Thun Town Hall | Thun

Information

Landmark: Thun Town Hall
City: Thun
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe

Thun Town Hall, Thun, Switzerland, Europe

Thun Town Hall (Rathaus) is a late-medieval administrative building located on the Rathausplatz in the historic center of Thun, Switzerland. It serves as the official seat of the municipal government and the focal point of the Altstadt (Old Town).

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a three-story building featuring a prominent hipped roof and a symmetrical facade finished in light-colored lime plaster. The ground floor is characterized by a series of open arcades supported by stone pillars. The upper levels contain uniform rectangular windows with dark shutters, and a central ornamental clock and coat of arms are positioned on the main exterior wall facing the square.

Location & Access Logistics

The building is located at Rathausplatz 1, approximately 600 meters north of the Thun railway station. Access is restricted to pedestrians; the most direct route involves crossing the Mühlebrücke from the Bälliz island. Vehicle parking is prohibited on the square, with the nearest public parking available at the City Ost (Schlossberg) parking garage, located 150 meters to the east.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original structure was erected around 1500, combining two separate medieval houses into a single administrative hall. It underwent significant reconstruction in 1585, which established its current Late Renaissance appearance. The building was constructed using locally sourced molasse sandstone and timber, designed to house both the city council and the municipal archives.

Key Highlights & Activities

The building remains an active government office, so interior access is generally restricted to official business or pre-arranged guided tours. Visitors can view the arcaded ground floor and the historic facade from the public square. The square itself hosts official ceremonies and seasonal events directly in front of the Town Hall entrance.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public benches are distributed across the Rathausplatz. There are no public restrooms inside the building for general tourists, but facilities are available in nearby commercial establishments. The area has full 5G cellular coverage. Numerous restaurants and cafes operate in the buildings immediately surrounding the town hall.

Best Time to Visit

The exterior is best viewed during daylight hours for architectural photography, specifically mid-morning when the sun illuminates the south-facing facade. The square is most active during the Saturday morning market. In December, the building serves as a backdrop for the local Christmas market decorations.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity is located in the basement, which once served as the city's commercial scales and bread house, ensuring all trade in the city met official weight standards. Legend suggests the archives contain documents dating back to the city's foundation, protected by the thick stone masonry of the original 16th-century vault.