Thun, Switzerland

Thun, Switzerland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thun_Stadtkirche_Schlossberg.jpg
Author: WillYs Fotowerkstatt


Thun is a historic market town in Bern canton, Switzerland. It covers 21.6 sq km (8.3 sq mi) and has a population of 42,000 (2011 estimate). The city is located 560 m (1,837 ft) above sea level. It is on the River Aare where it exits Lake Thun (Thunersee), about 30 km from Bern.

Although the area around Thun has been inhabited since the Neolithic age, the city itself began as a Celtic settlement. It was originally known as Dunum, which means "fortified city". In 58 BC it was conquered by the Romans.

The modern city of Thun traces its history to 1190, when Duke Bertold V of Zähringen built a hill-top castle overlooking the River Aare in the area. A village was soon established around the castle, on the right bank of the river.

The main street in the Old Town of Thun is Obere Hauptgasse. It follows the River Aare. A walkway links the buildings by their roof, with steps leading down to the shops below.

View of Thun with the River Aare
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NachThun.JPG
Author: Yesuitus2001

Visiting Thun

Thun is within the metropolitan area of Bern, so you can take the S-Bahn S1 line from Bern to Thun. The journey takes half an hour.

Sights & Attractions in Thun

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