Thun is a small city on the shores of Lake Thun. It is a very pleasant day trip from Interlaken as it is only 30 minutes by train. It has a formidable castle built in the 12th century perched up on the cliff above the Old Town. It is snowing as I walk towards the Old Town from the station. As I walk past one shop, a lady comes out of the door with a broom. I stare at her. She stands directly underneath the awning and pokes at it with the broom handle until most of the snow has fallen off. "The weight of the snow will make the awning collapse", she tells me. I hadn't thought of that! I walk into the main square of the Old Town and above me is the castle. The steps are signposted and I follow them up, and up. Each turn and I think it must be the last. Eventually I reach the top and the snow has stopped. There is a little garden area at the top of the stairs and I stand here to catch my breath. Unfortunately I can't go inside the castle as it's only open on Sunday afternoons in winter. Standing in the garden, I admire the snow covered trees. I really, really wish I could take one home to put in my backyard and look at it all year!! For More Information www.thun.ch www.myswitzerland.com/en/thun Swiss Rail www.sbb.ch