Over the single-rope suspension bridge to Beatenberg

7.97 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Hiking Trail
  • 3:20 h
  • 7.97 km
  • 570 m
  • 615 m
  • 562 m
  • 1,177 m
  • 615 m
  • Start: Sundlauenen
  • Destination: Merligen, Beatenbucht
From the village of Sundlauenen, it goes steeply up over natural paths and forest trails to Beatenberg. Despite strenuous sections, the hike to the 'longest village in Europe' fascinates with its views of the Alpine ranges and Lake Thun. A special feature is, of course, the single-rope suspension bridge over the Sundgraben. Numerous resting places along the way as well as places to eat in Beatenberg quickly make you forget the strenuous ascent and offer the opportunity to regain strength for the descent to Beatenbucht.

From the STI stop "Sundlauenen village" it goes up over asphalt road to the lakeside road. There, the hiking route leads through the forest to Ruchenbühl—a first steep ascent is accomplished. A meadow path finally leads to the single-rope suspension bridge. High above the Sundgraben, standing on metal grates, you can catch a view of Lake Thun. The suspension bridge leads the hikers in a gentle left curve and by means of stairs back onto solid ground up into the shady Schwendi forest area. Before going upwards again, the route crosses a larger stream on a wooden bridge. The path to Beatenberg is anyway lined with many small water streams that have created an enchanting landscape. It is worth stepping away here and there from the actual hiking trail to enjoy views through the bright branches of the Lake Thun region or the mirrored worlds of the small water spots. Most of this long forest section towards Beatenberg is characterized by stair landings. The last section up to Beatenberg Church leads over meadows.

Arriving in Beatenberg, numerous inns on the way to the Niederhorn cable car station invite you to take an extended break—after all, not only food and drink beckon, but generally also an incomparably beautiful view of Lake Thun and the mountains. Behind the cable car station building, the hike continues first over stairs to Beatenbucht. The route—initially still over asphalt roads—becomes a bit steeper on the meadow and forest paths. However, the stretch is very manageable. Beautiful views and fascinating flora and fauna invite frequent pauses. Twice the path crosses the route of the cable car that connects Beatenberg with the bay. From Schocken it goes over Birchi and Sack, finally to Fischbalmen. From there, the last meters to Beatenbucht are really relaxing. At the destination—the STI stop "Beatenbucht"—there is again the opportunity to enjoy waiting for the bus with a rest in the restaurant directly on the lake. 

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Asphalt
Path
Trail
Gravel

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Sundlauenen - Ruchenbühl - Suspension Bridge - Beatenberg Church - Beatenberg Station - Fischbalme - Beatenbucht

Equipment

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

Directions & Parking facilities

By car via Thun - Oberhofen to Merligen, Beatenbucht. Then by STI bus to Sundlauenen.
Car park in Beatenbucht

Outbound journey: STI Bus No. 21 from Thun or Interlaken to Sundlauenen village

Return journey: STI Bus No. 21 from Beatenbucht to Thun or Interlaken

Additional information

Berner Wanderwege Association, Bern, Tel.: 031 340 01 01, Email: info@beww.ch, Homepage: www.bernerwanderwege.ch

License (master data)

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Further similar offers in the region can be found at: https://www.stibus.ch/ausflugsziele

Safety guidelines

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

Map

Swisstopo hiking map 254T Interlaken 1:50,000 available in the shop of Berner Wanderwege

Nearby

Contact

Over the single-rope suspension bridge to Beatenberg
Beatenberg