Oberhofen Castle Museum

The Oberhofen Castle Museum in Oberhofen on Lake Thun (Switzerland) is a living museum telling the history of the castle's former residents. The focus is on the 19th century and the aristocratic Pourtalès-Harrach family. The interactive exhibition "Always at your service" shows the life of the servants, while "Aristocratic Life around 1900" offers insights into the aristocratic way of life. At the top of the keep is the Oriental smoking room with a spectacular view, and the castle park is one of the most magnificent gardens in the Alpine region. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions.

Families and Kids

Oberhofen Castle is a family-friendly place with a playground at the castle gates and swings with playthings in the park. Children can follow the mouse trail in the 'Always at your service' exhibition (ages 4-10) and dress up as princesses, knights or ghosts on selected Sundays. A special children's birthday party with a discovery tour and cake dinner in the Salle Harrach is also available.

Information

  • Visit duration: 120 min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Topic: History
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 3-6, 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits, Tours and demonstrations, Play area, Events and birthdays
    • Entrance fee: 15 CHF
    • Free entrance: No
    • Price range: $$

Opening hours

The castle museum is open from 10 May to 1 November 2026, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 (closed on Mondays).
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00-17:00 (10 May – 1 November 2026)
Wednesday
10:00-17:00 (10 May – 1 November 2026)
Thursday
10:00-17:00 (10 May – 1 November 2026)
Friday
10:00-17:00 (10 May – 1 November 2026)
Saturday
10:00-17:00 (10 May – 1 November 2026)
Sunday
10:00-17:00 (10 May – 1 November 2026)

Admission fees

15 CHF
Adult admission
12 CHF
Reduced admission for IV, students, groups from 10 persons, and guest cards of the region.
6 CHF
Children aged 6 to 16 years.
0 CHF
Children up to 6 years free of charge.
20 CHF
Family ticket A: 1 adult with up to 4 children up to 16 years.
30 CHF
Family ticket B: 2 adults with up to 4 children up to 16 years.

Contact

Webpage
schlossoberhofen.ch
Email
info@schlossoberhofen.ch
Address
3653 Oberhofen

Access

Nearby stops

  • Oberhofen am Thunersee200 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Thun
23m
Bern
44m
Interlaken Ost
59m
Brig
1h 18m
Olten
1h 22m

FAQ

  • Are dogs allowed in the castle and park?
    Dogs are not allowed in the castle or the park, with the exception of guide dogs. Dogs are welcome in the restaurant.
  • Can I use the billiard table in the castle museum?
    Yes, visitors are welcome to use the billiard table in the 'Aristocratic Life around 1900' exhibition during opening hours.
  • Is the castle park freely accessible?
    Yes, the castle park is freely accessible. Photo shoots in the park are subject to a fee and require authorisation.
  • What is the mouse trail for children?
    The mouse trail in the 'Always at your service' exhibition invites children aged 4 to 10 to help the servants search for hidden castle inhabitants by opening cupboards and small doors. It takes about 1 hour and the booklet costs CHF 2.00.
  • Can children dress up at the castle?
    Yes, on selected Sundays and during special events, children can dress up as a princess, knight, countess, count or ghost and discover the castle in costume.

Included in