Thun stands out as a Swiss town packed with natural beauty, charming streets, and a surprising variety of ways to explore and enjoy the scenery. Its location along Lake Thun makes it an ideal base for memorable tours and experiences, whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural insights, or just a relaxing day on the water. We especially love the Beatus Caves and Blue Lake tour, for its combination of caves, trekking, and lake cruising, offering a full day of diverse highlights. Meanwhile, the helicopter scenic flight is perfect if you want a once-in-a-lifetime view of Switzerland’s towering peaks in style.
Thun’s rich assortment of tours includes everything from immersive cultural excursions and private drives to adrenaline-pumping helicopter rides and creative photoshoots. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history lover, or just want to capture stunning photos, this list has options for every type of traveler.
1. From Interlaken: Beatus Caves, Blue Lake and Lake Thun Tour
At number 1, this full-day guided tour from Interlaken combines five highlights: Beatus Caves, the Sigriswil Panorama Bridge, Thun Old Town, Blue Lake, and a boat cruise on Lake Thun. It’s a comprehensive way to see some of the most scenic spots around the region. The caves themselves are carved limestone formations with stalactites and stalagmites that make you feel like you’ve entered another world. You’ll walk across the 340-meter-long suspension bridge at Sigriswil for breathtaking views. The charming town of Thun rewards you with riverside walks and castle views, while Blue Lake offers a stroll along a marked trail through crystal-clear waters. The boat ride on Lake Thun caps off the day with stunning vistas from the water. Guests like the personalized guided experience and the variety of sights—all for $361 per person, making it an excellent value considering the full itinerary. The reviews highlight how much visitors appreciate the guide’s knowledge and flexibility, with one calling it “one of the BEST days” of their trip.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a full, well-rounded day of natural beauty and Swiss charm, ideal for those wanting an immersive experience with a knowledgeable guide.
2. Exclusive helicopter-tour for 4 people to the Swiss Alps
Number 2 on our list is the private helicopter experience—a 42-minute flight designed for up to four passengers. This is a splurge, but for good reason: it offers a bird’s-eye view over the snow-capped peaks, including Jungfraujoch and the Bernese Alps. The flight is tailored for small groups, making it perfect for a family or close friends. The pilot shares insights into the area’s geology and history, adding depth to the visual feast. Many reviewers praise the professionalism of the pilots and the spectacular vistas—some even say it’s worth every penny for the sheer thrill and unforgettable views. The experience is ideal if you’re looking for a unique, adrenaline-fueled highlight of your Swiss trip.
Bottom Line: For a once-in-a-lifetime view and a private, customizable experience, this helicopter tour is unmatched, especially for small groups seeking a memorable adventure.
3. Interlaken: Private Car Tour Swiss Villages, Capital & Castle
This private car tour offers a relaxed day exploring Swiss towns, castles, and waterfalls. With a 9-hour window and a private driver, you can customize your stops—from Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town to Oberhofen Castle on Lake Thun. The route takes you past the Staubbach and Trummelbach waterfalls, which are jaw-droppingly powerful. The trip is perfect for travelers who prefer flexibility and comfort over group tours. The reviews praise the guide’s friendliness and knowledge, with one noting they appreciated the ability to explore at their own pace. The cost is $1,136 for up to 7 people, making it an excellent option for families or small groups who want a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a tailored Swiss adventure with a private driver, this tour combines natural beauty and historic sites effortlessly.
4. From Zurich: Private Interlaken and Grindelwald Car Tour
Starting from Zurich, this full-day private drive covers Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. It’s perfect for travelers arriving in Zurich and craving a swift, flexible introduction to Swiss landscapes. The itinerary offers plenty of scenic stops, with time to explore each charming village and its iconic views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The guide, Shabbir, is praised for his friendliness and accommodating nature, making the day seamless and enjoyable. The cost, at $1,097 for up to 4 people, includes all the flexibility of a private tour without the rigid schedule of group excursions.
Bottom Line: Best suited for Zurich visitors seeking a personalized, scenic overview of the Bernese Alps in one day.
5. From Basel: Thun Tour, Cruise & St. Beatus Caves Day Trip
Taking you from Basel, this full-day guided tour combines a scenic train ride, a boat cruise, and cave exploration. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Thun’s old town, mystical caves, and enjoy a relaxing lake cruise for around 10 hours. The tour includes all tickets and even offers an optional cheese tasting in Spiez, adding a local flavor to the day. Reviewers appreciate the smooth logistics and the variety of highlights, especially the boat cruise and cave visit. The price offers great value for a comprehensive Swiss day trip without extra reservations or hidden fees.
Bottom Line: Perfect for Basel travelers seeking a well-organized, full-day adventure with a mix of cultural and natural sights.
6. From Lucerne: Gruyeres Cheese Factory, Chocolate Museum & Alien Museum
For the culturally curious, this day trip from Lucerne visits cheese factories, chocolate museums, and even an alien museum—an eclectic mix. At $1,584 for up to 7 people, it’s a comprehensive tour designed for those who want to indulge in Swiss culinary delights and quirky attractions. Highlights include cheese-making insights and chocolate tastings, plus a stop at Thun and other beautiful spots en route. Reviewers love the variety and the relaxed pace, making it suitable for families or groups wanting a fun, educational experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re into food, fun, and the quirky side of Switzerland, this tour offers a deliciously different day out.
