Lakes around Uttigen, Switzerland, are a prominent feature of the region, which is situated along the Aare River. While Uttigen itself is not directly on a major lake, it serves as a gateway to the Bernese Oberland's notable bodies of water. The area is characterized by its proximity to large glacial lakes like Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, offering diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region also features smaller, unique lakes such as Oeschinen Lake and Blausee.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
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The Seewiese is a public area with lake access, swimming facilities (also for kids) with a raft, sunbathing lawns, a playground, and four high-quality barbecue areas with professional winch grills and permanently installed toilets. The view of Lake Thun is unique and romantic. Unfortunately, during the season, you are rarely alone here even at night. Therefore, you should always expect a lot of hustle and bustle. The area is only accessible by bike or on foot. The nearest parking lot/bus stop is a 10-minute walk away. The following applies. Barbecue areas and seating cannot be reserved! The local association provides firewood for a contribution of Fr. 5.00 per person! Access to the Seewiese is free for all visitors! ATTENTION! ⚠️ NEITHER YOUR OWN FIRE MATERIAL NOR PRIVATE GRILL DEVICES (NOT EVEN DISPOSABLE GRILLS) MAY BE USED!! SENSITIVE FINES ARE THREATENED! Between mid-October and the end of March, neither firewood nor toilets (risk of frost) are available. Getting there by bus: Bus line Thun - Spiez or vice versa, stop "Chanderbrügg". During the season, a snack cart with a sufficient selection of food and drinks, as well as seating, is available at the Seewiese. Observe opening hours on the information board at the "Chanderbrügg" bus stop.
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Seewiese is a public area by the lake with swimming facilities (also for kids) with a raft, sunbathing lawns, a playground, and four high-quality barbecue areas with professional pulley grills and permanently installed toilets. The view of the Thunersee is unique and romantic. Unfortunately, during the season, you are rarely alone here even at night. Therefore, you must expect a lot of hustle and bustle at all times. The area is only accessible by bike or on foot. The nearest parking lot/bus stop is a 10-minute walk away. The following applies. Barbecue areas and seating cannot be reserved! The local association provides firewood for a contribution of CHF 5.00 per person! Access to Seewiese is free for all visitors! ATTENTION! ⚠️ NEITHER YOUR OWN FIRE-STARTING MATERIAL NOR PRIVATE GRILL APPLIANCES (NOT EVEN DISPOSABLE GRILLS) MAY BE USED!! SUBSTANTIAL FINES ARE POSSIBLE!! Between mid-October and the end of March, however, neither firewood nor toilets are available (risk of frost). Travel by bus: Bus line Thun - Spiez or vice versa Stop "Chanderbrügg". During the season, a snack cart with a sufficient range of food and drinks, including seating, is available at Seewiese. Observe opening hours on the information board at the "Chanderbrügg" bus stop.
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Simple, all flat and very easy to walk on
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🚶♂️ The hike along the Thun shore path over the wooden footbridges to Bonstetten Park is easy and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The route is well signposted and takes you directly along the shore of Lake Thun. Start the hike in the city center of Thun and follow the signs towards the lakeshore and shore path. The shore path leads over several wooden footbridges that give you a direct view of the lake and the surrounding nature. The footbridges are easy to walk on and offer numerous photo opportunities. Continue following the shore path towards Bonstetten Park. 🍽️ There are several picnic areas along the path and in Bonstetten Park where you can take a break and enjoy the snacks you brought with you. You will also find cafes and restaurants in Thun and Bonstetten Park.
