Thun-Panorama

In 1814, the Basel-based artist Marquard Wocher created Switzerland’s first panorama. Fascinated by the Bernese Oberland, he designed a 38-metre-long circular painting depicting the small town of Thun and its surroundings, with a view stretching as far as the Alps of the Bernese Oberland. Rich in detail, this image offers a glimpse into everyday life in Thun 200 years ago and, with its countless stories, has become a ‘hidden object’ picture for young and old alike. Today, the panorama is the oldest circular painting in the world and is held in trust by the Gottfried Keller Foundation.

The rotunda, built by Karl Keller (1920–2003) in the 1960s, is situated in the heart of Thun’s Schadaupark. The former exhibition building housing the panorama in Basel – a slender tower on a circular plan – served as the model for the structure completed in 1960–1961. Keller opted for a contemporary choice of materials and reduced the form to its context and function. A reinforced concrete skeleton structure defines the shape of the rotunda, whilst the red bricks used as façade elements make a subtle reference to Schadau Castle, which is situated not far from the rotunda. Keller also employed innovative approaches inside: the circular skylight allows for central lighting, and he also redesigned the visitor route. The viewing gallery, which spans four levels, allows visitors both a bird’s-eye view and the opportunity to focus on details within the painting. With its brick façade, the rotunda – built specifically for the panoramic painting – is a striking feature in the park. In 2014, the rotunda was renovated and reopened with a new extension designed by the architects Graber & Steiger.

hun-Panorama
Schadaupark (visitor address)
CH-3600 Thun
panorama@thun.ch
T +41 33 223 24 62

Mail please to the Kunstmuseum Thun.

Press contact: miriam.margani@thun.ch / +41 (0)33 225 82 07

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by train:
To Thun SBB station, then 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by bus NFB 1, direction Gwatt to Scherzligen/Schadau stop.

by car:
Take exit Thun Süd (Weststrasse), Weststrasse becomes Talackerstrasse, turn right onto Frutigenstrasse, take second exit at traffic circle (Seestrasse). Paid parking available at Scherzligen/Schadau bus stop.

The Thun-Panorama is seasonally open: March 0 – November 29, 2026

Tuesday – Sunday, 11  a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday closed

Opening hours public holidays:
Open on Easter Sunday and Whit Sunday
Easter Monday and Whit Monday closed
Ascension Day and 1 August open

Adults: CHF 9.-
Students, apprentices, AHV, IV, Bernese Oberland Pass: CHF 8.-
Children/young people up to the age of 16, school classes and teachers: free of charge
Groups of 10 or more (only with advance booking): 10% discount
Kulturlegi, Panorama Card, Lake Pass: 50% discount
Combined ticket with Thun-Panorama: CHF 15.- / 13.-
#visitthun card with Thun-Panorama and Thun Castle: CHF 22.- / 20.- (valid for one year)

AUTHORISED FREE ADMISSION:
Refugees on presentation of ID (F, N, S, B (third-country nationals)), Museum PASS Musées, Swiss Museum Pass, Swiss Werkbund membership card, Raiffeisen card with Museum Pass, ICOM, VISARTE, LGB, IKT, VMS, IGK Bern students and members of the Förderverein KMT and Förderverein Verbund.

The discounts are not cumulative!

OTHER APPLICABLE DISCOUNTS:

Tickets and prices for our chargeable events can be found in the online ticket shop.

With our online audio guides, you can experience the background and details of the picture in a new way: In German, English and French, you can listen to one- to two-minute background stories via your smartphone, which relate to selected topics and sections of the circular image. Discover the legend of the Blüemlisalp, the school system 200 years ago or the oldest hotel in Thun. There is a special guided tour in dialect with the former Thun town archivist Dr. Jon Keller. To listen to the pieces, simply select the desired numbers and language versions below.

Audioguide