Sigriswil: Hiking, Gummischlucht and History

Discover Sigriswil through its hiking trails, the Gummischlucht gorge and its cultural heritage. Notable destinations include the Sigriswil Panoramic Bridge, the Blueme observation tower and the Justistal valley. Highlights range from a short hike of about 45 minutes to seasonal traditions and historic buildings.

Hiking trails, gorge and viewpoints

The municipality has 114 km of hiking trails and 40 km of mountain hiking trails. One specific short route leads through the Gummischlucht Aeschlen-Sigriswil: it takes about 45 minutes and has an elevation gain of 120 metres. The trail follows the Guntenbach stream through a wild natural landscape. Observation posts provide information about birds, Nagelfluh conglomerate, gorge woodland and botanical features. Starting points are opposite Sigriswil Church or at the Hotel Panorama Aeschlen. The STI bus stops Sigriswil Dorf and Aeschlen Dorf provide public transport access to the hiking trail. Check the local signposting before setting out.

The 340 m-long Sigriswil Panoramic Bridge spans the Gummischlucht gorge, connecting the villages of Sigriswil and Aeschlen. It stands 180 m above the ground and is an attraction along the Lake Thun Panorama Circular Trail. From the bridge, you can see Lake Thun and the Bernese Oberland mountains, as well as look down into the Gummischlucht gorge, 182 m below. The SIRIUS Planet Trail offers a different perspective: from there, the panoramic view stretches across Lake Thun and the Bernese Mittelland and as far as the Jura.

The Planet Trail follows good hiking paths to the Blueme observation tower and a barbecue area. The tower is just a few steps from the trail, and there are two large barbecue areas nearby. From the top, the view extends across Lake Thun to the Bernese Alps, the Emmental and towards the Jura. This makes it possible to visit two viewpoints with different outlooks without conflating their respective route descriptions.

Justistal, the seasons and regional experiences

The 7.5 km-long Justistal valley is ideal for a hike along the Grönbach stream, past alpine farms and with views of the Sigriswilgrat and Güggisgrat ridges. From early September to early October, you can observe the red deer rut there, accompanied by a local wildlife specialist. Whether this is possible depends on wildlife sightings and local arrangements. The traditional Justistaler Chästeilet also takes place in September and has been documented since 1739. At Spycherberg, Swiss alpine cheese made from the milk of 250 cows during the alpine summer is divided according to a set ritual.

There are also various options for winter. In the Justistal, a marked winter hiking trail runs from Grön alongside the cross-country ski trail to the Hindersberg alpine hut. It is about 8 km long and lies at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,400 m; trail preparation may vary by season. The ski lifts offer their own highlights: Sigriswil/Wilerallmi has a 1,200 m-long lift and three pistes ranging from easy to challenging. At the Schwanden ski lift, there is a 1,400 m-long lift and three varied pistes for beginners and advanced skiers. Both descriptions refer to skiing and snowboarding.

At Grabenmühle Sigriswil, you can fish without a permit and pan for gold. The nature park is home to alpacas, deer, mouflons and other animals. The garden café serves fresh fish and regional specialities. The seasonal alpine cheese tour in the Justistal takes hikers to an alpine hut where alpine cheese is made. There, you can ask questions about the production process and enjoy the farmer’s breakfast; check the booking arrangements in advance.

Church and architectural heritage

Sigriswil Reformed Church, formerly St. Gallus, was built in 1678–79 to plans by Abraham I Dünz. Parts of an earlier building from the 10th or 12th century were incorporated. The interior includes a painted wooden ceiling and wall paintings from different periods. The building thus combines 17th-century construction with older traces and later artistic layers.

Cultural and historical tours take visitors through the municipality’s architectural heritage, including old barns, hotels and villas. The Adolf-Schaer-Speicher is another historical landmark: it dates from the 18th century and was renovated in 1994. Those interested in architectural history will find other varied examples in Sigriswil alongside the church, without these all belonging to a single period.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gunten, Merligen, Amsoldingen, Goldiwil (Thun), Eriz, Forst bei Längenbühl, Heiligenschwendi, Heimberg.

To the main travel overview: Thun.