Leissigen on Lake Thun

Leissigen lies directly on the shore of Lake Thun. Its landscape includes mountains, meadows and forests, and Leissigen offers views of the surrounding Bernese Alps. The village retains the character of a former fishing village, with traditional wooden chalets. Its sights each offer a different focus.

Hiking and Bridges on Lake Thun

The Lake Thun Panorama Circular Trail is a 63-kilometre multi-day hike around the lake. It leads via Därligen to Meielisalp above Leissigen and crosses a suspension bridge at Spissibach. This makes it a longer hike, rather than just a visit to a single bridge.

The Leissigen Panoramic Bridge is a separate attraction above the village: a 140-metre-long suspension bridge. You can reach it on foot from Leissigen or Meielisalp; a hiking trail from Aeschi also leads to the bridge. It is open around the clock year-round, and crossing it is free of charge. Check the conditions on site before your hike.

The distances involved are different, which is useful when planning: the panoramic circular trail is a 63-kilometre multi-day hike, while the panoramic bridge itself is 140 metres long. When looking for a hotel in Leissigen, you can first decide whether to prioritise a longer hike or a visit to the bridge.

Church, Sawmill and Local History

Leissigen Church is one of the so-called “Twelve Churches of Lake Thun.” The present building retains Romanesque masonry; in 1675, the church was converted into a Baroque preaching hall. Earlier building phases are also featured there: excavations from earlier church construction phases and a bell-casting pit can be viewed. Check access conditions before your visit.

The Alti Sagi Leissigen, the oldest sawmill on Lake Thun, offers another glimpse into the village’s history. During a guided tour, the old saw and sawmill operations in Leissigen are explained. The saw runs and cuts wood during visits. The demonstration shows earlier working methods and the power sources used: water, paraffin and electricity. Find out about the conditions for a tour in advance.

The Ferdinand Hodler Memorial is located on Finel above Leissigen and commemorates the Swiss painter, who was inspired by the local landscape. It was here that Hodler painted the first work in his “Landscapes on Lake Thun” series in 1904. The memorial was officially inaugurated in 1953, on the painter’s 100th birthday, as part of a celebration. The church, sawmill and memorial thus offer different insights into local history.

Lido and Activities by the Water

Leissigen Lido is located directly on Lake Thun. It has a non-swimmer area and a raft with a diving board in the lake. For families, there is also a paddling pool, a slide and a sandpit. Table tennis and stand-up paddleboard rentals are also available in Leissigen. Facilities and rental equipment availability may vary by season.

Swimming at the lido and stand-up paddleboarding are among the water sports available in Leissigen. When planning your stay, you can weigh these activities against hiking and cultural attractions: the lido brings together activities on the lake, while the panoramic circular trail is a multi-day hike, and the church, sawmill and memorial offer insights into history and culture. Find hotels in Leissigen according to the focus that matters most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Iseltwald, Hofstetten Bei Brienz, Lütschental, Isenfluh, Gundlischwand, Brienzwiler, Brienz, Saxeten.

Return to the main travel overview: Interlaken.