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Beautiful barbecue spot at Blauseeli in Uttigen
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Beautiful castle with a particular location, best admired from the outside while sailing on Lake Thun
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Story The mighty keep of the former Oberhofen fortified castle was built around 1200 and passed to the House of Habsburg in the 14th century. After the defeat of the Habsburgs at the Battle of Sempach in 1386, Bern took control of Oberhofen and sold it to Ludwig von Sehaften and his sister Antonia von Scharnachtal. In 1421 the castle and rule finally came to the Scharnachthal, one of the leading and richest families in the city of Bern. It remained in family ownership until the death of the last representative in 1590. Oberhofen then came to a branch of one of the most important Bernese families, the von Erlach family. The bailiff's seat from 1652 to 1798 and expanded into a castle, the property came into private ownership in 1801. In 1844, Albert Graf de Pourtalès bought Oberhofen Castle from Neuchâtel, which was still Prussian at the time, and converted it into a summer residence. The buildings and towers in the historicist style still characterize the appearance today. In 1926 there was a change of ownership; the new owner of the castle was the American lawyer William Maul Measey. He transferred the properties and the park to a foundation in 1940 and ensured that Oberhofen Castle became a branch of the Bernese Historical Museum, which set up a residential museum and opened it to the public in 1954. In 2009, Oberhofen Castle became independent and has since operated as an independent foundation under private law. With the new building, which forms the sea-side end of the dependencies, a bridge was built into the 21st century. The Schloss Oberhofen restaurant has been in operation in the cube with a terrace by the lake since 2013.
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The most prominent lakes near Uttigen are Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, both renowned for their stunning natural beauty and diverse activities. Other notable lakes in the wider region include Oeschinen Lake and Blausee, each offering unique experiences.
Yes, several lakes and areas around Uttigen are very family-friendly. For instance, the small, ground-fed Blauseeli, Uttigen, often called 'Uttiger Badi' by locals, is popular for its shallow waters in summer and features official barbecue spots. Übeschisee is another family-friendly spot with wonderful views. Additionally, the Lake Thun Lakeside Trail with Wooden Boardwalks is an easy and scenic walk suitable for families.
The lakes region offers a variety of natural features. Lake Thun provides panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Lake Brienz is famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and dramatic, steep mountain slopes, as well as the impressive Giessbach Falls. You can also find unique formations like those in the St. Beatus Caves near Lake Thun, and the exceptionally clear, deep blue waters of Blausee.
Yes, particularly around Lake Thun. The lake's shoreline is dotted with historic castles, including Thun Castle and the romantic Oberhofen Castle, which features a museum and a 2.5-hectare park with diverse garden art. These castles offer a glimpse into the region's rich past.
The lakes around Uttigen offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy scenic boat trips, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Hiking and cycling trails wind around the lakes, connecting charming villages and attractions. For specific routes, you can explore options like Road Cycling Routes, Cycling Routes, and Gravel Biking Routes in the area.
Absolutely. The Lake Thun Lakeside Trail with Wooden Boardwalks is an easy and popular option, offering direct views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This trail is well-signposted and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from Thun city center to Bonstetten Park. Many other trails connect lakeside villages, providing scenic routes for all abilities.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming and water sports, with the Blauseeli, Uttigen being particularly popular for bathing. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in fall. Early mornings are often recommended for scenic views, especially at Übeschisee, when morning fog can create a magical atmosphere.
The major lakes, especially Lake Thun, are very accessible by public transport. Thun, located at the western end of Lake Thun, is a significant transport hub with a train station and ferry terminal (Thun Train Station and Ferry Terminal). From here, you can easily reach various lakeside towns and attractions by boat, bus, or train. Lake Brienz is also well-served by public transport, connecting Interlaken and Brienz.
Yes, you'll find numerous cafes and restaurants, especially in the charming lakeside towns. Thun, Spiez, and Oberhofen on Lake Thun, and Brienz and Iseltwald on Lake Brienz, offer a variety of dining options. Along trails like the Lake Thun Lakeside Trail, you'll also find picnic areas and occasional cafes.
While both are stunning, Lake Brienz stands out for its distinctive turquoise color, a result of glacial runoff, and its more dramatic, steep mountain surroundings. It offers a wilder, more serene experience compared to Lake Thun. Key features include the impressive Giessbach Falls and the charming village of Brienz, known for its woodcarving. Lake Thun, on the other hand, is known for its historic castles, the St. Beatus Caves, and a more Mediterranean ambiance on its southern shore.
While Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are well-known, the region also features smaller, unique lakes. Oeschinen Lake, located above Kandersteg, is a stunning mountain lake and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its dramatic setting. Blausee (Blue Lake) is a small, clear, deep blue lake fed by subterranean springs, set within a nature park, offering a magical experience.


Still not found your perfect lake around Uttigen? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.