City and nature proximity at the same time

5.96 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Great panorama
Hiking Trail
  • 2:10 h
  • 5.96 km
  • 420 m
  • 30 m
  • 558 m
  • 959 m
  • 401 m
  • Start: Thun
  • Destination: Goldiwil / Dorf
Thun – also known as the «Gateway to the Bernese Oberland» – captivates with its magnificent location on Lake Thun, on the other side of which rise the ice giants of the Bernese High Alps. However, the city is quickly forgotten when you enter the Cholereschlucht, which appears like an enchanted water world.

From Thun station square, head northeast along Aarefeldstrasse and over the covered Obere Holzschleuse, the Scherzlig sluice – one of the city's two surf spots. Across the Göttibach footbridge, continue onto the Aarequai, which transitions into Brahmsquai. Stroll along this popular promenade lakeside to Ländte Schadau opposite the eponymous castle. Already at the start of the hike, a splendid view of Lake Thun and the surrounding mountains opens up – looking back, Thun and the magnificent castle are presented. At Ländte, turn left into Benatzkyweg. Shortly afterwards, pass through the small forest in the Chartreuse quarter. Follow the hiking trail past the Hünibach roundabout and soon cross the eponymous stream. Immediately afterward, turn left. Quickly, the last houses are passed, and you enter the picturesque Cholereschlucht. Especially after rainfall, both the smaller and larger waterfalls along the always upward path impress. At the exit of the gorge, turn right and shortly after left onto a forest road. After crossing a stream, this changes into a path leading to Unteres Eichgut. On the paved road, ascend to Goldiwil, keep left, and shortly after reach the Goldiwil / Dorf bus stop. From Goldiwil, there is a magnificent view of the imposing Niesen as well as the city of Thun with the Aare.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Street (11%)
Asphalt (30%)
Gravel (12%)
Path (36%)
Trail (11%)

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Thun – Hünibach – Cholereschlucht – Goldiwil

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment: light trekking shoes, light backpack, sun protection, rain jacket, first aid kit, light picnic, enough liquids, mobile phone.

Directions & Parking facilities

Outbound: by train to Thun

Return: by bus from Goldiwil / Dorf

Additional information

Bernese Hiking Trails, 031 340 01 01, info@beww.ch, bernerwanderwege.ch

Literature

License (master data)

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Those who prefer a circular hike are recommended the following variant: At the exit of the Cholereschlucht, turn left along the road and reach the Scheidweg junction. Follow the yellow marked hiking trail to Rabeflue (viewpoint) and then descend steeply on the zigzag path back to Thun station (30 minutes longer). In Thun, a visit to the charming old town or Thun Castle is recommended, from whose corner towers you get even more varied views of the city, lake, and mountains.

Safety guidelines

This route runs exclusively on signposted paths of the hiking trail category.

Map

swisstopo hiking map: 253T Gantrisch

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