In Search of the Blue of Early Summer

Early summer in Thun is best experienced on the go.
Between the Old Town, the Aare River, and the lake, the city’s atmosphere is constantly changing—sometimes quiet, sometimes bustling, always on the move.

For this photo series, Birk explored Thun without a set route. He walked through the city center, cycled along the Aare River, and continued toward the lake. Along the way, he captured small glimpses of everyday life in the city: people making their way through the old town, buses passing by, ships waiting at the harbor, and surfers on the Aare.

The focus was on the act of being on the move itself—always searching for the blue of early summer amidst the water, the sky, and everyday urban life in Thun.

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Exploring Thun – A Glimpse into Thun’s Eventful History

A stay in Thun often begins quite simply: with just a step outside the hotel door.
From there, the paths almost seem to lead you on their own—through the old town, along the Aare River, or toward the lake. Especially in early summer, the city constantly shifts between tranquility and activity.

Walking allows you to explore many areas with a special sense of discovery. As you wander through the alleys of the old town, cross small bridges, and stroll along the water, new perspectives constantly unfold. The surroundings feel open and airy, bathed in the colors of summer—especially blue, which runs through the sky, the water, and the cityscape.

Those who want to explore further can discover Thun in other ways as well. Bike paths run along the Aare River toward the lake, buses connect different parts of the city, and on Lake Thun, the pace suddenly slows down and becomes more peaceful. Each mode of transportation offers a slightly different perspective on the surroundings.

The aim of this photo series is to capture the small moments of being out and about in Thun. The photos depict impressions of an early summer day set against the backdrop of the city, the water, and movement—and show how Thun can often be discovered quite by chance. After all, in Thun, there’s plenty to experience even without any grand plans or activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Photo Walk in Thun

Who is this photo walk through Thun suitable for?

This photo walk is perfect for hotel guests,day-trippers, and visitorswho want to explore Thun at a leisurely pace in early summer. The route is particularly appealing to those who enjoy strolling through the old town or soaking up the atmosphere along the Aare River and Lake Thun.

Is there a set route through Thun?

No. This route is not intended as a traditional guided tour of Thun, but rather as inspiration for exploring the city on your own. The scenes were captured spontaneously in the Old Town, along the Aare River, around Lake Thun, and at various other locations throughout the city. Those who wish to explore Thun on foot will also find numerous popular walking trails and routes around Lake Thun that are perfect for a variety of day trips.

What modes of transportation and recreational activities are featured in the photo gallery?

This photo gallery showcases various ways to experience Thun on the go. It features a range of transportation options and recreational activities around the city, the Aare River, and Lake Thun:

• On foot through Thun's Old Town and along the Aare River
• Travel through Thun and the surrounding region on STI buses
• Ride Donkey Republic bikes along the bike paths and to the lakefront
• Cruising across Lake Thun with BLS Schifffahrt
• Take the SBB to Thun and on to the Bernese Oberland region
• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and surfing on the Aare River and Lake Thun
• Walks and trails around Lake Thun and the Thun region

Which places in Thun are particularly well-suited for street photography?

For street photography and urban photography, the Old Town of Thun, the Bälliz district, the paths along the Aare River, the bike paths leading toward the lake, and the area around the harbor and Lake Thun are particularly well-suited. Especially in early summer, these locations offer many spontaneous subjects that capture movement, everyday life, and nature.

Do you have to take pictures to enjoy the walk?

No. The photo gallery is primarily intended to inspire people to take a closer look at Thun. Many impressions come about quite naturally—while strolling through the city, walking along the Aare River, or during a visit to Lake Thun.

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