Things to Do in Thun

Pedestrianised medieval island on the Aare with arcaded streets, painted facades, and the Rathaus (town hall) square. Free to walk through.

🕐 Public access 24 hours

💡 Walk up the Obere Hauptgasse's covered staircases for a rooftop-level view of the river—hits the cobblestones before the crowds arrive around 10am.

Expansive lakeside park with manicured gardens, a small lake, and views of the castle and Alps. Free to wander year-round.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Pack a picnic and eat on the bench by the Schlossmatte pond—it's quieter than the main lawns and has the best view of the Swiss flag reflected in the water.

Medieval castle overlooking the old town with four towers, a knights' hall, and a museum covering regional history from the Bronze Age to the 19th century.

🕐 Museum: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 (Apr-Oct); grounds open daily dawn-dusk

💡 Skip the paid museum entry if you're on a tight budget—the castle courtyard and views of the lake and Alps from the grounds are free and just as impressive.

Modern art museum in a former school building, featuring Swiss and international contemporary works. Permanent collection is free to view in some areas.

🕐 Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00; Wed until 19:00; closed Mon

💡 The ground-floor galleries are often free entry—check the website for 'Freier Eintritt' days, usually on first Saturdays. Otherwise, it's CHF 12 but worth it for the architecture alone.

The world's oldest surviving circular panoramic painting, depicting 19th-century Thun in a 360-degree view. Costs a few Swiss francs to enter.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 (Apr-Oct); closed Mon; reduced hours in winter

💡 Go on the first Sunday of the month for half-price admission (CHF 5 instead of CHF 10). Combine with the nearby Schadaupark for a free walk.