Lake Thun Games, Thun
Location
Thun, Switzerland
Year
2003 – 2026
Products
Grandstands, stadiums and arenas, Event structures, Stages
Set against the impressive backdrop of the Bernese Alps, the Thunerseespiele become a special open-air theater event every year. Since the musical’s inception, NUSSLI has been involved in building the temporary event infrastructure. For more than 70,000 visitors, a complete performance venue is created right on the shore of Lake Thun—featuring a stage in the middle of the water, spectator stands, and other structures for technical operations, stage management, and hospitality.
Building in Water
A floating stage poses unique challenges in terms of planning, logistics, and assembly. The structures are erected on Lake Thun and, in some cases, anchored up to two meters deep in the water. A stable foundation for the musical productions is created across approximately 4,500 square meters. However, it’s not just the structural requirements that must be taken into account: water levels, weather, accessibility, and the limited setup time all demand precise preparation and well-coordinated processes.
Stages, bleachers, and event infrastructure—all from a single source
For the Thunersee Games, NUSSLI is delivering far more than just the actual stage structure. The project includes a stage with an integrated orchestra pit, a grandstand with approximately 2,700 seats, and various podiums and platforms. These include, among other things, a 480-square-meter sponsor platform and a 140-square-meter control and VIP platform located 19 meters above the ground. The individual elements are combined into a functional infrastructure that brings together the audience, performers, technical staff, and event organizers.
Thunerseese Games, Inc.
Thunerseese Games, Inc.
Precise installation in just a few weeks
Setting up the Thunersee Festival is a major logistical and organizational undertaking every year. Approximately 500 metric tons of materials are installed over the course of about three and a half weeks. A crew of about 20 assemblers ensures that the structures are completed on schedule and that the venue is ready in time for the first performances. At the end of the season, the entire temporary infrastructure is dismantled—before the materials are prepared for their next use.
Built temporarily to create a unique experience
The Thunersee Festival demonstrates what temporary stage and grandstand construction can achieve: Within just a few weeks, a professional venue is created in a location where there is normally no stage. The structures provide the necessary infrastructure for a sophisticated musical production while simultaneously making the unique setting of Lake Thun part of the experience. In this way, the project combines technical precision with a spectacular backdrop.
