Thun Destination
Pedro Manuel Monteiro investigates Thun Barracks, site of a Panzermuseum that boasts an extensive collection of tracked armoured vehicles
The military barracks of Thun, used in the training of mechanised units, is one of the largest military sites in neutral Switzerland, located about 30 kilometres from Bern. It is also home to an outdoor military collection, with almost 40 vintage main battle tanks and armoured vehicles on display. All of the vehicles are tracked models, with the exception of a US-built T17E1 Staghound scout car.
The majority of the vehicles in the collection were extensively tested by the Swiss army, and a few others were donated by friendly countries. World War Two enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the amount of US and German armour on display. There are several Swiss-built models such as a pre-series Panzer 58 tank armed with a coaxial 20mm gun, and the first Panzer 61 produced in the series. The single prototype of the indigenous Saurer Tartaruga infantry fighting vehicle can be found parked next to a Mowag Pirat.
Thun also houses an indoor collection comprising former tanks of the Swiss army, the majority of them roadworthy, along with uniforms and ot…
