Simmental Cave Path - Oberwil

6.66 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Thematic Trail
  • 2:30 h
  • 6.66 km
  • 420 m
  • 470 m
  • 782 m
  • 1,204 m
  • 422 m
  • Start: Oberwil i.S., station
  • Destination: Weissenburg, station
In the Simmental, several caves testify to human presence in prehistoric times. Stone Age tools and bear bones were found in the Schnurreloch above Oberwil. The cave is accessible via a steep path. On the descent to Weissenburg, you come across much younger but no less interesting traces of the past at the former Weissenburg Bath. Hard surface only in the settlement area.

Visitors to the Schnurreloch will not find a spectacular dripstone cave, but rather an impressive site of prehistoric habitation. In the Stone Age, people found refuge in this remote cave, which is a little over 20 m long. The Schnurreloch is reached from Oberwil via a mountain hiking path that initially runs over meadows and pastures. At the Schnurreloch signpost, a path branches off from the forest trail. The steep section in the upper part is secured with ropes. The return to the trail is along the same route. Nearby the Schnurreloch are other caves. The Mamilchloch, a damp, steeply descending and dark fissure in the ground, should be approached with caution. Despite the installed simple lighting, visitors should bring a flashlight. In contrast, the Zwärgliloch is also suitable for (mountain-experienced) children. It nestles as a covered seating area with a fixed fire pit in the cliff.

Those without fear of heights continue the hike via the new hanging bridge Leiternweide and descend over stairs and boardwalks into the Buusche Gorge. On a clearing, the ruins of the former Weissenburg Bath bear witness to feudal spa tourism of earlier times. The hotel building of the front spa, which burned down in 1974, had a (also abandoned) predecessor further back in the narrow gorge. Along the former promenade path, which spa guests once used to reach the hotel, you reach the Weissenburg railway station, located on the slope above the village.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Street (3%)
Trail (56%)
Path (33%)
Gravel (7%)
Asphalt (1%)

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Oberwil i.S. - Schnurreloch - Leiterenweide - Weissenburg Bath - Weissenburg

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment: sturdy mountain boots, medium-sized backpack with hip belt, sun protection, rainwear, hiking poles, pocket first aid kit, picnic, sufficient fluids, mobile phone.

Directions & Parking facilities

Getting there

By car to Oberwil in Simmental station.

Parking

Parking available at Oberwil station.

Public transportation

Arrival: by train via Spiez to Oberwil in Simmental.

Return journey: from Weissenburg station or Oberwil station.

Additional information

Oberwil Simmental Tourism Tel. 033 783 10 90 or at oberwil@lenk-simmental.ch www.lenk-simmental.ch

Literature

Free brochure ''Hiking with Children'' - available from the Bernese hiking trails (info@beww.ch)

License (master data)

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Suitable for children aged 6 and above who are capable of walking long distances. Not suitable for strollers. Rest areas with fire pits at Zwärgliloch and at the ruins of the former Weissenburg Bath. Restaurants in Oberwil and in Buusche.

Safety guidelines

This route runs on signposted mountain hiking trails.

Map

Swisstopo hiking map 1:50,000 253T Gantrisch

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