A 19th-century pink castle, a lakeside setting and a huge panoramic painting make for a memorable day out at this beautiful park.
Schadaupark is a beautiful public garden on the shore of Lake Thun. Located in the breathtaking Bernese Alps, experience Switzerland at its most picturesque at this lakeside oasis. Visit the castle, ride on a miniature steam train and enjoy views of alpine peaks from the waterfront.
Schloss Schadau is nestled in the heart of the parkland. This distinctive pink castle was built in the middle of the 19th century in the style of a French chateau. Most of the castle is closed to the public, but walk up the spiral staircase, once the castle entrance for servants. This will take you to the Swiss Gastronomy Museum, which is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Through literature, recipes and antique kitchen items, learn about the cultural history of gastronomy and the hotel and restaurant trade. The museum’s library is home to more than 6,000 titles, including what is reputed to be the world’s smallest cookbook. While you are here, enjoy a gourmet meal with lakeside views at the castle’s upmarket restaurant.
During your tour of the park, stop by the impressive Thun Panorama. The vast circular painting was created in 1814 and measures approximately 25 feet (7.5 metres) high and 125 feet (38 metres) long. The work of art was painted between 1809 and 1814 by Marquard Wocher and is a snapshot of a busy morning in Thun.
Children of all ages will love the miniature steam train that chugs around the park. After your 10-minute tour of the grounds on the narrow-gauge track, entertain the younger members of your group at the large playground. Check the park’s website to find out when the train runs.
If you just want to relax, there are plenty of benches and expansive grassy areas from where, on a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.
Schadaupark is very easy to reach via a 15-minute lakeside walk from Thuns’s train station and boat landing. If you have enough time left in your day, visit the adjacent Scherzligen Church for its paintings and tapestries, dating from the 13th to the 16th century.
