In a world filled with concrete and steel, places like Thun in Switzerland are a breath of fresh air. Walking its cobblestone streets, soaking in scenic views, and discovering timeless landmarks—it’s a rich, revitalizing, and nostalgic experience.
If you’re up for exploring the hidden treasures of Thun, a local tour is fantastic. But fret not, discovering Thun’s highlights solo is a piece of cake! Especially Thun Old Town—it’s adorable and compact, perfect for exploring on foot.
Today, I’ll guide you through a walking tour of Thun Old Town. You’ll get an itinerary and a map showing landmarks, picture-perfect spots, famous streets, and squares. Exciting, right? Let’s get started!
Thun, nestled in the Bernese Oberland, boasts a mix of history, culture, and breathtaking nature. Positioned on the northern shores of its own gem, Lake Thun, the city offers easy access to the lake’s attractions upon your arrival.
While this walking tour zooms in on Thun Old Town, nature still takes center stage. Along the way, expect stunning views of Lake Thun and the magnificent Bernese Alps, making these moments among the tour’s highlights.
Thun Walking Tour Map
Here’s a map of my Thun Walking Tour, giving you a quick visual overview to set your expectations.
Thun Walking Tour Itinerary
I’ve chosen to start the Thun Walking Tour from Thun Train Station since many travelers explore Switzerland by train. But if you prefer starting elsewhere in Thun Old Town, buses outside the station can take you around the city. So, no need to worry—you have options!
Notice on the map that this tour follows a roundtrip path. You can begin and end at the same point. It goes counterclockwise, but you’re free to go clockwise too.
If you’re driving into Thun, park at the lot below Thun Castle. That way, Thun Castle becomes your first stop instead of Obere Schleuse.
Ready to begin? Let’s go!
Arrival in Thun
Before starting the walking tour in Thun, you need to reach the city first.
Getting to Thun offers various options—by car, train, or other preferences you have.
For a week-long trip in Switzerland, consider using public transportation with a Swiss Travel Pass for convenience.
Thun shares borders with two cities—northwest with Bern and southeast with Interlaken. A quick train ride of 20 minutes connects Bern to Thun, while traveling from Interlaken takes a single train ride, lasting 30 to 35 minutes.
Most tourists fly into Zurich when visiting Switzerland. If you plan to travel directly from Zurich to Thun, a single train ride will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Ready to explore Thun? Let’s get you there first!
1st Destination: Obere Schleuse
To start the Thun Walking Tour at the train station, head straight to a landmark that screams “**Swiss town by an alpine lake**” — the Obere Schleuse Brücke or Scherzlig Lock.
This wooden covered bridge links Thun’s tiny island, Bälliz, to the rest of the city, crossing the Aare River. Amidst the 12 bridges around Bälliz, the Obere Schleuse Brücke stands out for its beauty.
The bridge’s rustic brown tones and red roof tiles beautifully contrast against the turquoise Aare River. It’s a camera-worthy spot!
In warmer months, if the water flow is good, you might catch locals surfing nearby. Hang around the quay for a chance to see some tricks.
As the closest landmark to the train station, it’s the perfect first stop on your Thun Walking Tour. Reach it in about 5 minutes via Aarefeldstrasse. Alternatively, take the longer but more scenic route: from the train station, follow Panoramastrasse and then Scherzligweg, a riverside path.
2nd Destination: Göttibachsteg (Photospot)
Although Thun Old Town is further inland from Lake Thun, it offers wondrous views of the Bernese Oberland. It’s a charming aspect of exploring Thun Old Town.
Starting your Thun Walking Tour from the train station, the first viewpoint of the Bernese Oberland is Göttibachsteg. It’s just a few steps from the Obere Schleuse Brücke!
Göttibachsteg, linking Bälliz to central Thun Old Town, offers a stunning view of the elegant Kunstmuseum Thun against the snowy peaks of the Bernese Oberland backdrop.
Pause on Göttibachsteg to soak in nature’s beauty—the flowing Aare River and the fresh air from the Alps. For a better angle of the Obere Schleuse Brücke, head to Aarequai (north end of the bridge) towards Kunstmuseum Thun. It’s the perfect spot for capturing the bridge adorned with flowers!
3rd Destination: Kirchtreppe
From Göttibachsteg bridge, you can spot more Thun landmarks. Can you guess which ones?
They are Thun Castle and Stadtkirche Thun (Central Church of Thun), situated northwest of Göttibachsteg. These two landmarks on Schlossberg hill are a key part of this Thun Walking Tour.
To reach Schlossberg (Thun Castle or Stadtkirche Thun) from Göttibachsteg, the best route I recommend is via Kirchtreppe or the “Church Stairs.”
Kirchtreppe, a 19th-century stairway, connects Thun Old Town’s main street (Obere Hauptgasse) to Schlossberg. Its charming wooden roof creates an irresistible photographic pattern—a hidden gem in Thun Old Town!
