Easy hikes

This is varied walk along the lakeside and includes such cultural highlights as the Scherzligen Church, the Schadau Castle and Wocher Panorama and the Swiss Gastronomy Museum. There is also an exciting array of birds, insects, trees and flowers to be observed. It is also enjoyable to watch others along the way and there are always people here swimming, practicing sports or just relaxing.

The starting point for the walk is the ships landing at Thun. The path takes you along the River Aare where you can stop to visit the Scherzligen Church shortly before you reach the Schadau Castle. The Scherzlingen Church is one of the twelve castles around Lake Thun which is more than 1000 years old and was funded by Bertha of Burgundy and her husband Rudolf II. A visit is very worthwhile.

Next stop is the Schadau Castle which is situated in wonderful parkland right on the shores of the lake. Here you have the opportunity to visit the Swiss Gastronomy Museum and the Wocher Panorama. The restaurant at the Schadau castle is well known for its fine cuisine and has a fabulous terrace overlooking the lake and the four thousand metre peaks.

You continue along the lake, passing a ship building yard, lakeside beach, sports centre, marina and campsite and then on through the Bonstetten Park with its old and rare trees to the Gwatt Centre. Here you can enjoy the fresh breeze from the lake, the views of the surrounding mountains and admire the abundant fauna.

From the ships landing to the vineyards
This is a very varied walk from the shores of the lake at Hünibach up to the Choleren Gorge and on to a point halfway between Hünibach and Hilterfingen and then to Oberhofen. It is also a lovely walk to do in the spring when the first leaves can be seen and the forests are full of anemones. The views of the lake, Mount Niesen and the four thousand metre peaks are exceptional. Part of the walk is through forests and small gorges and past farmhouses. The end of the walk at Längenschachen is reached after a short ascent by the vineyard to Oberhofen. Enjoy the Mediterranean like atmosphere in this sunny spot.

From the ships landing or the bus station in Hünibach walk uphill at right angles to the main road. In the village above you cross the stream and at the old schoolhouse you enter the picturesque Choleren Gorge. Then the path takes you a little way further on by the forest and then at first into the lighter edges of the forest and then deep into the forest to Schlüsselacker, the Laueli stream to Burech in the Haltengraben and on to the beautifully situated Tannenbühl. There are several places to stop for a rest and the views are wonderful.

Now you descend back to Oberhofen, a seat of government in previous centuries, which developed from a wine growing and fishing village into the very desirable residential and tourist resort it is today. A break to visit the attractively situated castle on the lakeshore is very worthwhile. Continue alongside the vineyard, where you will find the former wine grower’s house from 1626 with its wine press; the governers used this as an autumn house. Soon you will reach the ships landing at Längenschachen from where you can enjoy the lovely views from the ship on your journey back to your starting point.

Experience all the variety of the region on a walk, which takes only half an hour...
Spiez, with its castle and castle church looking over the picturesque bay, its lakeside beach and marina and not forgetting its vineyard and romantic lake shore is the starting point of this varied walk along the side of the lake to Faulensee. Do allow enough time; a visit to the castle is very worthwhile and there are several lovely places along the way to stop and rest or have a swim or just pause to enjoy the scenery. The walk is accessible for wheelchairs.

The ship’s landing at Spiez lies at the foot of the hill where the castle is located, at the entrance to Spiez bay. Start the walk with a visit to the castle and its early Romanesque church and medieval fortress. A short flight of steps takes you back to the side of the lake, from where you walk along the marina and on to Spiez bay where you will find a host of recreational facilities; a children’s’ play area, a skate park, mini golf and the wonderful outdoor swimming pool – there are no end of activities but also plenty of places to just relax.
 
The path then takes you along the lakeside under tall trees to the delightful lakeside beach area, then on through the woods below a castle and prehistoric settlement. At the halfway point you will come to a pretty picnic place with a public barbeque area so you can cook your sausages! On leaving the woods the most wonderful and unique scenery comes into view. Let your gaze wander from the lake to the impressive Morgenberghorn above and then to the trio of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Continue along the lakeside passing anchored boats, moorings and pretty houses until you come to Faulensee. From here you can take the ship back to your starting point.

Along the path you will find a play area for children and you will certainly learn something interesting at the fish-breeding farm. Both Spiez and Faulensee offer many possibilities to take a break over a meal of fresh fish. Sit back, relax and enjoy!