Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Thun Castle

Thun Castle. Photo by Dietrich Michael Weidmann. Wikimedia

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Thun Castle

Thun Castle is a castle in Thun, Switzerland, in the canton of Bern. It was built in the 12th century and now houses the Thun Castle museum. It is a national Swiss heritage site. The enchanting atmosphere of the castle and the warm hospitality of the hotel are just two of the many reasons to visit this lovely location. Thun Castle, with its imposing beautiful white castle walls and four turrets, sits above the “Altstadt” and Aare River, dominating the surrounding landscape. Thun Castle truly is the gateway to the Swiss Alps and the major passes that lead south to Italy.

Built as a purely administrative castle by the Dukes of Zähringen at the end of the 12th century, this striking building was extended by its new owners, the Bernese, with its impressive roof in the 15th century.

The castle’s five floors now house a historical museum highlighting the region’s history, as well as temporary exhibitions on cultural, historical, and current issues. Concerts and other public events are held in the knight’s hall, which is still in good condition. Thun Castle’s corner towers provide an unforgettable view of Thun, Lake Thun, and the mountains.

1. Thun castle was built between 1180 and 1190

Thun Castle. Photo by Hermann Völlger. Wikimedia

On the top of the castle hill, there was a small fort and church in the early Middle Ages.  Duck Berthold V of Zähringen built it.

2. The Knights’ Hall was constructed as the centerpiece of a monument to Zähringen power

The Knights’ Hall: Thun Castle. Photo by Andrew Bossi. Wikimedia

The family, however, never lived in the castle, preferring Burgdorf Castle. It was inherited by the House of Kyburg in 1218, who constructed the upper levels above the Zähringen castle. A feud over who would rule the southern Kyburg lands led to Eberhard II von Kyburg’s murder of his brother Hartmann II at the castle in 1322.

3. The museum is housed on six levels of the castle’s main tower

Castle Thun over City Hall Square. Photo by Andrew Bossi. Wikimedia

It typically displays 600 pieces from its 15,000-item collection. Begin your journey in the basement exhibition area, which examines 900 years of urban development, and work your way up the building. On the first floor, you can see medieval weapons and altar carpets from Thun churches dating from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The museum also houses a ceramics collection and an exhibition of antique toys.

The third-floor Knights’ Hall is a historical treasure. This well-preserved cavernous space was built in the Middle Ages and is one of the few remaining examples. Examine the fireplace and the chimney.

The hall is now used for concerts and other special events. Continue up one floor to see exhibits about Thun in the nineteenth century.

4. The courtyard of the castle and its surroundings are breathtaking

A small courtyard within the castle walls provides access to the hotel and museum. The white walls of the castle tower up into the sky and would have made an imposing impression many centuries ago. The surrounding buildings and structures that wrap around the castle flank these walls on all sides. This leaves only a very narrow path around the castle to walk and enjoy the views of the surrounding city and landscape.

The cobblestone road that gently slops down to the far end and the Thun City Church can be enjoyed as you walk out the castle gate. When you reach the far end of the church grounds, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of Lake Thun and the Alps. This is best enjoyed on a hot summer evening.

5. Visitors can get a view of the city while in Thun Castle

Thun Castle. Photo by Dietrich Michael Weidmann. Wikimedia

Thun Castle Museum is housed within the original castle tower walls, complete with four turrets. To explore the interior of the castle walls and visit the various floors, take the narrow turret stairs that lead up to each of the 6 levels until you reach the top chambers beneath the roof.

Then you can see the various views of the city, the surrounding valley, and the alps. The museum has a number of temporary exhibitions in addition to its historical museum, which includes the medieval period and the famous Grand Hall, or “Rittersaal” in German, which dates back to the Late Middle Ages.

6. The massive roof was built during the Bernese period

Due to a lack of residences in the castle, an administrative and residential wing was added to the west of the keep in 1429, known as the “new castle.” The castle served as the seat of the local court, and there was a prison beneath the roof of the donjon since at least the 17th century.

A new prison was built on the castle grounds in 1886. The museum opened in the castle two years later, in 1888. For a time, the jailer also served as the museum’s ticket seller and guard.

7. The collection of Thun castle invites visitors to learn more about the First World War

The Thun Castle Foundation’s collection of historical weapons, uniforms, and hunting culture includes everything from simple Swiss daggers to massive gun barrels. Many of the weapons now on display at the Castle Museum have a connection to Thun, while others reflect interesting aspects of Swiss military history.

The special exhibition’s selection of edged weapons invites you to learn more about the world of knights, judges, well-fortified Thun citizens, Swiss soldiers, and hunting culture from the Middle Ages to the First World War.

8. There is a restaurant on the summit of Thun

The Restaurant & Hotel Schlossberg Thun will spoil you with freshly prepared Alps dishes. The Alps inspire unusual lunchtime offerings, à la carte or individually composed menu compositions with matching wines from the regions. Everything is housed in the Restaurant & Hotel Schlossberg Thun’s personal, charming, and style-conscious atmosphere.

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, company event, or party, the Schlossberg restaurant and hotel provides the ideal setting. For your event, they have a variety of rooms and halls equipped with modern technology. Even the vaulted cellar, which houses the fine wines, can be rented for special occasions. The castle atmosphere evokes strong emotions!

9. Visitors can pretend to be knights in the massive roof

Gray knight. Photo by Artur Tumasjan. Unsplash

A central display is located on each of the tower’s four floors. Throughout the history museum, there are interactive elements to keep everyone entertained. It improves as you ascend until you reach the massive roof.

The stocks are a lot of fun. And the chance to play knights in the roof. With plenty of costume options and the ability to mount a wooden horse and pretend to ride into battle.

10. Thun Castle is open from February to October

Castle Hill stairs, Thun, Switzerland. Photo by Andrew Bossi. Wikimedia

Thun is a mountain city, and getting there during the snowiest months of the year can be difficult. In light of this, the castle museum is open daily from February to October, and then only on Sundays for the rest of the year. There is an admission fee, but children under the age of six are admitted for free.

Discounts are also available for family tickets and students. Expect to climb a lot of stairs during your visit. There isn’t an elevator.