Thun Things to Do

Another historic building is the Kornhaus, probably built in 1521 and rebuilt in 1762 for the Thun Hospital Office.
Parts of the Kornhaus were built in half-timbered style with a large hipped roof and a porch was added in 1980.

Scattered around Thun is many historic buildings.

This is one I came across.

The Knabenschützenhaus was built for the boy crossbow archers in 1583, and was renovated to its original form in 1983. The boy Archer's can be traced back to the 16th century in Thun. Only boys were allowed to shoot crossbows, and that is why it is called the "Boy's shooting Lodge." Girl's have been allowed in since 1960.

Accross the street, is the shooting range, which is used throughout the summer for the summer shooting programme of the cadets.

It is the boys' clubhouse, built in 1583 for the boys Crossbowmen.
In 1983, it was restored to how it is now. No girls were allowed until 1960.

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As we were walking around Thun, we came across a very unusual Statue. If you look at my photo you will see what I mean!

There is a story to this person.................
It dates back to the Burgundian Wars in 1476, in which the soldier of Thun received high honors. The Bernese and Thun Soldiers were mocked by the Court Jester, "Charles the Bold," all very well until he was caught in Battle and brought to Thun to be punished!

The Fulehung is a fool in that the Thun festival Ausschiesset plays a central role. Fule Hung is Swiss German and means "lazy dog".
If you happen to be here early morning on the last Monday in September, you will see the young men of Thun rushing into the main street and up Castle hill where they wait for Fulehung. The person who is wearing a devil's mask, and carries a pig’s bladder and a "Schyt" (a type of bat), is acting as Fulehung, is then teased all the way from the Castle to the Town Hall!

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This is really nice, whether on a miserable day or a nice sunny day! I had the miserable day, never mind, I did enjoy my walk.
What did I see..........Well, I came across a nice children's playground which had a wooden ship for the children to play in, this was nice!
Then there was this Fountain, of three Ladies holding a dish, I don't know what this represents, perhaps somebody does......
And I saw pretty swiss homes, and some big Mansion's, and then there were the Duck's, two different breeds, trying there hardest not to go with the current!
If only the seats were dry and not wet, yes, there were plenty of them for fine days, I would have sat down and enjoyed the serenity of this area!

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On a rainy day we headed inside the Museum. Admission was covered by our Thun Museum Card.

We were told where to go in the Museum and headed there and took some photo's, only to be told the Museum was closed today!

Why.............As a new exhibition was being put in place.

Something to remember.....Always closed when this is happening!

When the Museum is open, you can expect to see mainly contemporary art in five to six large exhibitions per year.

Well, at least there was a Cafe, Shop and Toilets's located in the Museum which were open.

Works from the collection of the Kunstmuseum Thun are not permanently on display.

Adults chf 10
Entry to the exhibition is free between 5 and 7 pm on the first Wednesday of every month.

OPEN....
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
closed on Mondays

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What to do on a day of misty rain, go to a Museum of course!

We chose the Kunstmuseum! Early morning, and the small car park next to it had plenty of available spaces. Next, check the opening time, we were early, so what to do?

Up went the umbrella, and I went for a walk around the building and found some beautiful sights.
First, were the stunning Red Rose's growing on the wall, wow! they were at their best! Then, there was the architecture, beautiful and no wonder why, as this was the former home of the Grand Hotel Thunerhof.
I then ventured to the edge of the fenced garden which overlooked the River Aare. This was pretty, and a I could see quite a way to the Lake where there were lots of Boats, and down to the other end where the wooden covered Bridge was.
By this time, the Museum was open, so back I went to go inside.

OPEN....Tues-Sun 10 - 5PM..... Wed UNTIL 9PM

ADMISSION IN 2011...Adults.... CHF 10........ Children up to age 12 and school classes are free. edit
Admission with the Thun Museum card is FREE

Entry to the exhibition is free between 5 and 7 pm on the first Wednesday of every month.

Combined ticket Kunstmuseum Thun/Thun-Panorama
Adults.....CHF13
Children up to age 12 and school classes are free

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One of the first sights we saw on a cool and wet morning in Thun, was the covered wooden bridge named "Scherzligschleuse." I was rather surprised to see a Covered wooden bridge like the one in Lucerne, but what I didn't know, and didn't see, is the lower covered wooden bridge, the "Mill Gate," which is shaped a little like the letter "V," damn!!!

Anyrate, I did see one, and really liked what I saw, even though I was there at the wrong time, for there were no flower's hanging on the outside of the Bridge, this makes it extra pretty!

This Bridge was built in 1818, and has a wooden sluice, which I could see inside when I walked the Bridge. On the Lakeside of the Bridge, it is nice and calm, with pretty Blue/Green water, and the other side is thundering water, rushing along at incredible speed with plenty of white froth!

It is this side where a "standing wave" on the River Aare is, and it was here they held the 2009 ICF Freestyle World Championships.

I can tell you, I spent more than a little time in this area, mezmerized by the fast flowing water!

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The Muhleplatz is located alongside the shore of the Innere Aare and is today an area that is occupied by a number of outdoor cafes (in Summer), restaurants, and bars. When I visited in July of 2010 there was even a Ferris wheel set up and the whole area was packed with people.

The Muhleplatz is the(once upon a time) site of the town grist or flour mill that used the waters of the Aare to produce flour for baking..and today its kind of a trendy place to hang out.

I've stopped here twice for meals, most recently during my latest visit as well as the VERY first time I visited Thun, and both occasions it was nice to sit and enjoy a meal outdoors in the warm sunshine.

Even if you're not wanting to sit and pass time here its a great venue for "people watching"..its close by to the Rathausplatz so if you're exploring this part of the Old Town you're very close by so its possible that you'll pass this way at one point or other.

Check it out...