Information
Landmark: Thun Old TownCity: Thun
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Thun Old Town, Thun, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
In the heart of Thun, Switzerland, the Old Town (Altstadt Thun) unfolds like a well-kept medieval gem, its cobbled lanes and centuries-old facades brimming with charm.Cobblestone streets wind past weathered stone buildings, and the glitter of the lake catches your eye, making the old town a rare mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.It’s one of the loveliest spots to wander in the region, where visitors can step among weathered stone walls and catch a vivid glimpse of the town’s rich past.Highlights and hidden charms of Thun’s Old Town, from cobbled lanes to the view over the Aare.In Thun’s Old Town, narrow lanes twist between cobblestone squares, where medieval buildings stand much as they did centuries ago.The town’s buildings tell its story, some with weathered stone walls that have stood since the 13th century and even earlier.Many buildings boast archways and steep gabled fronts, the kind you’d expect in a medieval Swiss town.The old quarter splits in two-the lower streets hugging the Aare River, and the upper perched by the castle.Down in the lower town, you’ll wander into the lively Marktplatz, where the scent of fresh bread drifts from market stalls and the town’s famed fountains sparkle in the sun, while up in the upper town, Thun Castle rises above cobbled streets alongside centuries-old churches; perched at the very top, this striking fortress remains one of the area’s most iconic sights.Built in the 12th century, the castle offers a vivid look into Thun’s past and sweeping views of the old town, Lake Thun shimmering below, and the Bernese Alps rising in the distance.Inside, the Thun Castle Museum displays artifacts, artwork, and archaeological finds that tell the region’s story.From the castle’s tower, you can take in breathtaking views that stretch across the rooftops and hills beyond, a highlight of the old town.Just down the cobbled street lies the Marktplatz, the bustling heart of Thun and one of its most beloved landmarks.For centuries, it’s been the center of local life-a bustling market where spices, fresh apples, and handmade goods once changed hands.Now, the square is ringed with graceful historic buildings, the Town Hall’s clock tower rising above them all.The neighborhood buzzes with cafés, restaurants, and little boutiques-perfect for lingering over coffee, browsing shop windows, or savoring a meal as the air hums with chatter.On Saturdays, the square bursts into color with a market piled high with fresh apples, bright flowers, wheels of cheese, and handmade crafts, offering a true taste of Swiss tradition.The Aare River winds right through Thun’s Old Town, its clear water glinting beneath the old bridges and adding to the postcard charm.The river has shaped the town’s history, and today it draws visitors for lazy boat rides and quiet walks along its banks.Several old bridges span the water, including the Kornhausbrücke, where you can look out over the glittering current and the mountains rising in the distance.These bridges lead you down to the lower part of Thun, where you’ll find more shops, cozy cafés, and lively attractions.Stroll the riverside paths and you can watch the Aare glint in the sun, with the Alps rising in the distance and painted old buildings lining the banks.One of Thun Old Town’s most distinctive charms is its scatter of historic fountains, each tucked into a corner or square.Some of these fountains, standing since the 16th century, still provide water, yet they also grace the town with their beauty.Many are dressed in intricate stonework-faces of kings, curling lions, and scenes from old myths carved into their sides.The fountains add to the town’s medieval charm, perfect for snapping a quick photo beside the trickling water.Thun’s Old Town also holds several important churches and religious landmarks, each steeped in history.St. Stephen’s Church, perched high above the cobbled streets, stands out with its soaring Gothic spire and weathered stone bell tower.The Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche), tucked into the lower old town, is one of the area’s oldest, with sunlight spilling through its stained glass onto a gleaming historic organ, a Baroque-style altar, and a quiet, welcoming space.The Franziskanerkirche, or Franciscan Church, holds a rich history as the townspeople’s place of worship, its medieval walls plain yet graceful.Just across town, the Thun Panorama wraps visitors in a sweeping 360-degree painting, capturing the rooftops of Thun and the rolling hills beyond as viewed from Thun Castle.Painted in the 19th century, this striking piece lets visitors picture the region as it once was-fields stretching to the horizon-and its scene stands in sharp contrast to the view from the castle today.Thun’s Old Town also brims with galleries, art museums, and lively cultural events.Thun bursts with life, offering art exhibitions, lively theater shows, and music festivals that let visitors dive into its local culture.At the Thun Arts and Culture Center (Kulturzentrum Thun), you’ll find rotating exhibits, performances, and hands-on workshops, while the Thun Art Museum showcases bold contemporary pieces by both Swiss and international artists.Music spills through the old town in summer, with concerts and festivals filling cobbled streets.And when it’s time to wander, the Old Town’s boutiques tempt with Swiss souvenirs, handmade treasures, fresh pastries, and stylish fashion.You can stroll along the cobbled streets, ducking into tiny shops and tucked-away boutiques hidden in the old stone buildings.In the heart of the old town, cafés and restaurants tempt you with everything from creamy Swiss fondue to spicy bowls of curry.In the old town, dining feels like a treat-cafés spill onto cobblestone streets, and you can linger over a meal while watching sunlight warm the weathered stone walls.In Thun’s Old Town, the streets come alive each year with events and festivals that honor its rich heritage and vibrant culture-think lantern-lit parades and music echoing off centuries-old walls.Every summer, Thunfest draws crowds with live music, street performers juggling in the square, and the smell of sizzling local dishes.In December, the Christmas market bursts to life with handmade gifts, local sweets, and steaming mugs of mulled wine, all wrapped in twinkling lights and music.Thun’s Old Town, beautifully preserved, offers a wealth of history, culture, and striking architecture.With cobbled lanes that twist past medieval stonework, graceful old churches, and sweeping mountain views, it’s the kind of Swiss town you can’t leave off your list.Whether you’re wandering by the river, exploring the old stone castle, tasting fresh-baked bread from a street stall, or
