Lake Thun defines Faulensee, but the village can also be explored through its history: from its ecclesiastical heritage to its artillery fort. Swimming and boating opportunities complement these historical themes with experiences on the water.
Faulensee on Lake Thun
Faulensee is a village on Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland and belongs to the political municipality of Spiez in the canton of Bern. For the swimming area by the tourist office, travelling on foot, by bicycle or by public transport is recommended.
Swimming and getting out on the water
At the swimming area by the tourist office, the path leads directly from the sunbathing lawn into Lake Thun. Faulensee lido has steps leading into the water and a raft on the lake. Toilets, changing facilities and showers are also available there. The well-maintained sunbathing lawn offers views of the mountains on the opposite shore. As facilities may change, please check the latest information before your visit.
The Faulensee tourist office rents out pedal boats, canoes, SUPs, motorboats that do not require a licence, and a Sealander. After a short briefing, rental boats can be operated without a boating licence; check the current rental conditions before use. At the Kanuweg Thunersee, canoes and SUPs are collected in Faulensee. A short paddle takes you to the Bistro Blue Turtle by GĂĽetital harbour.
When planning a day on the water, it helps to distinguish between the activities: the swimming area and lido are for getting into the water, while the rental service and Kanuweg are for using watercraft. This makes it easier to decide whether swimming or a trip on the lake should be the focus.
Church and archaeological traces
The church of Faulensee is an elegant building on the so-called Columban Hill, a small rise above the shore of Lake Thun. It was once an old chapel dedicated to Saint Columba. Long before the Reformation, the church is said to have been a popular pilgrimage destination and place of worship.
An early medieval chapel dedicated to Saint Columba, dependent on Spiez, stood until the 19th century and was first mentioned in 1330. Its foundations were uncovered in 1960–1961. The remains of the foundations of a medieval castle were also identified, along with ceramic finds dating from the 11th to the 13th century.
Faulensee was first mentioned around 660. Its medieval history includes changing feudal ties and links with the Thun region. Since the late 14th century, Faulensee, like the wider Thun region, has been part of Bern. These dates trace the story from the earliest mention through medieval remains to later chapters in the village’s history.
The Faulensee artillery fort
The Faulensee artillery fort was commissioned in 1942 after six months of construction. During the Cold War, the Swiss Army used the fort as a secret base. For tours during official opening hours, visitors are grouped together. Check the schedule before travelling so you can plan your visit around the tour times.
Discover more destinations: Weissenburg, Därstetten, Oey, Horboden, Wimmis, Oberwil Im Simmental, Spiez, Diemtigen
See the regional travel overview: Niedersimmental.
