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Oberhofen Castle
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Oberhofen Castle on Lake Thun is one of Switzerland's most pretty historic sites, celebrated for its romantic architecture and its striking location directly on the waterfront. The castle's history dates back to the 12th century when the central keep was first established. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of various noble families and underwent a major transformation in the 19th century in the Historicist style, which gave it its current fairy-tale appearance with pleasant turrets and balconies. A signature feature of the estate is the small tower standing directly in the lake, which is one of the most photographed motifs in the region. Inside, the castle houses a museum showcasing Bernese living culture, featuring grand halls, a Neo-Gothic chapel, and a unique Oriental smoking room on the top floor. The building is surrounded by a 2.5-hectare landscape park, regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in the Alps. Today, the castle serves as a lively historical monument and a popular destination for tourists and cultural events.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Museum für Uhren und Mechanische Musik · Schlossmuseum Oberhofen · Schloss Oberhofen
- Nearby: Steffisburg (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -5 | -1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 0 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 85 | 67 | 84 | 83 | 130 | 122 | 125 | 132 | 84 | 87 | 87 | 92 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The central keep of the castle dates back to the 12th century.
- The castle is located on the shores of Lake Thun in the Canton of Bern.
- The unique Oriental smoking room was installed in 1855.
- The castle's landscape park covers an area of 2.5 hectares.
- The castle chapel features original murals from the 15th century.
- Since 1954, the castle has served as a museum of residential culture.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Oberhofen Castle (10)
Schlossmuseum Oberhofen🏛 museum
Museum in Oberhofen Castle, open from May to October.
Kirche Einigen
Church building in Einigen, canton of Bern.
Ruine Alt Oberhofen🏰 castle
Castle ruin in Oberhofen on Lake Thun, canton of Bern.
Kirche Hilterfingen
Church building ensemble in Oberhofen am Thunersee, canton of Bern.
Schönberg
Viewpoint in the Oberhofen am Thunersee area.
Hünegg
Water park in the Oberhofen am Thunersee area.
Dorfkirche
Church building in Spiez, canton of Bern.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Oberhofen Castle?
Where exactly is the castle located?
Is there a park at the castle?
Can you have a picnic in the castle garden?
Can you arrive by boat?
Oberhofen Castle: where is it located?
Oberhofen Castle: what is there to see?
Oberhofen Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Oberhofen Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
