© Mares

Explore Lake Thun

Lake Thun, nestled in the picturesque Bernese Oberland, offers a unique diving experience in Switzerland's largest lake situated entirely within one canton. This alpine lake invites divers to explore its clear, freshwater depths, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. With water temperatures ranging from 13°C–16°C/55°F–60°F in spring and fall, 16°C–18°C/60°F–64°F in summer, and chilling to 10°C/50°F in winter, Thunersee provides diverse conditions suitable for both recreational and technical diving throughout the year.

Diving in Lake Thun is particularly appealing due to its average visibility of 6–10 meters/20–33 feet, allowing for clear views of the underwater landscape. Adventurous divers can explore its maximum depth of over 46 meters, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in deeper dives. Whether you're interested in altitude diving or curious about the unique freshwater environment, Lake Thun's combination of stunning natural beauty and varied conditions makes it a must-visit location for divers seeking an unforgettable experience.

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Diving in Lake Thun

Lake Thun, nestled in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, offers diverse freshwater diving experiences. One notable site is the "Beatenbucht," ideal for shore diving, featuring steep walls and rock formations, where divers often spot trout and perch. The "Längenschachen" is popular for its underwater forest, offering a unique experience of swimming among submerged trees.

Divers can explore "Weissenau," known for its remnants of an ancient submerged village, adding a historical dimension to the dive. The lake's pristine waters allow for clear visibility, making it perfect for both novice and experienced divers. Encountering pike and eels adds to the adventure, enriching the overall diving experience in Thunersee.

Dive Centers

Dive Center Thunersee

Dive Center Thunersee

Hübelistrasse 1, 3652 Hilterfingen, Switzerland

Dive Sites

Dive Center Thunersee, 3652 Hilterfingen
Hilterfingen Hotel Bellevue (★4.1)

Hilterfingen Hotel Bellevue (★4.1)

Shallow water dive site with easy access via the ramp. At the entrance a lot of sea grass, which provides for a fish variety. Various objects in the upper area (max. 20m).
Dive Center Thunersee, 3652 Hilterfingen
Ameisenecke (★3.9)

Ameisenecke (★3.9)

The dive site Ant harrows/Duck harrows consists of two canyons and a nice steep wall in between. In the shallow water above the steep face there is a plain covered with seaweed. You can easily get in via one of the two ramps.
Dive Center Thunersee, 3652 Hilterfingen
Churchill, Thunersee (★3.9)

Churchill, Thunersee (★3.9)

The dive site Churchill is a gently sloping scree (in the upper area) or mud slope. It is characterised by many trees and firs, which practically appear out of nowhere. Caution: they are partly covered with fishing nets.
Dive Center Thunersee, 3652 Hilterfingen
Gunten Bad (★4.1)

Gunten Bad (★4.1)

This dive site offers something for everyone, from beginners to tech divers. Access to the Guntenbad is via the stairs. Up to 15m sloping terrain, after that step by step steep wall > 50m. Diving ban from mid-May to mid-September due to bathing season.
Dive Center Thunersee, 3652 Hilterfingen
Bäregg (★4.0)

Bäregg (★4.0)

The Bäregg dive site has a slightly sloping mud slope that merges into small rock walls. Various tree trunks in the mud are well suited as photo objects.
Dive Center Thunersee, 3652 Hilterfingen
Fischbalmen (★4.1)

Fischbalmen (★4.1)

The Fish Balm is a steep wall (>100m), which is partly overhanging and is one of the best-known dive sites in this area. This is a shore dive and the entrance is via stairs.
Dive Center Thunersee, 3652 Hilterfingen
Stampach (★4.3)

Stampach (★4.3)

The dive site Stampach is always beautiful. It offers a great, varied steep face. Careful, there is danger when crossing the road! Not suitable for beginners.
Dive Center Thunersee, 3652 Hilterfingen
Gipsi (★3.9)

Gipsi (★3.9)

The Gipsunion dive site is one of the few sites on the left bank of Lake Thun (near Leissigen). Covered parking under the bridge allows dry preparation of equipment. A ladder allows easy access. Diving is possible in the direction of Interlaken as well as Thun.
Dive Center Thunersee, 3652 Hilterfingen
Schönörtli (★4.4)

Schönörtli (★4.4)

An unspectacular but solid choice for beginners, returning divers and training courses. Easy entry and exit via a ramp, with parking available on site. In summer, the shore is shared with swimmers – mutual consideration is appreciated. Located just past the Längenschachen dive site towards Interlaken.
Mares
Spiezwand (★4.0)

Spiezwand (★4.0)

This dive site is only accessible by boat. It captivates divers with its beautiful wall full of many large trees. Because of the visibility, this is a great winter dive site.
Mares
Balmholz (★3.9)

Balmholz (★3.9)

The dive site Balmholz can only be reached by boat. It has a nice steep face with big boulders and branches. The visibility is often not that brilliant.
Scubapro
Längenschachen (★3.8)

Längenschachen (★3.8)

Ideal dive site for beginners or returning divers. Easy entry and exit. Parking spaces available. In the summer, this place is also gladly visited by bathers. Mutual respect and consideration is very important at this time.

The best Months to dive in Lake Thun

Lake Thun, in Switzerland, offers diverse freshwater diving conditions throughout the year. In winter, water temperatures can drop to 4°C/39°F, with visibility often exceeding 10 meters/33 feet due to reduced algae growth. However, ice cover may limit access, making proper equipment essential. Spring brings rising temperatures, reaching around 10°C/50°F, but increasing runoff from melting snow can reduce visibility.

Summer months, particularly July and August, are ideal for diving, with temperatures climbing to 20°C/68°F and visibility varying between 5 and 15 meters/16 and 49 feet, depending on algal blooms. Autumn sees cooling temperatures and improved visibility once more. Divers should consider local regulations and weather forecasts for safe diving conditions, with the best months being late summer and early fall for optimal experiences.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Lake Thun

ake Thun, located in Switzerland, offers divers a unique glimpse into its diverse freshwater wildlife. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including perch, roach, and whitefish, which are commonly seen on dives. Divers may also encounter special sightings such as catfish and sturgeon, particularly if exploring deeper areas where these larger fish tend to dwell. Visibility in Thunersee can vary significantly with the seasons, impacting the ease of wildlife sightings. During spring and autumn, improved visibility often coincides with the spawning activities of certain fish species, providing a dynamic underwater spectacle. Dives planned during these times are likely to yield more vibrant encounters, as increased fish activity makes for exciting exploration. The depth of the dive also influences what can be seen, with shallower areas offering easy access to common species, while deeper dives can reveal the more elusive catfish and sturgeon.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

iStock-jpa1999
Perch

Perch
2.5k Sightings
J
74
F
68
M
94
A
50
M
194
J
238
J
330
A
728
S
379
O
185
N
102
D
81

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 5

iStock-abadonian
Pike

Pike
1.4k Sightings
J
70
F
35
M
69
A
28
M
60
J
77
J
148
A
400
S
231
O
110
N
89
D
66

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 19

iStock-ANDY_BOWLIN
Bass

Bass
500 Sightings
J
28
F
18
M
1
A
17
M
22
J
42
J
54
A
142
S
51
O
41
N
58
D
26
AdobeStock-mirecca
Burbot

Burbot
66 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
10
A
14
M
14
J
1
J
6
A
6
S
2
O
6
N
3
D
0