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Car Hire in Thun
Thun
Thun is both picturesque and historic and can offer most, if not all, that a summer visitor requires - a resort situated on the banks of Lac Thunersee.
As the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, it lies astride the River Aare and history records that its name comes from the Celtic Dunum meaning a hill settlement. It was first colonised in about 100 BC and has attracted visitors and settlers ever since, hence the great number of castles in the area. Of these, the ancient Schlos Thun dominates the town and houses the historical museum. The Schlos Schadau was built much later in the style of the French castles within the Loire valley. Schlos Oberhofen built nearby in the thirteenth century has a furniture museum and delightful gardens. Its style is various ranging from the medieval through to that of Napoleon III and reflects its history. Finally the Schlos Hunegg is the most elaborate, with rooms giving a ‘lived-in' look. All of these castles are open to the public and are set in parklands of their own with a different vista of the lake.
Sailing is very popular on the lake and a local hike can be made up the hillside above Thun's northern shore. The viewpoint on the Hellingenschendi gives a magnificent panorama of both the lake and the distant Jungfrau Mountains. In addition, wind-surfing, river-rafting and both mountain bike and boat rental are available in Thun.
The main street of the town is a tree-lined avenue with much older squares and the castle lying across the River Aare. The station is on the main Spiez and Interlaken line, both of which are easily available, as is Berne. Ferry boats on the lake, depart Thun regularly for local villages and towns, including Interlaken west.