Summer Starts at Lake Thun: Opening Day at Strandbad Thun
There’s something about the first true sign of summer that always feels exciting — and in our corner of Switzerland, the opening of a lakeside pool is right up there.
This year, summer officially felt like it had arrived with the opening of Strandbad Thun on beautiful Lake Thun.
And it wasn’t just a simple first swim of the season.
It was a full celebration of everything that makes summer on Lake Thun so special.
More Than Just a Pool Opening
From the moment we arrived, there was a real buzz in the air.
The day felt less like a standard opening and more like a festival of lake life, with an energetic showcase of the huge variety of watersports available on Lake Thun.
Different watersports providers each hosted their own tent, giving families the chance to discover just how much the lake has to offer. From SUP and kayaking to pump foiling, diving, windsurfing and more, it felt like a brilliant introduction to summer adventure.
For families, it was such a fun way to kick off the season — exciting, interactive, and packed with things to explore.
Friendly Competition, Big Energy
One of the highlights of the day was the fun competition built around visiting each tent.
Rather than simply watching demonstrations, families were encouraged to get involved, explore each activity, and experience the atmosphere of each sport.
It was the perfect balance:
Active without feeling overwhelming
Educational without feeling formal
Exciting without losing that relaxed lakeside summer vibe
It gave children (and adults) the chance to discover new possibilities — maybe even a future favourite sport.
We Were Very Glad We Packed the “Just in Case” Swim Gear
We had such a great day — and were especially glad we’d packed our swim things “just in case.”
Before the thunderstorm rolled in, there was plenty of time to enjoy the heated pools and fun slide, which turned out to be a huge highlight.
I’d actually never visited Strandbad Thun before, mainly because there are other lovely pools and lakeside spots closer to us.
But what struck me most was the sheer size of it.
This isn’t just a simple lakeside swimming spot.
It’s a genuinely impressive family destination, with:
Three main pools
A fun slide
A huge diving board
A large stretch of lakeshore
Plenty of grassy space, including beautiful shaded areas beneath gorgeous old trees
An extensive splash pool for the littlest visitors
A fantastic playground right beside it (because the Swiss really do know how to do playgrounds properly)
To top it all off, there’s also a restaurant with reasonably priced food — something every family can appreciate after a full day outdoors.
It felt much bigger than I expected, and there was clearly enough to keep families entertained for far longer than just a quick swim.
More Than Swimming
What made the day feel especially exciting was that everyone could enjoy it in their own way.
Whether you wanted to try out watersports, watch the competitions from dry land, cool off in the pools, or simply relax while the kids explored, there was something for everyone.
It created that rare balance of being both energetic and relaxed — a proper summer day where nobody felt left out.
Why Lake Thun in Summer Is So Special
Days like this are a reminder that Lake Thun offers so much more than stunning views.
Yes, the backdrop is incredible.
But beyond the scenery, there’s a whole world of adventure on the water — from calm paddling to adrenaline-filled sports.
And seeing so many of those opportunities brought together in one place made the opening day feel genuinely special.
Perfect for Families
For us, what really stood out was how family-friendly it all felt.
There was plenty to keep little ones engaged, enough excitement for older kids, and lots for parents to enjoy too.
Even with the changing weather, it felt like one of those classic Swiss summer days — making the most of the sunshine while it lasts. As it already looks like the weather is turning this week, fingers crossed it’s only temporary and we’ll be back to summer before too long.
It wasn’t about pressure or performance — it was about discovering, trying, swimming, and celebrating the start of summer together.
Final Thoughts
The opening of Strandbad Thun felt like more than the start of pool season — it felt like the official welcome to summer on Lake Thun.
With watersports, family fun, heated pools, shaded lakeside lawns, exciting competitions, and even a dramatic thunderstorm to finish, it was the perfect reminder of how unpredictable — and exciting — Swiss summer can be.
It was such an exciting day, and one of those places we’ll absolutely be returning to.
If this event was anything to go by, summer on Lake Thun is going to be a good one.
If you’re visiting the Jungfrau Region with kids and want a little extra flexibility — whether that’s tackling your must-do mountain adventure, enjoying a slower afternoon, or simply making the most of your time — Prince Kids Babysitting and Children’s activities can help make family travel feel that little bit easier. Sometimes a little extra support is the best way to enjoy every moment.