Thun, Switzerland: Where to Slow Down in Shadow of the Bernese Alps

Walkway along the River Aare offers views of the Old City and the church.

A clear blue lake, a towering medieval castle, and creaking covered bridges—set against a ring of snowcapped Alps. That’s Thun, a small Swiss city between Bern and Interlaken, where you can savor slow travel yet remain close to the alpine attractions that draw millions to central Switzerland.   Like many travelers, I assumed touristy Interlaken was the obvious base for exploring the Bernese Alps last spring.   After a closer look at the map, I noticed Thun (pronounced toon), folded into a corner of crescent-shaped...

How to Find ‘Travel Dupes’ for Switzerland’s Popular Panoramic Trains

A Golden Pass Express train heads to Montreux.

When I discovered that seats on Switzerland’s panoramic Bernina Express trains were sold out for my May travel dates, I panicked.   Then I began researching other luxury trains like the GoldenPass Express, which travels between the snow-glazed peaks of Interlaken and the lakeside beaches of Montreux.   I also studied the schedules of regional and intercity trains that crisscross the country, connecting cosmopolitan cities with mountain villages.   You’ve probably heard about “travel dupes,” or less crowded alternatives to European cities like Barcelona and...

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