Thun, Switzerland (Part 1)

 

It's early in the morning and the sun has yet to rise above the hills surrounding Thun (population 43,000). I'm in central Switzerland on the edge of Lake Thun where the Aare river flows out of the lake and through Thun's town center. It's about 30 miles around Lake Thun and it's on my list of cycling trips still to do.

Nice home with sculpture. But, I'm on a bike path along the river and I'm pretty sure it doesn't belong to house.

Going into Thun's old town I see a castle on a hill along with a fortified medieval wall. 

It's market day and the old town center is waking up.

Whoa, check out this lion.

Here's a closer view of the nasty-looking lion sticking out his tongue and brandishing an axe. 

There's the castle--you can be sure I'll be checking it out. 

Built in the 16th century, that's city hall with the clock.  

Always like to check out farmer's markets. See that glass display case on the right?

Oh baby! I get one of these homemade goodies and it's historic! The guy in the previous photo makes 'em. What do I do? I buy four more. 

This is one of two covered bridges over the Aare river in downtown Thun. No, that's not your imagination--that's a guy in a wetsuit on a surfboard.

Must be a half-dozen surfers in the water. Up on the hill is a church which I'll be checking out.