True to its name, it used to be the path churchgoers took to quickly reach Stadtkirche Thun from Obere Hauptgasse. Walking up Kirchtreppe might evoke a sense of stepping back into the 19th century, joining the churchgoers on their way to pray.
At the top of Kirchtreppe, a pavilion welcomes you to Schlossberg. This pavilion features modern artwork on its ceiling, depicting the history and religious culture of Thun’s people. It’s another charming hidden gem in the city.
It takes about 5 minutes on foot to reach Kirchtreppe from Göttibachsteg. For a scenic walk, take Aarequai, then turn right into Freienhofgasse, and left into Obere Hauptgasse. The first small path on your right is Kirchtreppe.
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4th Destination: Stadtkirche Thun
I have immense admiration for cities that preserve their cultural heritage over time. Thun happens to be one of these cities.
The city’s skyline, evident from the initial parts of this Thun Walking Tour, showcases remarkable 14th-century landmarks. Among these, Stadtkirche Thun stands out prominently.
Imagine you’re at Kirchtreppe’s pavilion. Just a few steps and another staircase separate you from Stadtkirche Thun. As you step into the churchyard, the octagonal clock tower, dating back to 1330, looms above you. The faded murals within the arched openings add to its ancient charm.
I discovered that Stadtkirche sits on the side of Schlossberg facing the Bernese Alps. Inside, the windows offer breathtaking views of this Alpine backdrop.
Venturing near the back of Stadtkirche Thun, you’ll find additional pavilions and benches. It’s an ideal spot to relax and soak in the mesmerizing views of the Swiss Alps, especially after climbing Kirchtreppe from Obere Hauptgasse.
Here’s the map and route displaying the path from Kirchtreppe to Stadtkirche Thun. I’ve highlighted the route to the benches and pavilions for your convenience.
5th Destination: Thun Castle
To the northwest of Stadtkirche lies Thun Castle, a pivotal landmark with a history tracing back to the 12th century. This castle, now a Swiss heritage site, reflects the legacy of the Zähringens, Kyburgs, and Habsburgs—once owners and builders of this monumental edifice.
During this Thun Walking Tour, I recommend exploring the castle grounds, taking in the military architecture, and capturing rustic elements, such as the observation tower behind the castle.
An intriguing aspect you’ll notice is a part of the castle transformed into a modern design. There’s a segment featuring rectangular glass windows, possibly a segment of the castle’s hotel, which minimalist photographers may find captivating.
While Thun Castle boasts a cafeteria and a museum, the true highlight, in my opinion, lies atop its towers—the most exceptional view in town.
For insights into what the castle’s museum holds, you can refer to my article, “What To Expect In Thun Castle & How To Visit.”
Reaching Thun Castle from Stadtkirche Thun is simple. Both are connected by the cobblestone path of Schlossberg, a mere 3-minute walk away. Along this path, you’ll find the entrance to the under-the-hill parking lot of Thun Castle.
Oh, and remember to glance back at Stadtkirche Thun halfway to Thun Castle or before entering the castle’s courtyard from Schlossberg. The view of Stadtkirche Thun, framed by the cobblestone pathway and the KITA Gampiross daycare center, makes for a picturesque scene.
6th Destination: Rathausplatz
Rathausplatz, the most renowned square in Thun, is a significant stop on this Thun Walking Tour. This historic square, designed to showcase the city’s prosperity, boasts cobblestone flooring and is surrounded by impressive structures, offering glimpses into Thun’s rich heritage.
The square is a treasure trove of historical buildings, including the 15th-century town hall, the venerable 14th-century Hotel Rathaus, and the refined 18th-century Burgerhaus Thun.
Settle by the fountain at the square’s center for a serene moment amidst the architectural marvels that define Rathausplatz. From this vantage point, you can admire the stunning facades that grace the square.
What’s remarkable is the view of Thun Castle that overlooks Rathausplatz and the Old Town. It’s a sight straight out of a medieval tale, inviting imagination about the rulers of Thun surveying their domain from the castle’s majestic towers.
To descend from Thun Castle and reach Rathausplatz, navigate through staircases other than Kirchtreppe, connecting Schlossberg and Thun Old Town. If you find yourself in Schlossberg, seek out the entrances to these staircases along the Holi Maz pathway.
As you exit the castle courtyard through its main entrance, take a right turn and you’ll spot the perpendicular footpath, Holi Maz. At the junction, make another right turn. A few steps ahead, on your left, you’ll find two staircase entrances—either will lead you down to Rathausplatz.
7th Destination: Obere Hauptgasse
Exploring Rathausplatz is just the start. Next up is Obere Hauptgasse, a cool pedestrian street known for its unique raised pavement. It’s like no other street around, with its special design that makes wandering here a must-do.
