Hünegg Castle, the church visible from afar and activities on Lake Thun reveal different sides of Hilterfingen. When planning your stay, you can focus on culture and the park, time on the water or paths through the surrounding countryside. Wine and a seasonal sauna experience are also among the options by the lake.
Discover Hünegg Castle and the church
Hünegg Castle was built between 1861 and 1863 for the Prussian Baron Albert von Parpart and his wife, Adelheid von Bonstetten. French Renaissance châteaux on the Loire served as its architectural inspiration. From the terrace, the view stretches across Lake Thun to the Bernese Alps. The spacious park is open year-round. It features exotic giant sequoias, Lebanon cedars and multi-stemmed sawara cypresses; there are also animals, a miniature house and a historic viewing pavilion.
From Thun railway station, you can reach Hünegg Castle by taking bus 21 or 25 to Eichbühl or Hilterfingen Post. From there, it is a five-minute walk. As timetables can change, it is worth checking the latest connections before setting off.
Another striking landmark is Hilterfingen Church, dedicated to the Apostle Andrew. It was first mentioned in 1175, in the deed of foundation of Libo of Oberhofen. Its tower, visible from afar, defines the village skyline. The church stands about 20 metres above lake level on the western slope of Schneckenbühl. Inside are 24 precious late Gothic stained-glass windows from the workshop of Bern Minster, excluding the window donations made by local lords and the cities of Bern and Thun.
Sailing, swimming and time by the lake
The Thunersee Sailing School’s station in Hilterfingen offers courses for different experience levels, from introductory days for beginners to specialist courses for regatta sailors. The programme includes Optimist courses for children and offshore sailing training. Guided sailing trips are also available; they are scheduled seasonally and subject to booking. Check the course schedule and dates before booking.
At Hünegg lido, visitors can swim through the clear waters of Lake Thun to a raft. The diving tower offers heights of one, three and five metres. A children’s pool protected from the sun rounds out the facilities; check whether it is open for the season before your visit.
Boat services also connect Hilterfingen with other places on the lake: the route runs from Interlaken West via Spiez, Gunten and Oberhofen to Hilterfingen and onwards to Thun. If you are planning a trip, check the timetable for your visit. This lets you include a boat trip as a separate activity, while the lido and sailing options offer different ways to enjoy your time right by the water.
Trails, gardens and regional wines
The Hilterfingen–Hünibach–Oberhofen adventure trail starts and ends at the Hilterfingen-Hünibach-Oberhofen tourist office. Through 20 questions, it introduces the history of the three villages. For a route with a named destination, a lakeside path leads from Hünibach to Thun. A varied network of hiking trails also extends from Hilterfingen-Hünibach and Oberhofen into the surrounding countryside. The Hilterfingen Adventure Garden is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
The vineyards add another distinctive touch to the Hilterfingen–Oberhofen area. The mild climate and sunny location favour the vines growing on the terraces. Two winegrowers’ cooperatives produce fresh, fruity wines and specialities there. In the area, you can sample wine made locally and aged in barriques, right by Lake Thun. This regional perspective complements the history of the buildings and activities on the water with a culinary focus.
A seasonal sauna experience
At Hüneggkurve in Hilterfingen, Saunaare offers a sauna wagon experience right on the shores of Lake Thun. Opening dates may vary by season. You can reserve a date of your choice online. A booked time slot is reserved exclusively for the person who made the booking and their companions. Alongside sailing, swimming and walking routes, this offers a way to organise your time by the lake around a pre-booked appointment.
Discover more destinations: Amsoldingen, Wachseldorn, Blumenstein, Goldiwil (Thun), Aeschlen Ob Gunten, Heiligenschwendi, Steffisburg, Buchholterberg.
Return to the main travel overview: Thun.
