THUN

( (German), ) French Thoune, city, Bern canton, central Switzerland, on the Aare River, which there issues from Lake Thun (Thuner See). It is the gateway and principal centre of the Berner Oberland (highland), just southeast of Bern city. Lakes Thun and Brienz occupy an ancient terminal basin of the Aare glacier. Founded in the 12th century, the town belonged to the kingdom of Burgundy until it passed to the dukes of Zhringen in 1190, to the counts of Kyburg in 1218, and to the city-state of Bern in 1384. Notable landmarks are the Zhringen-Kyburg Castle (tower 118691, living quarters 1429), now a museum; the Protestant church (rebuilt 1738); the town hall (1589); and the Scherzligen Church (12th century). Cheese, machinery, watches, and pottery are produced. Pop. (1991 est.) 37,950.