Thun

Thun is a city and municipality in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It is the capital of the district of Thun and a significant population center in the Bernese Oberland. The town sits on the northern shore of Lake Thun (Thunersee), at the foot of the Bernese Alps, and the Aare river flows through the town as the lake’s outflow toward Bern.

Thun has a well-preserved historic center with medieval architecture, including arcaded streets and pastel-colored houses. The hilltop Thun Castle (Schloss Thun) dominates the skyline and houses a museum. Nearby Schadau Castle and its lakeside park are notable historic sites. The Kunstmuseum Thun preserves regional art and hosts temporary exhibitions, contributing to the city’s cultural landscape.

Economy and transport: Thun functions as a regional services and tourism hub. It is connected by rail to Bern and other destinations in the Bernese Oberland. The Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) serves Thun toward Spiez and Interlaken, and ferries operate on Lake Thun, linking the town with nearby lakeside communities.

Demographics and context: the municipality has tens of thousands of residents, with a population that has grown steadily in recent decades. Thun serves as a base for exploring the Jungfrau region and the broader Bernese Oberland, attracting visitors with its lakefront setting, historic architecture, and access to outdoor recreation.