One of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland is waiting for you to walk it and explore its every street and alley. Its history starts from the Neolithic Age and the historical buildings will fascinate you. The lake with a view of the Alps, the great food, the awesome architecture and the warmth of the residents to help you with anything you want are some of the elements that make Thun special. It is worth staying one more day to discover all the “treasures” that the city hides.
Currency: Swiss Franc
Calling Code: +41
Nearest airports from city center: Bern Airport (23km), Basel/Mulhouse Airport (128km), Zurich Airport (152km), Geneva Airport (197km), St. Gallen Airport (248km), Strasbourg Airport (252km), Friedrichshafen Airport (280km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** THUN LAKE
The words are needless! The incredible natural landscape offered by the lake with the backdrop of the Swiss Alps cannot be described in words.
*** SCHLOSS OBERHOFEN (Schloss 4, 3653 Oberhofen am Thunersee)
It is one of the most important attractions of the city. It was built around 1200 and is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.
*** HÜNEGG CASTLE (Staatsstrasse 52, 3652 Hilterfingen)
About a ten minute drive away from the city center you will come across one of Switzerland’s most iconic castles.
*** SCHADAU CASTLE (Seestrasse 45, 3600 Thun)
It was built around the middle of the 19th century and is one of the most beautiful castles in Switzerland. We would recommend it to be one of your first choices.
*** RATHAUSPLATZ
Tour the magnificent square dominated by the city’s Town Hall built six centuries ago. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the city.
*** SCHLOSS THUN (Schlossberg 1, 3600 Thun)
The emblematic castle of the city, built in the 12th century, deserves your attention. See also the castle museum.
*** OBERE SCHLEUSE
From this point you will be able to take the best photos of Lake Thun. In 1818 it had been built to control the water level. Check out the two wooden gates that can open and close with mathematical precision.
*** THUN PANORAMA (Schadaupark, 3602 Thun)
Created in 1814, artist Marquard Wocher sketched the 360° panorama, standing on the roof of a house to get a panoramic view of the Old Town.
*** STADTKIRCHE THUN (Schlossberg 14, 3600 Thun)
This is the most famous church in the city, dominated by the impressive medieval tower. See also the interior of the church and you will be impressed.
*** FLECHTMUSEUM (Neufeldstrasse 6, 3604 Thun)
If you want to know all about the traditional weaving art, then you are in the right place. Visit the knitting museum, the textile museum and many exhibitions.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Walk to Bälliz to see more hidden “gems” of the city.
*** See the historic houses of the Old Town and hear the fascinating stories of the shop owners. The elegance of the buildings in all their glory.
*** It is worth living the experience “Unheimliches Thun” and entering the world of the night watchman.
*** In about 20 minutes is Niesen, home to the impressive pyramid mountain!
*** A boat ride on Lake Thun will be an unforgettable experience.
FOOD AND DRINK
In general, the cuisine of Switzerland is a combination of German, French and Northern Italian cuisine. You should definitely try the cheese fondue. The steamed pork soup called Zürcher Eintopf is excellent, as is the Basler flour soup. Also try alplermagronen (alpine pasta), heusuppe, rosti, zuppa di zucca and gluhwein mousse. If you want to live like the locals, then try the Brötli which are shrimp, salmon or chicken sandwiches. Definitely, if you want something traditional, then try Lääberli. Accompany your food with local beer or wine.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find hotels in the city center or nearby for all budgets. Certainly the hotels that are closer to the center are consequently more expensive.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Panorama-Center is one of the most important shopping malls.
*** Zentrum Oberland is another important place for your shopping.
*** Aarezentrum Thun is also worth a visit for your shopping.
*** MANOR Thun is yet another option for your purchases
*** In the Old Town you can find many shops to get local products.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike or by bus.
CITIES NEAR THUN
Major cities close to Thun are Bern (28km), Luzern (98km), Basel (125km), Lausanne (135km), Zurich (147km), Freiburg im Breisgau (189km), Lugano (217km), St. Gallen (230km), Strasbourg (258km).
