Thuner or Later We Had to Go Here...

I just couldn't resist starting this blog post with a pun! Two days after we visited Burgdorf, my parents, the girls and I checked out the town of Thun. Thun (pronounced like the "tune" you hum) is a town located right on the Aare river (yes, the same one that runs through Bern). A litttle further down the river and you reach the lake of Thun. It is in the Bernese Oberland part of Switzerland, which means that there are mountains to be seen everywhere on a clear day. From Bern, it is only a short 40 minute train ride! Again, can I just say how amazing it is that all of these towns and smaller cities have such regular access to public transit? I know, I know... Canada is too large to really have this type of public transit available. But one can dream, right?

Once we arrived at the Thun bahnhof (bahnhof is train station in German), we meandered our way down the streets until we arrived to the old part of the city. They had set up a gigantic Christmas tree in the main square. Unfortunately we didn't get to see it at night, but I bet it was a beautiful sight! On our walk, we also came across the Thun castle. However, the castle has very limited opening hours in the winter, so we didn't get a chance to go inside. From what I have read, it is a must-see in the canton of Bern. It's a castle that was built in the 1100s. The location is absolutely perfect: it sits at the top of a hill overlooking the old city of Thun. Gorgeous!

The old town is very picturesque - it goes all along the river. Its green-blue water is surreal! We found a great park for the kids, and had a picnic lunch. The swans even joined us on our walk back from the park!

Thun has a couple old wooden bridges. It reminded me a bit of Lucerne, Switzerland (don't worry - that blog post will come soon!)

Thun was a great town to walk around. There is a long pathway that winds by the river, with spectacular views. I know we will be going back there in the spring and summer to do some family biking! Until then, I leave you with some pictures of our time in Thun!