard and Seasonal Lakeside Activities

The terraced vineyard “I de Müüre” lies above the historic Heidenhaus. Visitors can stroll through the vineyard while looking out over Lake Thun. At the Oberhofen winegrowers’ cooperative, you can enjoy local red and white wines from Oberhofen. On Thursdays, the cooperative holds a public wine sale at the Heidenhaus. Check the operating details before visiting, as availability and sales arrangements may change.

The seasonal Oberhofen lido has a 5-metre-high diving tower for jumps into Lake Thun. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent there; rental availability may vary. The lido’s operating conditions may also change.

Getting There and Planning Your Visit

Bus routes connect Oberhofen with Thun and other nearby places. Thun railway station, located nearby, offers connections to regional and national rail services. Boat services on Lake Thun run from Interlaken West via Spiez, Gunten, Oberhofen, Hilterfingen and other places to Thun. Since routes and timetables may vary seasonally, check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Heiligenschwendi, Eriz, Thun, Steffisburg, Forst bei Längenbühl, Heimberg, Unterlangenegg, Schwanden Ob Sigriswil.

Go to the main travel overview: Thun.