Thun is one of the most original towns in Switzerland. It occupies an admirable site within view of the Bernese Alps and is much overlooked by visitors pressing on to Interlaken. With its picturesque castle and quaint medieval center Thun (pronounced toon) is well worth a visit.

Absolutely; Thun is widely considered the "Hidden Gem" of the Bernese Oberland in 2026. While most tourists flock to the crowded streets of Interlaken, Thun offers a far more authentic and relaxing Swiss experience. The town features a stunning medieval Old Town (Altstadt) with unique "double-decker" sidewalks, a 12th-century castle that looks like a fairytale illustration, and a vibrant river-surfing scene at the wooden bridges. It serves as a perfect "civilized basecamp" for 2026 travelers; you can take a historic paddle-steamer boat across Lake Thun to Interlaken in 2 hours or reach the capital city of Bern by train in just 20 minutes. It has all the alpine beauty of its neighbors—with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—but with a fraction of the crowds and significantly better local dining and shopping options, making it the superior choice for a high-quality Swiss vacation.