Aeschlen ob Gunten: Panorama, gorges and hiking trails

Aeschlen ob Gunten is a village in the municipality of Sigriswil on the right shore of Lake Thun in the canton of Bern. It lies at an elevation of around 760 m above sea level on a natural south-facing terrace above the lake, between Oertli Gorge to the west and Gummi Gorge to the east. Aeschlen ob Gunten offers views of Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps.

Panoramic views of Lake Thun

From the Sigriswil Panoramic Bridge, you can see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks, as well as Lake Thun. You can also look down into the 182 m-deep Gummi Gorge. The 340 m-long suspension bridge between Sigriswil and Aeschlen is part of the Lake Thun Panorama Trail.

Hiking between the lake and gorges

The Lake Thun Panorama Trail is a 63 km multi-day hike around Lake Thun. History and nature define its character; the route passes picturesque villages, impressive caves and striking viewpoints. This makes it a different time commitment from the shorter hike through Gummi Gorge between Aeschlen and Sigriswil.

This short hike is listed as taking about 45 minutes and involving 120 m of elevation gain. Various information points offer insights into birds, Nagelfluh conglomerate, gorge forest and botanical features. You can start the route at the Panorama Aeschlen restaurant. As trail conditions and local signage may change with the seasons, check both before your hike.

A section of Panorama Trail No. 26 leads from Aeschlen ob Gunten toward Rappeflue and Balmflue through a rocky landscape. Aeschlen ob Gunten is also a starting point for various hikes in the surrounding area. When planning your day, you can choose between a shorter gorge trail and a section of the Panorama Trail.

Chilbi fair and village life

The Aeschlen Chilbi fair takes place twice each year in early May on the school grounds. The evening program includes live music and fairground entertainment. Specific dates and performing musicians may change, so check the latest event information in advance. The so-called “Chilbi water” is also sold in milk bottles at the fair. The Dorfmusik Aeschlen music society has been around since 1955.

Rütacher Aeschlen and getting there

The Rütacher Aeschlen picnic and barbecue area is in Erizbühl, right beside a hiking trail between Oberhofen and Sigriswil. It has a covered barbecue area with tables and benches for up to 25 people, drinking water and a basic toilet. As facilities may change over time, check their condition before your visit.

To reach Rütacher Aeschlen, take bus route 24 to the Aeschlen ob Gunten, Dorf stop, then walk for 10 to 15 minutes. STI bus services also connect Aeschlen ob Gunten with Thun. Check the current timetable for your journey.

Discover more destinations: Steffisburg, Uetendorf, Buchholterberg, Hilterfingen, Blumenstein, Oberhofen on Lake Thun, Wachseldorn, Thierachern.

Back to the main travel overview: Thun.