Thun, Switzerland Travel Guide

Discover Thun, Switzerland's hidden gem on the shores of Lake Thun, offering medieval charm, breathtaking landscapes, and a gateway to the Bernese Oberland.

Thun is a charming city located on the shores of Lake Thun, with the majestic Alps serving as a picturesque backdrop. Known for its medieval old town, Thun offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that is sure to captivate any visitor. The city’s castle, Schloss Thun, dates back to the 12th century and offers panoramic views of the city and lake from its tower. Wander through the cobblestone streets, where you’ll find quaint shops, cafes, and historic buildings that tell the story of Thun’s rich past. A visit to Thun is incomplete without exploring its beautiful lake. Lake Thun is perfect for sailing, swimming, and relaxing by the water. Take a scenic boat ride to enjoy the stunning landscapes, or visit one of the many lakeside restaurants for a meal with a view. The lake's clear waters and surrounding mountains make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Thun is also a gateway to the Bernese Oberland, a region known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in hiking, skiing, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Thun provides easy access to some of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. With its blend of historical charm and natural splendor, Thun is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Switzerland.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Thun.

Visit Schloss Thun early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views from the tower.
Take a boat tour on Lake Thun for a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains and picturesque villages.
Explore the old town on foot to fully appreciate its medieval architecture and hidden alleyways.
Try local Swiss dishes at one of the lakeside restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Use Thun as a base to explore the Bernese Oberland, with easy access to famous destinations like Interlaken and Jungfraujoch.

Explore Thun: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Thun

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BearPark

Explore BearPark in Bern: A Natural Haven for Bears and Wildlife Enthusiasts in the Heart of Switzerland.

4.4

Maison Cailler

Experience the sweet legacy of Swiss chocolate at Maison Cailler, the oldest chocolate factory in Switzerland, offering tastings and interactive exhibits.

4.6

Château de Gruyères

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Château de Gruyères, a medieval castle steeped in Swiss culture and stunning mountain views.

4.6

La Maison du Gruyère

Discover the rich heritage of Swiss cheese at La Maison du Gruyère, a delightful museum, shop, and restaurant in the picturesque town of Gruyères.

4.3

Best landmarks in Thun

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Yash Chopra Statue

Discover the Yash Chopra Statue in Interlaken, a picturesque homage to the iconic filmmaker amidst breathtaking Swiss landscapes.

4.4

Thun Castle

Discover the historic beauty and cultural treasures of Thun Castle, a majestic Swiss landmark with stunning views and rich heritage.

4.5

Schloss Schadau & Schadau-Park

Explore the majestic Schloss Schadau & Schadau-Park, a perfect blend of history, stunning views, and serene landscapes on the shores of Lake Thun.

4.6

Schloss Oberhofen

Discover the enchanting Schloss Oberhofen, a historical castle on Lake Thun offering breathtaking views, rich history, and delightful dining experiences.

4.6

Best restaurants in Thun

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Beau Rivage

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Beau Rivage in Thun - where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.

4.6

Ribs

Experience unparalleled dining at Ribs Steakhouse in Thun - where every steak is a masterpiece crafted with passion.

4.6

Schloss Hotel Thun

Experience Swiss hospitality at its finest in this historic castle hotel overlooking Lake Thun and the Alps.

4.5

Rialto

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Rialto in Thun, where delicious pizzas meet cozy ambiance.

4.3

Best bars in Thun

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McArthurs Pub Thun

Discover the charm of Irish culture at McArthurs Pub Thun, where traditional dishes and lively atmosphere await every visitor.

4.5

El Camino

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delightful cuisine at El Camino, Thun's must-visit bar and café offering a taste of local flavor.

4.4

Atelier Classic Bar

Discover the art of cocktail making at Atelier Classic Bar in Thun, where every drink is a masterpiece crafted for an unforgettable experience.

4.8

Cafebar Alte Oele

Experience the cozy charm of Cafebar Alte Oele in Thun, where café culture meets vibrant bar life, perfect for relaxation and socializing.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Thun

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Atelier Classic Bar

Discover the sophisticated charm of Atelier Classic Bar in Thun, renowned for its expertly crafted cocktails and inviting ambiance.

4.8

CAFE BAR MOKKA

Discover the lively spirit of Thun at Cafe Bar Mokka, a cultural center for live music and local flavor, perfect for a night out.

4.6

Schmiedstube Bar Thun

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Schmiedstube Bar Thun, where delightful drinks meet the charm of Swiss culture in the heart of Thun.

4.7

Mundwerk

Experience the pulse of Thun at Mundwerk, where fine dining meets live music and vibrant nightlife in a cultural celebration.

4.7

Best shops in Thun

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Westside

Discover a dynamic shopping experience at Westside in Bern, where retail, dining, and entertainment converge for an unforgettable day.

4.3

Fribourg Centre

Experience the best of shopping, dining, and entertainment at Fribourg Centre – a vibrant hub in the heart of Switzerland.

4.3

Panorama-Center

Discover a shopping paradise at Panorama Center in Thun, featuring diverse stores, delightful eateries, and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.

4.3

Zentrum Oberland

Explore the vibrant Zentrum Oberland in Thun, Switzerland – your ultimate shopping destination with diverse brands and delightful dining options.

4.4

Explore Thun on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Thun, mapped for you.

Thun Essentials

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.

When is the best time to visit Thun?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Thun

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Thun. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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
  [ˈaːbənt]
- YesterdayGestern
  [ˈɡɛstərn]
- TodayHeute
  [ˈhɔɪ̯tə]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [ˈmɔrɡən]
- 1Eins
  [aɪ̯ns]
- 2Zwei
  [tsvaɪ̯]
- 3Drei
  [dʁaɪ̯]
- 4Vier
  [fiːɐ̯]
- 5Fünf
  [fʏnf]
- 6Sechs
  [zɛks]
- 7Sieben
  [ˈziːbən]
- 8Acht
  [axt]
- 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)]

History of Thun

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.