Thun: The Gateway to the Bernese Oberland

• HelloGrüezi
  [grü·ə·tsi]
• GoodbyeAdieu
  [a·djø]
• YesJa
  [ja]
• NoNei
  [nai]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bɪ·tə]
• Thank youMerci
  [mɛr·si]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ɛntˈʃʊldɪˌgʊŋ]
• How are you?Wie geht's?
  [viː ɡeːts]
• Fine. And you?Guet. Und dir?
  [ɡuːt ʊnt diːr]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [ʃprɛxən ziː ˈʔɛŋlɪʃ]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ɪç fɛrˈʃteːə nɪçt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ɪç ˈhɛtə ˈɡɛrnə diː ˈʃpɛɪzəˌkartə ˈbɪtə]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ɪç ˈɛsə kaɪn flaɪʃ]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prɔst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ɪç mœçtə ˈbɪtə ˈtsaːlən]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [ˈhɪlfə]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [ˈɡeːən ziː vɛk]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [ˈruːfn ziː diː pɔˈliːtsaɪ̯]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [ˈruːfn ziː ˈaɪ̯nən ˈaʁts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ɪç ˈhaːbə mɪç ˌvɛrˈɪrt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ɪç bɪn kraŋk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ɪç mœçtə ˈkaʊ̯fən]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ɪç ʃaʊ̯ə nuːr]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [viː fiːl ˈkɔstət das]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [das ɪst tsuː ˈtɔɪ̯ər]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [ˈkœnən ziː dɛn praɪ̯s ˈzɛŋkən]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [viː ʃpɛt ɪst ɛs]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [ɛs ɪst aɪ̯n ʔuːr]
• Half past (10)Halb elf
  [halb ɛlf]
• MorningMorgen
  [ˈmɔrɡən]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [ˈnaχmɪˌtaːk]
• EveningAbend
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• YesterdayGestern
  [ˈɡɛstərn]
• TodayHeute
  [ˈhɔɪ̯tə]
• TomorrowMorgen
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• 1Eins
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• 2Zwei
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• 3Drei
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• 4Vier
  [fiːɐ̯]
• 5Fünf
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• 6Sechs
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• 7Sieben
  [ˈziːbən]
• 8Acht
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• 9Neun
  [nɔɪ̯n]
• 10Zehn
  [tsen]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ɪst aɪ̯n/deɐ]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ɪst diː ˈadresə]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [ˈkœnən ziː mɪr das ˈʦiːɡən (aʊ̯f deːɐ ˈkarta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [van kɔmt deːɐ ˈnɛχstə (bʊs)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [ˈaɪ̯nə ˈfaːɐ̯kartə (naχ)]

Thun, located on the banks of the River Aare, has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. The region was settled by Celtic tribes before falling under Roman control. The first documented mention of Thun was in 1133, but the area had been inhabited long before that. In the early medieval period, it became a strategic military and commercial hub due to its location at the gateway to the Bernese Oberland.

One of Thun's most iconic landmarks, Thun Castle, was constructed by Duke Berthold V of Zähringen around 1190. The castle served as a stronghold and residence for the Zähringer family, who played a crucial role in the development of the region. The impressive structure, with its four corner towers and central keep, stands as a testament to the medieval military architecture of the time and provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps.

After the extinction of the Zähringer dynasty in 1218, Thun became a subject of contention among various regional powers. It was eventually acquired by the Counts of Kyburg and later by the Habsburgs. In 1384, the city was purchased by the canton of Bern, marking the beginning of Thun's integration into the Swiss Confederation. This transition brought significant political and economic stability to the region.

Thun's strategic location along the Aare River and its proximity to Lake Thun made it an important trading center. The city flourished during the late medieval period and into the Renaissance, with its markets and crafts attracting merchants from across Europe. In the 19th century, Thun became a focal point for Swiss industrialization. The introduction of railways and the development of hydroelectric power harnessed from the Aare River fueled the growth of factories and businesses, transforming Thun into a modern industrial city.

Thun has long held military significance due to its strategic location. In the 19th century, the Swiss Army established a major training facility in Thun, which remains operational to this day. The city's military academy has trained many of Switzerland's top officers and continues to be an important institution for national defense. The presence of the military has also contributed to the local economy and cultural landscape.

Today, Thun is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its historical heritage with modern amenities. The old town, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, attracts tourists from around the world. Cultural events, such as the Thunerseespiele, an open-air theater festival, and the Thun Festival, highlight the city's rich cultural tapestry. The beautiful natural surroundings, including Lake Thun and the nearby Alps, make Thun a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Thun is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The nearest major airport is Bern Airport (BRN), approximately 30 kilometers away. From Bern, you can take a direct train to Thun, which takes around 30 minutes. Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA) are also convenient options, with train journeys to Thun taking about 2 hours from Zurich and 2.5 hours from Geneva. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) offers frequent and reliable train services to Thun from various Swiss cities.

Thun is well-connected by an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains. The city center is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, buses operated by the Verkehrsbetriebe STI AG are available. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive. Renting a bicycle is a popular option, and there are several rental shops in the city. Thun also has a boat service on Lake Thun, offering scenic trips to nearby towns.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit places that don't accept cards. ATMs are plentiful in Thun, so withdrawing cash is convenient. Currency exchange services are available at banks and some hotels.

Thun is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended, especially in crowded areas like markets and train stations. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Thun has well-equipped medical facilities, and pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police station is located in the city center, and they can assist with any safety or legal concerns you may have.

Fashion: Do dress smartly and comfortably. Switzerland is known for its casual yet neat dressing style. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüezi' (hello) or 'Hallo'. A firm handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as cheese fondue and Rösti. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Thun like a local, visit the weekly markets held in the city center where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Take a stroll along the Aare River and enjoy the beautiful views of the old town. Engage with locals at cafes and restaurants; they are often friendly and willing to share interesting stories about Thun. Don’t miss a visit to the Thun Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Thun.