Located at the end of the lake of the same name, Thun is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The historic old town, dominated by a 12th-century castle that houses a historical museum, is located on the banks of the Aare, about a kilometre from the lake.

The imposing castle with its fortified tower built at the end of the 12th century is the work of the Dukes of Zähringen. The keep houses a historical museum with objects from prehistory, early history and the Middle Ages, weapons and uniforms from the 18th and 19th centuries, a collection of ceramics as well as a toy exhibition. The majestic knights' hall, dating from the 12th century, is a real gem.

The old town invites you to take a stroll, with its parish church whose tower dates back to 1330, its 16th-century town hall and the many picturesque cafés and restaurants along the Aare. Also worth seeing are the high pavements of the main street, where shops and restaurants are spread over two levels, and Bälliz, the pedestrianised shopping street.

A walk along the banks of the Aare to Schadau Park offers a beautiful view of the lake. The Schadau Castle, built in the style of the Loire castles, houses a restaurant and a museum of gastronomy.

Thun is an ideal starting point for excursions to Spiez or Interlaken, or to the famous Bernese Oberland resorts such as Gstaad, Adelboden, Lenk, or the world-famous Jungfraujoch.

(adapted from Switzerland Tourism's presentation of the city)

Useful links

Swiss Canton of Bern (iSwitzerland Guide) - Wikipedia