Visit itinerary of Thun, Switzerland, with stops at the castle, in the historic center, at the San Beato caves and a boat trip on the lake.
The city of Thun, nestled on the banks of the lake of the same name, located about thirty kilometers from Bern, constitutes the entrance to theOberland Bernese. An imposing castle dominates the hill on which the town stands, a symbolic image that makes it known as one of the most visited destinations in Switzerland, especially in the summer.
The urban agglomeration of Thun, inhabited since 2500 years BC, recalls through its buildings that chivalric era capable of making you feel like a child again and living one of those adventurous fairy tales where fearless knights trot on their horses. When you have sufficiently identified yourself with the fairy tale, you can start your visit itinerary right from the manor.
Having expanded around the castle with the defensive tower built between 1180 and 1190, the city of Thun tells its history through the finds, medieval objects and various collections preserved in the museum located in the castle. We invite you to visit it to also discover a toy exhibition. You will notice that the Rittersaal, the knights' hall, dating back to the XNUMXth century, is particularly sumptuous compared to the austerity of the manor that was built on the hill from which it dominates the city of Thun.
Once you have visited the museum, you can dedicate yourself to discovering the city church and appreciating its tower built around 1330. Then continue towards the Town Hall, dating back to the XNUMXth century, and as you walk observe the high pavements of the Upper main street unique in all of Europe, because as in Leonardo's "Ideal city" they are raised so that pedestrians can walk on a path separate from the road.
If its historic center is a delight, the enchanting surrounding landscape is also capable of transmitting great emotions. In every season of the year Thun is ready to give you what you are looking for. In winter the ski facilities are easily accessible and will certainly satisfy fans of this sport; among the best known are Stockhorn, in the Simmen Valley, and those of Niederhorn, near Beatenberg.
In good weather the Lake Thun it is a paradise for water sports and other activities; you could organize a nice bike ride along the equipped cycle paths or on horseback along the banks or simply enjoy doing nothing while relaxing on some small beach along the shore.
Don't miss the possibility of a trip on the lake with the ancient steamboat which in the summer season will allow you to reach many places, such as Interlaken on the north shore, or to let you explore a subtropical corner by arriving on the Riviera of Lake Thun and Merligen where the vegetation will not fail to amaze you. Let yourself be enchanted by Baia di Spiez where a castle stands surrounded by vineyards.
On the northern shore of the lake runs the St. James one of the paths that lead to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on the well-known path, which leads pilgrims to the Spanish town. Also in this area that runs along the lake you could take advantage of excursions to discover the Caves of San Beato, among underground streams, caves, stalactites and stalagmites which according to legend saw the saint make one of these caves his home.
For tourist reception, events and shows, for some years in the summer on Lake Thun a large floating stage has been mounted above its surface which uses the Bernese Alps as a scenography, where international musicals are performed. If you are passionate about the genre, you could take advantage of the opportunity to attend one of these shows in a rather unusual and suggestive location.
To reach Thun in Switzerland there are multiple possibilities; from Milan by car It will take you approximately 4 hours using the A9, A2, A8 and finally A6 motorways where you will exit at the Thun Sud toll booth. If you prefer to travel byplane know that the closest airport is Bern; once you land, you will need to travel another 25 kilometers to reach your destination.
