What Lake Thun Games does

Thunerseespiele AG, operating under the brand Lake Thun Games, is a Swiss open-air musical theater company founded in 2003 and headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. It produces a single major musical production each summer (July-August) on a purpose-built lakeside stage at Lake Thun, set against the UNESCO-protected Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Alpine panorama. The company has staged 22 productions over 23 years including international titles (Les Misérables, West Side Story, Cats, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Grease, Aladdin) and three original Swiss works (Dällebach Kari, Gotthelf, Der Besuch der alten Dame), accumulating more than one million visitors. The 2026 season features GREASE (Switzerland's first open-air staging) and 2027 is scheduled for Disney's Aladdin. The company has been part of FBM Entertainment since its 2019 acquisition by founder Freddy Burger.

The core product is the annual musical production, monetized through five ticket categories (CHF 67-167), VIP packages (CHF 360), on-site gastronomy (CHF 57-137), backstage tours (CHF 15), and a recurring Member Club (CHF 500-1,000/year) plus Freunde donor program. Revenue is augmented by sponsorship — Coop as presenting sponsor since 2003 and UBS as main sponsor since 2005 anchor a wider network of Hauptpartner and Medienpartner. Distribution runs through Ticketcorner (primary), show tickets ag for groups and accessibility bookings, a venue box office, and direct website sales, complemented by a 30+ bus company partner network across German-speaking Switzerland. Ancillary operations include rehearsal room (Probelokal) rental.

The operating model is non-subsidized and event-driven, supported by ~14 staff, ~50 international performers per season and ~100 volunteers contributing ~10,000 hours annually. Technology stack is limited to standard marketing automation (Caymland M4), Google Analytics, social channels and ticketing integrations, with no disclosed AI/ML capabilities. Accessibility features include an Audiodeskription audio-description system. The business is seasonally concentrated (~6-7 weeks per year) and weather-exposed (open-air venue), with parent-company support via FBM Entertainment providing operational stability since 2019.

Name

Lake Thun Games

Legal name

Thunerseespiele AG

Website

https://thunerseespiele.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Thunerseespiele AG (Lake Thun Games) operates Switzerland's premier open-air musical theater on a Lake Thun stage with an Alpine backdrop, producing one major musical per summer season for general audiences, tourists, school groups and corporate hospitality clients, monetized through tiered ticketing, hospitality packages and long-tenured sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Theater & Performing Arts

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Performing Arts Companies (7111)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Festival & Event Producers/Organizers (MPAIAFAC)

Keywords

• Open-air musical theater
• Musical production services
• Live performing arts
• Cultural event management
• Theatrical entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Thun

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from musical theater ticket sales across 5 price categories plus Premium seating. Dynamic pricing applies based on demand, weather, seasonality and historical data. Tickets sold via Ticketcorner (primary partner), show tickets ag (group sales), and direct box office.
2. Gastronomy and Hospitality: On-site dining services including Musicalgarten (self-service), musical restaurant (3-course menus), apéro offerings, and Schlummertrunk (late-night drinks). VIP packages combining premium tickets with full dining experience.
3. Backstage Tours: Exclusionary behind-the-scenes tours offered before evening performances for CHF 15 per person
4. Member Club and Donations: Annual memberships (Member: CHF 500/year, Business Member: CHF 1,000/year) providing exclusive benefits and supporting stage production elements. Donation program 'Freunde der Thunerseespiele' funds specific stage elements and props.
5. Venue Rental: Rental of rehearsal space ('Probelokal') at headquarters - approximately 120 m2, CHF 150 half-day, CHF 250 full day

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Thunerseespiele AG (Lake Thun Games) operates an open-air lake stage theater at Lake Thun, Switzerland, producing annual summer musical productions from July to August with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau Alpine panorama. The company sells tickets across five price categories and supplements each production with bundled gastronomy, VIP experiences, and backstage tours, supported by an annual Member Club and donor program.

