The town of Thun

Facts about Thun

• Location: in the Alps, central, lakeside
• Region: Lake Thun (Bernese Oberland)
• Thun can be reached by train
• Popular attractions: GoldenPass line, Boat trip Lake Thun, Lötschberg Mountain Railway
• Town size: city
• Elevation: 560 m (1837 ft)
• Travel time from Zurich: 1h20 by train, 1h55 by car

Location and scenery

Thun is a strategic location to spend your holidays. It's only half an hour by train from the capital Bern, there are boat trips directly from town, and very good train connections to many destinations. These include the Valais, Simmen valley and the Jungfrau region.

If you want to explore the Bernese Oberland but also other parts of Switzerland, Thun makes an excellent base.

Pros and cons of Thun

As mentioned, the location of Thun is a big plus. Also, the town is very atmospheric. It has a beautiful old town center and the blue river Aare is prominent feature.

Thun is big enough to offer enough shops, hotels, restaurants, museums and other facilities to have a good time, even if weather isn't favorable.

Thun is close to, but not in the mountains. If you prefer alpine villages, you'd best check out the smaller villages in the Jungfrau region.

Sightseeing tips

Our suggestions for sightseeing in Thun are below. Be sure to check the features of your rail pass, as it may get you discounts on several attractions.

• The historical old town, dating back to the 12th century, can be explored on foot from the main rail station.
  www.thunersee.ch
• The castle and its museum
  www.schlossthun.ch
• The Art Museum with its circular painting of Thun
  www.thun-panorama.ch
• Hünegg castle in nearby Hilterfingen
  www.schlosshuenegg.ch

Please find more activities here.