7. Interlaken: Private Photoshoot with a Professional Photographer
Number 7 is all about capturing your trip with this private professional photoshoot. Over two hours, a photographer will help you pose at scenic spots around Interlaken, providing 5 professionally edited images plus a link to all photos. It’s perfect if you want to bring home high-quality souvenirs of your Swiss adventure or simply enjoy some fun moments with friends or family. The reviews highlight the friendly photographer and the quality of the images as major perks, making it a unique way to remember your trip.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking professional photos in stunning Swiss scenery, especially couples, families, or groups.
8. Private all day driver from Interlaken>Thun, Spiez, Lake
This private all-day driver offers a relaxed 6-hour tour exploring Thun, Spiez, and Lake Thun. For $360 per person, it’s ideal for those who want to avoid public transportation and have a personalized itinerary. The driver will take you through the picturesque towns, including Thun’s medieval Old Town and Spiez Castle. Guests appreciate the flexibility and the ease of door-to-door service, which allows for spontaneous stops and a more relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you prefer a private, stress-free day with a knowledgeable driver guiding your exploration.
9. Private Car Tour Swiss Capital, Castles & Lakes from Lucerne
This full-day private car tour from Lucerne explores Bern, Oberhofen, and the caves, with scenic stops along the way. It’s priced at $1,237 for up to 8 people, making it suitable for larger groups. Highlights include Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, Spiez Castle, and the mystical St. Beatus Caves. Reviewers praise the expert driver and flexibility of the itinerary, which can be tailored to your interests. It’s an all-encompassing Swiss experience that showcases both natural beauty and historic sites.
Bottom Line: Best for groups wanting a comprehensive, private day exploring Switzerland’s castles, lakes, and history.
10. Private day trip from Interlaken to Thun, Spiez & the Lake
For a shorter, personalized experience, this private day trip offers a 6-hour journey tailored to your interests. For $409 per person, you’ll visit Thun and Spiez with time for self-guided exploration, including castle visits and lakeside walks. Reviewers love the flexibility and the ability to choose your own pace, with Mauricio providing thoughtful suggestions along the way.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a flexible, intimate experience without a full-day commitment.
11. Private Tour to Swiss Capital, Castles & Lakes by Car-Zurich
From Zurich, this private full-day tour covers Bern, Oberhofen, and the caves. Priced at $1,237 for groups up to 8, it offers a detailed exploration of Switzerland’s highlights, including scenic drives and castle visits. Reviewers mention the guide’s professionalism and the convenience of a private vehicle. It’s an excellent choice for those arriving in Zurich and wanting to maximize their time in the region.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, private Swiss experience for Zurich-based travelers craving a full day of exploration.
12. Private trip: Bern>Thun>Interlaken>St. Beatus Caves>Oberhofen
This comprehensive private itinerary includes Bern, Thun, Interlaken, and the caves, all in about 7 hours. For $487 per person, it’s ideal for those wanting a full, fast-paced overview of the region’s highlights. The guide’s flexibility and attention to detail make it a favorite among travelers who want to see a lot in one day, including castle visits and scenic stops.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one Swiss experience without worrying about logistics.
13. Thun: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes
For a quick, authentic glimpse of Thun, this one-hour walk is perfect. Led by a local, you’ll learn about Thun’s landmarks, cultural spots, and hidden corners in a small-group setting. Reviewers highlight how much they learned in a short time and appreciated the insider tips on cafes and bars. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time but wanting a taste of local life.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, personalized introduction to Thun’s character and secrets.
14. Thun: Fairytale Castle Photoshoot with Makeup and Styling
Finally, for those wanting a glamorous keepsake, this photoshoot offers professional styling, makeup, and stunning castle locations. You can choose a gorgeous dress from the Rente Exclusive 13 collection and have professional hair and makeup. The package includes 8 edited photos plus a private access link. Reviewers love how they felt like royalty and appreciated the high-quality images capturing Thun’s castles perfectly.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for special occasions or anyone wanting memorable, high-quality portraits in a fairytale setting.
How to Choose the Best Tour & Experience in Thun
When selecting your ideal Thun experience, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want a full-day adventure with diverse sights, the Beatus Caves and Blue Lake tour offers great value. For a personal touch, the private car tours and full-day private excursions are excellent choices. Those craving a thrill can’t go wrong with the helicopter ride, while travelers interested in capturing memories may love the professional photoshoot.
For quick visits, the Thun express walk is perfect. Consider whether you prefer guided group tours, private experiences, or self-guided exploration when making your choice. Book early, especially for popular options like helicopter rides or photoshoots, to secure your preferred times.
Final Thoughts
Thun offers an impressive lineup of tours and experiences that match all kinds of interests and travel styles. For a comprehensive day packed with scenery and culture, the Beatus Caves and Blue Lake tour is hard to beat. If you’re celebrating or want a once-in-a-lifetime view, splurge on the helicopter flight. Meanwhile, those seeking a personalized touch can opt for private drivers or photoshoots to truly capture the essence of their Swiss adventure.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will ensure you get the time and experience you desire. Whether you’re after scenic vistas, cultural exploration, or memorable photos, Thun has a way to make your trip truly special.