Product overview

Thunerseespiele AG operates an outdoor lake stage theater presenting internationally recognized musical productions in the stunning natural setting of Lake Thun with views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The core product consists of large-scale musical productions performed as open-air theater from July to August each year. Current productions include GREASE 2026 (Switzerland's first open-air musical) and the upcoming Aladdin 2027. The portfolio is complemented by hospitality add-ons including Gastronomy Packages, VIP Packages, and Backstage Tours; membership programs through the Member Club; and supporting services such as rehearsal room rental, ticket resale via fanSALE, and partner hotel bookings. Since 2003, over one million visitors have attended productions at what is considered the most beautiful lake stage in Europe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Member Club: Support organization for Thunerseespiele offering annual membership benefits including tickets, backstage tours, and event invitations
• Freunde der Thunerseespiele

Products and services

• GREASE 2026 Musical Production Annual open-air musical production staged on the Lake Thun stage from July 8 to August 22, 2026, featuring rock'n'roll classic songs performed in English on a unique natural Alpine stage for general theatergoers, families, and tourists.
• Aladdin 2027 Musical Production Scheduled summer 2027 open-air musical production on the Lake Thun stage featuring Disney's Aladdin with award-winning Alan Menken music performed in German for general theatergoers and families.
• VIP Package Premium evening experience priced at CHF 360 combining a Category 1 ticket with program booklet, cushion, exclusive musical introduction, apéro, a served 3-course menu with drinks, and a post-show Schlummertrunk for premium guests and corporate hospitality buyers.
• Gastronomy Packages On-site culinary offerings including Apéro Riche (CHF 57), 3-course menu (CHF 97), Apéro plus menu (CHF 117), 3-course plus Schlummertrunk (CHF 107), and full gastronomy package (CHF 137) at the musical restaurant with lake views, delivered by partner Twenty Four Seven for ticket holders and walk-up guests.
• Backstage Tours Exclusive 20-minute behind-the-scenes tours offered before evening performances for CHF 15 per person, providing access to the stage, props, and production infrastructure for general visitors, Member Club supporters, and group bookings.
• Member Club Annual Membership Annual subscription membership at CHF 500 (Member) or CHF 1,000 (Business Member) providing backstage tours, drink vouchers, ticket discounts, and exclusive events, while funding specific stage production elements for devoted theater patrons and corporate supporters.
• Probelokal Rehearsal Space Rental Rental of the approximately 120 m² rehearsal room (Probelokal) at the Thun headquarters (Länggasse 57), including screen, 6 bench sets, ~70 chairs, and WiFi, at CHF 150 for a half-day (up to 4 hours) or CHF 250 for a full day, available for local performing groups, event organizers, and community users.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million total visitors since 2003
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• UBScoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2005Main Sponsor since 2005. Long-term banking and cultural sponsorship partner providing financial support and brand association.
• CoopflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2003Presenting Sponsor since founding in 2003. Provides 20% discount for Supercard holders on regular evening performances. Strategic partner of first hour contributing to production success.
• GVB (Gebäudeversicherung Bern)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural Partner (Kulturpartnerin). Supports Thunerseespiele through Kulturstiftung Bern, contributing to cultural preservation and awareness of the unique natural setting.
• Berner ZeitungcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMain Partner providing 15% ticket discounts (carte blanche) for subscribers. Ensures high media presence and exclusive experiences for readers.
• Frutiger AGcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMain Partner - Thun-based construction company with historical connection to the region since 1869, building infrastructure throughout Bernese Oberland.
• Hauenstein HotelscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMain Partner operating 3 hotels and 6 restaurants around Lake Thun with 220 rooms, suites, and apartments. Major employer in Bernese Oberland hospitality sector.
• Radio Bern 1coreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Main Partner 2026 providing exclusive interviews with performers, behind-the-scenes audio content, and background reports on current productions.
• Rugenbräu AGcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMain Partner - Bernese Oberland brewery since 1866 producing beers, spirits, and whiskeys. Located at Rugen mountain with tasting room.
• Stadt ThuncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCity of Thun as Main Partner - local government support for cultural events at Lake Thun with historic castle and medieval old town.
• LivesystemsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner - leading Swiss digital outdoor advertising provider with 13,000+ screens reaching 4.5 million people weekly. Part of Swiss Post.
• nau.chminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner - leading German-speaking Swiss news portal with 4+ million monthly unique clients. Provides news coverage and media partnership.
• Radio 32minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner - leading music radio in Solothurn, Olten, and Oberaargau region. First-time media partner for 2026 season.
• Radio ArgoviaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner - radio station for Aargau region providing regional coverage and audience reach.
• Radio neo1minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner - regional radio station with news and entertainment programming.
• Radio Rottu OberwallisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner - Oberwallis radio serving local audience and holiday visitors with information and entertainment.
• SonntagsZeitungminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner - Sunday newspaper offering news, backgrounds, and leisure content.
