Thun is a town in Switzerland in the canton (state) of Bern. It has been described as the prettiest town in Europe and the most untouched historic town. It sits on the Aare River as it leaves the Lake of Thun (Thunersee). It is dominated by the Castle and Church and has the amazing backdrop of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau Mountains in the Swiss Alps.
In 1967, Bill (Wilhelm) and his friend Ben left Thun for Australia so that they could learn English. They were in their twenties and keen for adventure. They intended returning to Thun after the compulsory stay of two years when you migrate for 10 pounds. Both married and stayed in Australia. As the river leaves the lake it splits into two creating an island. It is called, The Balliz and it is where Bill lived. After we were married we lived there for six months. But Bill decided he preferred Australia so we returned in 1971. We went back often to visit his parents and I fell in love with Thun.
The ancient castle presides over the town. It is a Romansque square tower with four corner turrets in Norman Style. It was built in 1186 by Berchtold V of Zäringen. Today it houses a museum including tapestries from the 1300's, armour, weapons, pottery, uniforms and costumes. It also has a restaurant in the courtyard. We climbed up into the turrets, we could see all over Thun, where people have been recorded as living here since 1130.
Part of the view from the castle.
The church which stands on a hill overlooking Thun is not far from the Castle. It is the City Church. It is the Reformed Protestant Church. It has old paintings but it is remarkably modern inside. When Bill was young, he and his friend Roland used to ring the bells by pulling on the ropes. It is automatic now.
Bill often played in band concerts in the church.
If you really want to see how beautiful this town is go to You Tube and type in Thun, Switzerland.
It does look lovely, as does so much of Switzerland, especially by train. I wish I was younger and had money, as it is also so expensive.
ReplyDeleteAs you probably know, toon is the way older northern English people used to pronounce town.
YouTube is how I travel, having never been outside the USA, or even owned a passport. this is one part of your life story I don't remember hearing of. I also use Google Earth to travel to other places
ReplyDeleteWhen we were in Switzerland for two weeks in 2024 we had a walking tour of Thun in the morning, a wonderful lunch then went swimming. We never did get back to Thun other than to change trains. We were based in Meiringen for those two weeks. Thun was a lovely spot and after reading your description now wish we'd seen more of it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful memories and photos from Switzerland.
ReplyDeleteTake care, enjoy your day and a happy week ahead.
Those mountains in the back are very pretty.
ReplyDeleteLovely tour you have shown Diane. Love the church there, good scene.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these lovely memories and beautiful photos Diane. I enjoyed learning about Thun.
ReplyDeleteoh wow Diane what a gorgeous town As a child we went on holiday in Switzerland, and I am sure we went to Interlaken which is close but don't think we went to Thun. What a blessing to have lived there
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Thun, surrounded by dramatic mountains and sitting beside the incredibly blue lake. I have travelled through by train, several times, but alas, never stopped to explore,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing these memories and photographs.
ReplyDeleteI visited Switzerland in the 1970's and have happy memories from my visit there.
All the best Jan
Looks like a fun place to visit. Happy holidays,
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo