The beautiful city in Europe 29 minutes from more famous capital but without the crowds
Thun is less than 20 miles away from Switzerland's capital, Bern - and it's a great lakeside alternative, which is also packed with historic buildings
A beautiful city in Europe that is just 29 minutes from its more famous capital has been hailed as a hidden gem.
Thun is less than 20 miles down the River Aere from Switzerland's capital, Bern. It wraps around one end of an Alpine lake - the glorious Thunersee.
Thun is a popular tourist destination and it's easy to see why. It's Old Town is filled with cobbled streets, flower-clad buildings and distinctive raised promenades.
The best view of this delightful town can be seen from the towers turreted Thun castle, or Schloss. This 12th-century construction also - like much of the town - has sweeping views of the Alps.
The castle's former prison is now a boutique hotel. As well as gorgeous mountain views, it has 16th-century wall frescoes.
The 14th-century city church is another local landmark in Thun. This beautiful building has an octagonal tower and a baroque hall.
Thun, incredibly - given it's hundreds of miles from the nearest sea or ocean - is a popular surfing spot. That's because surfers taking to raids of the river Aere, near Thun's beautiful wooden bridge.
However, the aforementioned Lake Thun is perhaps the star of the show. It's a watersports playground, with vivid turquoise waters - surrounded by alpine peaks.
Paddle steamers also cruise Lake Thun, to the resort town of Interlaken - which is well worth a visit. This traditional resort town in is built in a narrow valley between two lakes - Thunsee and Brienzersee, or Lake Brun.
Interlaken, which is filled with traditional timber houses and parkland, also sits on either side of the River Aere. Its hiking and skiing trails - in the surrounding mountains, with their dense forests, alpine meadows and glaciers - are world-famous.
Back in Thun, you'll find some great shopping. The old town has a multitude of small shops, on different levels.
There are also delightful river and lakeside promenades, which are a superb place to go for a stroll. It's here you'll find many of Thun's bars and restaurants - which are the perfect place to sample Swiss specials like fondue, rosti and raclette.