• Schweiz am WochenendeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner - largest Swiss weekend newspaper with national and regional coverage.
• Walliser BoteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner - Oberwallis newspaper with highest circulation covering all Oberwallis households.
• FroneriminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGönner (Patron) - ice cream and frozen foods supplier.
• Michel HaustechnikminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGönner (Patron) - building services company.
• UniversalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGönner (Patron) - business partner.
• Viva Thunersee (VIVAT)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation supporting Lake Thun tourism development with 154 members (as of 2017). Funds cultural events and tourism infrastructure.
• KamblyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSwitzerland's most known and popular biscuit brand (4 generations family company) providing specialty cookies.
• Gafner AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTransports, moves, van rentals and storage since 1931. 63+ employees with Euro 5 and Euro 6 fleet in Thun.
• Glausen + Partner AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance and risk management consulting firm since 1986, serving Swiss companies.
• H&R Gastro AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCoffee roastery in Interlaken since 1847, providing quality coffee products.
• Ilg AG WimmisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSustainable communication agency for 130 years - print, content, social media, website, video. Plastic-free operations.
• BLS SchifffahrtminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLake shipping on Thunersee and Brienzersee with 12 ships including 3 historic steamers. 125 employees, 1.5 million passengers in 2024.
• Energie Thun AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading regional energy supplier providing electricity, natural gas/biogas, and water. Focus on renewable energy.
• Bauimpuls AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBuilding envelope specialists for 53 years with ~100 employees providing quality solutions.
• Banholzer AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partner emphasizing experience and innovation in service delivery.
• AVAG Umwelt AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional leading waste recycling and energy company serving ~130 municipalities in Bern region.
• Autohaus von KänelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial mobility service provider in Bernese Oberland with automotive sales and service.
• Mineralquellen Adelboden AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of Europe's highest mineral springs in Swiss Alps, providing natural mineral water products.
• Born Reisen and 30+ bus companiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExtensive bus partner network across Switzerland (Aargau, Basel, Bern, Freiburg, Luzern, Solothurn, St. Gallen, West Switzerland, Zurich) and Germany providing transportation to performances.
• Hotel Alpha ThunminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel partner at Lake Thun yacht harbor with wood furniture rooms, innovative restaurant, and free WiFi.
• TicketcornercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary ticketing partner - Switzerland's leading ticketing platform for event tickets including fanSALE resale option.
• show tickets agcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroup and accessibility ticket sales partner handling bookings for 11+ persons, wheelchair places, and accessible offerings.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bregenzer Festspiele (Bregenz Festival): Bregenzer Festspiele operates a famous lakeside open-air stage on Lake Constance, producing large-scale opera and musical productions in a unique natural setting — the closest direct functional and experiential analog to Thunerseespiele's lake-stage model.
• Seefestspiele Mörbisch: Operates an open-air operetta and musical festival on a lake stage in Burgenland, Austria, combining premium productions with hospitality packages in a natural setting — closely comparable to Thunerseespiele's integrated gastronomy-plus-performance model.
• Oper im Steinbruch St. Margarethen: Annual open-air opera and musical festival staged in a former quarry, drawing roughly 200,000 visitors per season — a comparable European open-air large-format musical producer with destination-tourism appeal.
• Luisenburg Festspiele: One of Germany's oldest open-air theater festivals, producing musicals, plays, and concerts on a natural rock stage — directly comparable as a long-running seasonal open-air musical producer in a DACH-region nature setting.

Broad incumbents

• Stage Entertainment: Europe's largest independent musical producer and operator, running multiple theaters and Broadway-licensed titles across Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain — comparable as a large-scale producer of international musical IP in the DACH market.
• Salzburger Festspiele: Major annual summer festival in Salzburg producing opera, drama, and orchestral concerts — comparable as a premium open-air/DACH performing arts brand monetized through ticketing and sponsorship.
• Vereinigte Bühnen Wien (VBW) / musicals.at: Austrian theater company operating the Raimund Theater and Ronacher, producing international musical titles (Hamilton, Tanz der Vampire) with integrated dining — comparable as a DACH musical production operator with venue ownership.

Regional players

• Theater Basel: One of Switzerland's three major subsidized theaters, producing opera, ballet, and musical theater in Basel — comparable as a Swiss performing arts producer of large-format musicals, though primarily indoor and state-subsidized.
• Freilichtspiele Schwäbisch Hall: Open-air musical productions in Baden-Württemberg with a mixed repertoire of original German and licensed titles — comparable as a long-established DACH open-air musical operator, though serving primarily German audiences.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/results?search_query=Thunerseespiele
• Xx.com/thunerseespiele

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lake Thun Games