Ever heard of it? Don't worry, neither had we!
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Thun is a traditional Swiss town, not too far from Interlaken, and a real gateway to the amazing mountains and landscapes that Switzerland has to offer. Unlike Interlaken, Thun isn’t particularly touristy, and can be cheaper to stay and eat than other tourist hotspots nearby (or as “cheap” as you can get in Switzerland, anyway). Surrounded by peaks like Mount. Niesen and Stockhorn, the area is known for its natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for all runners, hikers and mountain bikers!
Nature calls - If being in nature is what you crave from a holiday, Thun certainly won’t disappoint. From the town, you can either walk (but be warned, you’ll have leg ache before you even get started), or catch a short bus to Sirgiswil Panoramic Bridge - one of the best things to do in the area. It’s a 340m long suspension bridge that made us slightly weak at the knees when looking down into the gorge, but as the name suggests, it has some of the most incredible panoramic views of mountains and bright green valleys!
From this bridge, there are lots of hiking and cycling trails that you can set off on. Pick up a map from the tourist information centre in Thun before you set off, or have a look on AllTrails for some recommended routes. In this area you’ll find gorgeous views of mountains and lakes, spot farm animals (maybe even alpacas) roaming through fields, and walk past lots of traditional Swiss cabins!
Small but mighty - The town itself might be small, but there’s still lots to explore. If all you want to do is soak in the natural beauty (and we wouldn’t blame you), head to Schadaupark where you can wander around the grounds of a castle that literally looks like a fairytale, then sit on the very edge of Lake Thun admiring the crystal clear water. We found this to be one of the best things to do in Thun, maybe even all of Switzerland, it was so, so peaceful! If you want to get some more steps in, there are clearly marked public footpaths around Schadaupark that will take you on long walks through the town. You can also wander into the centre where you’ll find a wide range of cafes and restaurants for when your legs really do give in! If you’ve still got some energy left, take the climb to the top of Thun castle and admire the view of the Aare river, traditional church and distant mountains from above.
Further afield - From Thun, there are countless different areas you can explore. It’s a short 30 min train ride from Switzerland’s capital, Bern, which has a beautifully preserved old town and a very calm atmosphere for a capital city! Staying in Thun, you’d also only be 30 mins away from Interlaken which is a popular resort in the heart of the Swiss countryside, and about one hour on trains from Lauterbrunnen, a hidden village in the mountains that has 72 waterfalls! You really are surrounded by nature in this town, and so well-connected to the rest of the country.
If you love a bustling town packed with energy, nightlife and atmosphere, definitely head outside of this area. Thun is an extremely quaint, peaceful town where you should go if you’re in search of a break where you can explore, relax and connect with nature. Book yourself a cosy apartment, preferably with a mountain view, and have a wonderful trip!
Additional information:
Getting there: Thun is very easily accessible by train from major cities in Switzerland and surrounding countries. The nearest airport is Bern, which is only a short drive / taxi / bus away. To get to Thun you could also potentially fly into Zurich or other major Swiss airports, then find a means of transport to get to Thun such as train or hiring a car.
Visas: Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Switzerland for a stay of up to 90 days.
Currency: The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc, which is usually similar in value to the Euro. Be careful, some places in Switzerland do allow you to pay in Euros but will charge you a large conversion fee for the service. Always pay in the local currency when you can!
Language: Languages in Switzerland are complex, we won't lie. The official languages (yes, plural) of Switzerland are German, French, Italian and Romansh. The main language spoken in Thun is their local variant of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect. However, you should be absolutely fine speaking English, most dialects of German, or any of the other official languages of Switzerland. We had no issues speaking English in local shops and restaurants.
Time zone: Switzerland is in the Central European Summer Time, usually an hour ahead of the UK.
Ready to go?
- Search for somewhere to stay in Thun on Expedia here
- Look for things to do in Thun with GetYourGuide here
