About This Route
Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland boasts turquoise waters flanked by Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Ideal SUP route: 8-kilometer paddle from Interlaken Ost along the southern shore to Beatenbucht, or circumnavigate the Oberhofen Castle peninsula. At 558 meters elevation, it's calmer than higher lakes, suiting families, though afternoon valley winds build. SUP falls under Bern canton's inland navigation laws, equivalent to rowboats; life jackets advised for all.
Safety Considerations
Sudden squalls from Brienzersee funneling winds create whitecaps; launch early per SLF avalanche center weather advisories adapted for water. Aar River outflow poses undertows; avoid paddling there. Passenger ferries ply regular routes, so hug shorelines and use sound signals. Hypothermia threat from 8-16°C water; full-body immersion survival time under 30 minutes without protection. Prevent quagga mussel spread by rinsing boards with Virkon disinfectant, aligning with Swiss Aquatic Ecology Centre efforts. Leash your board religiously; it's your lifeline. Inspect for submerged boulders near Spiez using lake charts.
Essential Gear
Core items: Astral V-Eight PFD, Leash from Surftech, JP Australia Ride SUP, Werner Tybee paddle, Patagonia R1 wetsuit, bilge pump, headlamp for dusk returns, and SPOT satellite messenger.