Locarno – Lago di Thun

Leisure and fun - Shopping

Suitable for:

All

Duration:

8 h.

When:

29.03 – 12.10.2025

A day by train and boat, from the shores of Lake Maggiore to those of Lake Thun. 

The wonderful trip by train and boat, from the shores of Lake Maggiore to those of Lake Thun, consists of 3 stages: Locarno – Domodossola with the panoramic trains of the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway A slow journey awaits you, taking the time to discover a territory full of surprises. A unique experience in contact with a varied territory, in a succession of deep gorges, wild mountains, rivers and waterfalls. A bursting nature that harmoniously blends small and characteristic villages scattered between the Centovalli and the Vigezzo Valley. 52 km of itinerary, 2 nations, 83 bridges and 31 tunnels to discover in just under two hours. Domodossola – Spiez with the Green Train of the Alps BLS Through the Val Divedro, the train follows the River Diveria and travels along the 19.8 km of the Simplon tunnel, which has been connecting Italy and Switzerland since 1906. Briga, framed by the Simplon pass to the south, the Driest and Aletsch glaciers to the north and the imposing Stockalper castle, is a pearl to be discovered. The journey on the Green Alpine Train (Lötschberger) continues up the Rhône valley along sunny slopes. The train climbs an altitude difference of 450 metres before reaching Goppenstein, the gateway to the Lötschen valley. From Kandersteg, the route leads northwards to Frutigen via the BLS “North Ramp”. This route has earned its name: with a gradient of more than 27‰, the line runs through a 1655-metre helical tunnel, dark tunnels and spectacular viaducts. Just before entering Frutigen, the Green Train of the Alps passes the impressive Kander Viaduct, the most photographed work on the Lötschberg line, and then passes the Tellenburg. From Frutigen, the route leads to Spiez. Spiez – Thuni by BLS boat Lake Thun is nestled in a dreamy alpine setting and surrounded by many cosy villages, as well as charming towns such as Thun and Spiez. On the sunny southern slopes  the vegetation is partly subtropical. In the bay of Spiez, overlooked by a beautiful castle, there are hilly vineyards. A special tourist attraction is the twelve thousand-year-old Romanesque churches around the lake, including Einigen. Free visit to Thun Before enjoying your return journey, you will have time to visit the romantic town and relax with a lunch by the lake. With its active old town centre, overlooked by an imposing castle, Thun is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The River Aare runs through the charming old town centre, the castle stands high above the historic buildings, the famous four thousand metre peaks draw the gaze towards infinity and the lake is always there. In Thun the unmistakable alpine town, there is always a stir. Return to Locarno The return journey starts with the Green Train of the Alps arriving in Domodossola. Before ending the journey towards Locarno you can relax in the enchanting setting of the market square or walk along the streets of the village. Programme – Variation on one day
JOURNEY TIMETABLE
Locarno – Domodossola 7:50 – 9:40
Domodossola – Spiez 09:58 – 11:44
Spiez – Thun (Boat) 13:34* – 14:20
Thun – Domodossola 16:01 – 17:53
Domodossola – Locarno 19:00- 21:02
*From 17.05.2025 also Spiez – Thun 12:34 – 13:20

Programme – Variation over two days

OUTWARD TIMETABLE
Locarno – Domodossola 10:51– 12:40
Domodossola – Spiez 13:58 – 15:44
Spiez – Thun (battello) 16:34 – 17:20
RETURN TIMETABLE
Thun – Domodossola 14:01 – 15:54
Domodossola – Locarno 17:26 – 19:19
Prices and purchase information The ticket (valid for two days) is only available in second class and includes the return journey Locarno – Spiez via Domodossola, with the Vigezzina – Centovalli Railway and with the Green Train of the Alps, according to the official travel schedule. The ticket also includes the ferry journey between Thun and Spiez. It is not on the other hand including the possible panoramic supplement. Fees
  • Adults: 69 CHF
  • Children 6-15.99 years: there is no special ticket, you can buy the day pass for children at a cost of 19 CHF
  • Children 0-5.99 years travel free of charge
  • Junior card and accompanying children recognised on the whole route
  • For groups: Exclusively for groups, the trip is available for one way. For further information, please contact the marketing department at marketing@centovalli.ch.
 

New: discounts with restaurants in Thun

Free coffee on presentation of a train ticket.

Type of venue: modern Italian restaurant located directly on the Aare, with an exclusive terrace, delicious dishes and refreshing drinks. Cuisine: modern Italian cuisine. Opening Hours: open daily from 10:00. Location: Station: 600 m / 8 minutes on foot. Is the restaurant wheelchair-accessible? The terrace is wheelchair-accessible – the toilet is only accessible with assistance. Are animals allowed? Yes. Further information: www.delpadre.ch

Free coffee on presentation of a train ticket.

Type of venue: Italian tavern, decorated with paintings by local artists, with a large terrace directly on the Aare. Cuisine: Italian cuisine. Open: Mon and Tue: 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. / Wed: 9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. / Thu and Fri: 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. / Sat: 9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. / Sun: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Location: 5 minutes’ walk from Thun station, directly on the Aare. Is the restaurant accessible to the disabled? The restaurant is located on the ground floor and is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility. Are animals allowed? Yes. Further information: https://www.bindella.ch/gastronomie/waisenhaus

Chopping board for two at the special price of CHF 15.00 instead of CHF 25.00 on presentation of the train ticket and on reservation.

Type of establishment: wine bar. Cuisine: Italian cuisine. Opening Hours: Sundays, public holidays and Mondays closed. Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. / Thursdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. / Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Hofstettenstrasse 15, 3600 Thun (7 minutes on foot, 4 minutes with bus no. 21 Thunerhof stop). Is the venue wheelchair-accessible? The entrance is wheelchair-accessible. The toilet is not accessible. Are animals allowed? On request. Further information: www.enotecaitalia.ch
 
  Where to buy
  • At the FART Box Office in Locarno (T. +41 (0)91 7518731 –  labiglietteria@centovalli.ch)
  • At SBB offices throughout Ticino
  • Online (only special ticket for adults – selecting the route Locarno – Domodossola)

Book your journey with us