From Rathausplatz, just head to the right when facing Thun Castle, and you’re on Upper Main Street, also called Obere Hauptgasse.
But it’s not just about the raised pavements here. The street is lined with these cute pastel-colored houses, giving off Bern vibes. It’s a real picturesque spot, perfect for snapping photos.
As you stroll along, there’s plenty to see—restaurants, boutiques, shops—you name it. And if you peek from the balconies on the raised pavement, you’ll catch a glimpse of daily life in Thun. Trust me, it’s extra charming when the flowers decorate the railings in warmer months.
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk away from Rathausplatz. On the right side, there’s a shortcut through an underpass leading to Untere Schleuse Brücke or Mühle Lock. This handy passage takes you to key spots along the Aare River like Mühleplatz, Aarequai, and Bälliz, all from Obere Hauptgasse.
8th Destination: Bällizbrücke (Photospot)
Get your cameras ready during the Thun Walking Tour! If you’re after a standout Instagram snap in Thun, head straight to Bällizbrücke.
Wondering what it is and where to find it?
Bällizbrücke is a pedestrian bridge linking Rathausquai and Bälliz. Among the dozen bridges here, it’s the one that lines up perfectly with Thun Castle.
Stand at the center for a great shot of riverside buildings, with Thun Castle commanding the view. The bridge’s railings work like a charm, leading your gaze straight to the castle.
By the way, leading lines in photography? They make photos extra special.
To reach Bällizbrücke from Obere Hauptgasse, you’ve got options. Go back to Rathausplatz, then head southwest toward Bälliz. Or take the underpass to Mühle Lock, stroll through Mühleplatz, Rathausquai, and there you are—Bällizbrücke.
Pro tip: Take the latter route. It’ll let you explore the stunning Mühleplatz. This riverside park offers breathtaking views and buzzing scenes all around. You can peek at Untere Schleuse Brücke from there, but save that for later.
And as you pass Rathausquai, seize the chance for more incredible shots! There’s a ton of photogenic stuff along the way.
9th Destination: Bälliz (shopping)
Let’s talk about the icing on the cake for your Thun Walking Tour—time to scout for local treasures, snag souvenirs, and grab some grub. Where to?
Bälliz is your go-to—the island right in the middle of the Aare River. It’s your ultimate hub for all things shopping and dining!
Spanning 500 meters, Bälliz has it all—a supermarket, swanky department stores, quick bites, and even fancy dining spots. And that’s not the end of it! There are boutiques, jewelry outlets, and more waiting to be explored.
Pro tip: If you cross over using Bällizbrücke from Rathausquai, you’ll land smack in the center of this bustling island. Perfect, isn’t it?
10th Destination: Untere Schleuse
Wrapping up your Thun Walking Tour is the impressive Untere Schleuse Brücke, also called Mühle Lock.
It’s another of Thun’s delightful wooden covered bridges, linking Mühleplatz and Waisenhausplatz over the Aare River. These bridges, including Obere Schleuse Brücke, play a key role in managing the river’s flow downstream.
Untere Schleuse Brücke has its own unique charm, curving sharply across the river.
Pro tip: Head behind Restaurant Waisenhaus for a killer view of Thun Old Town, with Untere Schleuse Brücke adding to the picturesque scene.
Feeling peckish? Opt for outdoor seating, especially toward the back of the restaurant. It’s a lovely spot, maybe even a bit romantic if you’re with your partner, offering great food and mesmerizing views of Thun.
And don’t forget to explore the other side of Untere Schleuse Brücke along Aarequai. The water is calmer here, giving a beautiful reflection of the bridge. A golden opportunity for yet another stunning Thun photo!
FAQs
How do I make a walking tour map?
Creating a walking tour map involves selecting key points of interest, plotting them on a map, and designing a route. You can use online mapping tools or apps like Google Maps to mark locations and plan your route efficiently.
Where to stop on Lake Thun?
Some popular stops on Lake Thun include Spiez, known for its castle and vineyards; Interlaken, offering adventure sports and stunning landscapes; and Oberhofen Castle, showcasing historical charm and lakeside beauty.
How long does it take to drive around Lake Thun?
Driving around Lake Thun typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours without stops. However, to truly appreciate the scenery and attractions, plan for additional time to explore the various towns and viewpoints along the way.
Why visit Thun?
Thun boasts a picturesque setting between Lake Thun and the Alps, offering a blend of history, outdoor activities, and charming landscapes. Visitors can explore its medieval old town, visit museums, enjoy water activities, and relish stunning views of the lake and mountains.
Greetings, fellow explorers! Nicholas Clark here, leading expeditions with “Trip Traveling Guides.” With a keen eye for adventure and a heart for discovery, I’ll guide you through landscapes unknown. Let’s create memories that linger long after the journey ends.
