Thun A Beautiful Town in Switzerland

Last Updated on April 27, 2022 by Roslin Dwivedi

A charming town in Switzerland, Thun is a perfect gateway in Bernese Oberland. An exciting place to visit, the immense beauty of this town was a highlight of our Swiss trip. Not many of us know about this small town, but it is not less attractive than any town in Switzerland. Thun has a lot to offer. The lake Thun provides a mind-blowing view, keeping your eyes locked at it anywhere you move around. Staying at Unterseen, we made a plan to visit Thun only to see one of our friends over there. But fell in love with the city’s charm. I recommend you to have a day trip in this city while staying in Interlaken or Bern. 

Lake Thun

The main attraction of the old town is Lake Thun. The city got its name from Lake Thunersee. 

Lake Thun is visible from many parts, providing best views in the town. It offers boat rides and also has some places to sit next to the lake and have a peaceful time. You may also take a ride on the Bernese Oberland cruise from Thunersee lake to Interlaken.

How to reach Thun

From Bern – The easy and fast way to reach Thun is by train or buses. Where the train is much faster. You can also drive to this place in about 30 minutes.

From Interlaken – You can either travel by boat or bus.

From Unterseen – We left our hotel Neuhaus at around 12 o’clock, and it took us less than 30 minutes by car. 

The drive rewards you by the picturesque landscape. Mountains, barely covered in snow. Lush green plantation on the way and hut style houses makes the road trip tremendous. 

Though we had the company of the beautiful Swiss Alps throughout our way to Thun. Upon reaching the city, we were stunned by the sweeping scenery of green mountains spread, surrounding the towns: medium-tall apartments and impressive wooden houses. 

Old Town of Thun 

We started exploring the city, catching the old town. Walking on the old town’s cobbled streets, you can explore the city on foot. River Aare, streaming through the middle of the town, making the Old town a perfect place to spend time alongside a turquoise river. Speeding under the beautiful bridges connecting the city meets Lake Thun, looks adorable. In summer locals also surf in this fast-flowing river.

On a bright sunny day, this town looks vibrant, and you will be amazed by the number of crowded restaurants here. Town’s restaurants, shopping arcades are full of tourists and locals along with their family, friends and pets. There are many exciting restaurants along the riverside. So you can choose any and enjoy the food with the quaint water flow of the river. 

The wooden Bridge

The covered roof bridge over the River Aare looks pretty impressive. The bridges are beautifully decorated with colourful seasonal blossoms. Watch the noisy river making its way out through wooden gates built underneath the Bridge makes it look magnificent. The churning river of Aare flows uninterrupted and while its intensity is increased few surfers make their fun time by surfing here. 

Crossing the beautiful well-decorated bridges we reached the other side and walked ahead through Rathausplatz and Obere Hauptgasse to get to the Castle of Thun and Old town church situated high on the hill of the town.

Rathausplatz

Rathausplatz is at the centre of the city. A historical town hall square. Surrounded by the decade-old buildings and now these buildings are restaurants, bars and shops. Also has a huge round fountain surrounded by some funky benches. The town hall square is also used for some cultural and historical ceremonies for public and private. 

Obere Hauptgasse shopping

Obere Hauptgasse is the charming main shopping street in the city centre. From the town hall square, it goes on one side—several shops on the 1st level. The road also has plenty of restaurants and bars. It’s a great city design as you walk on the narrow cobbled street both the sides are the shops decorated with beautiful flower boxes lining the road.

The Castle of Thun 

Walking through the Rathausplatz, we took a lift at the end of the Obere Hauptgasse shopping street, up to the Castle hill. There’s also a staircase called Kirchtreppe (Church stairs) to reach the Old town church and Castle. From here you can have some best views of the town. 

The Castle of Thun was built in the 12th century by the Dukes of Zahringen as a purely administrative castle. Inside the Castle, you can enjoy the Great medieval hall, climb up the towers and have the stunning view of the Lake and city Thun. The site of the aquamarine lake and the stunning Bernese Alps, barely covered with snow during summers will leave you speechless. The Castle vicinity also has a gift shop and a restaurant.

Thun Stadtkirche (Oldtown Church)

Oldtown Church lies a few steps away from the Castle of Thun. It’s simple but beautiful. Church’s garden and loans, feel great to walk around and have the feel of the peacefulness. Bonus is the view from the balcony of the Church.

Where To Eat

For food, you do not have to look for restaurants around the old town. There are many restaurants near the riverside and town hall square. The old town itself is not big. And all the restaurants and shops are all close by. 

Hotel Schlossberg Thun 

We took our lunch break in the restaurant’s open terrace of a boutique Hotel Schlossberg Thun. The restaurant has a mesmerising view of the entire city with a clear appearance of the surrounded Alps. 

The restaurant offers à la carte or individually composed menus accompanied by matching regional wines. 

I found something interesting – Mostly the restrooms are decorated with beautiful mirrors of different designs. I was in awe when I noticed the front of the washbasins is not some mirror but a fantastic view. 

Overall we found the city worth visiting. All the attractions are nearby making the town easily walkable. 

We spent 2 hours in the city and left for our next and final stopover at Zurich. On the way to Zurich, we stopped in Lucerne. 

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