Thun, Switzerland

   The city of Thun, which is located at the lower end of Lake Thun, is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The historic old town is situated about a half mile from the shore of the lake. There is a beautiful castle in the center of the old town that dates back to the 12th century and houses a museum.

   The first settlement arose on today's site of Thun as early as 2,500 BC. The mighty castle was constructed by the Dukes of Zaehringen. It has a fortification tower built between 1180 and 1190.  The halls of the tower house a historical museum that exhibits artifacts from prehistory and early history as well as medieval objects, weapons and uniforms from the 18th and 19th century, a ceramic collection and a toy exhibition.  The castle's most splendid exhibit is the restored Knights Hall, dating to the 12th century.

   Other attractions in the old town include the town church with its tower dating back to about 1330, the town hall from the 16th century, the old town itself and the numerous restaurants and caf�s along the Aare River.