The Pilgrim’s Path to Merligen, approx. 31/2 hours
Interlaken West–Weissenau–Neuhaus–Beatushöhlen–Merligen
The Pilgrim’s Path makes the fascinating area at the upper end of Lake Thun accessible; it is an area of historical, geological and botanical interest, filled with fairy-tales and legends. The highlights along the way include the nature conservation area Neuhaus-Weissenau, the Beatus Caves and the stunning views from the viewpoint at Widmannplatz. All this in a thoroughly picturesque and varying landscape. The path is almost exclusively on tracks.
From Interlaken West railway station the path leads along the banks of the Aare River to the ruins of the castle at Weissenau, where once all traffic coming into the Bernese Oberland and going onto the Grimsel Pass was inspected. In front of you lies the conservation area Neuhaus-Weissenau which has been a protected area since 1943 and is home and breeding ground to many species of water birds. Passing through this unique conservation area you will reach Neuhaus where once guests coming to the Bernese Oberland would change from the Lake Thun boats to carriages, which would take them on to Interlaken. A quiet forest path takes you on past the former Beatus spa to the delta of the Sundgraben and then to Sundlauenen.
From there continue along the Pilgrim’s Path to the Park at the Beatus Caves. A visit to the caves will give you an interesting glimpse into the underground world created by water erosion and stalagmites and stalactites. There only remain a few ruins of a wall and a pilgrimage bell from the former shrine.
From here at first the path is level but then climbs gently to the large quarry at Balmholz and then a short ascent to Widmannplatz, which is found on a rock ledge. From here you have a unique view to the lake far below and the impressive mountains around you. From here you descend through the forest to Merligen.
www.jakobsweg.ch
Schwanden-Blueme-Circular Path, approx. 3 to 4 hours
This lovely walk takes you across charming meadows and through dense fir woods up to the viewing tower Blueme’ where you will find a superb picnic place and a public barbeque area and of course glorious views.
Ascent / Descent: 300 – 500m
This walk can easily be extended or shortened.
How to get there:
Bern - Thun - Oberhofen/Gunten - Schwanden Sagi by bus or private car.
From approximately 80 metres behind ‚Schwanden Sagi’ turn left uphill in the direction ‚Blueme’. After about 500m, you reach the forest. From here the path winds its way steadily upwards along a slope through a beautiful mountain forest. At the fork (map ref 1185) continue on the forest track on the south side of the slope. At the crossroads near the log cabin (map ref 1318) turn right through the wood and climb the last and steepest slope up to Blueme’. The panorama from the Bernese Alps to the Jura which you can see from the viewing tower will make all the hard work worthwhile!
The descent first takes you through the forest to Tschingelallmi, then across pretty meadows with attractive cows, along natural hedgerows, under imposing trees and to the viewpoint Margel’. Here you have breathtaking views of the lake, Mount Niesen and the Bernese Alps. From here you have the choice of a longer or shorter route.
Longer route:
Below ‚Margel’ turn right to ‚Niesenbänkli’ where you can take a little break. Then on downhill to the village of Ringoldswil (refreshments are available in the Gasthaus Krindenhof) and from there along the road to Tschingel. At the wine cellar at the post office take the path which climbs steeply back up to Schwanden passing charming farmhouses along the way.
Shorter route:
Below ‚Margel’ turn left in the direction of Schwanden. This path is flat all the way back to Schwanden where you can stop for a snack in the Gasthaus Rothorn.
The path through this spread out village takes you past the second highest planetarium in Europe, the Sirius Observatory. A few steps more and you are back at your starting point.
