A fire on 20 October 1885 destroyed Tellenburg Castle; it has been a ruin ever since. Its history goes back further: in the 13th century, Tellenburg was first mentioned in a document as «Wohnturm Ry» and was then owned by the Barons of Kien. Its medieval mention, the fire and its current status as a ruin form three distinct chapters in Frutigen’s history.
Railway history to see for yourself
The railway has also shaped the history of the town. Frutigen’s railway history includes the Spiez–Frutigen railway, opened in 1901, and the Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon railway, opened in 1913. The former Frutigen railway station building, dating from 1901 to 1913, has been faithfully restored. Another discovery awaits at the BLS Visitor Centre in Frutigen: about a five-minute walk from the station, it can be visited independently during opening hours, without prior registration. The exhibition includes railway models from four eras of the Lötschberg line; exhibition content may change, so it is worth checking the current opening hours and information before your visit.
If you would like to learn more about the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, you can book a guided tour that starts at the BLS information centre in Frutigen. The group tour also includes a visit to the Mitholz technical centre.
Hiking trails with different routes
One hike starts at Frutigen station and follows the «Holzskulpturenweg» sign upstream along the Engstlige. Another documented circular route leads from the station first to the Kander, then on to Tellenburg and back to Frutigen via Reinisch and the Engstlige. This loop is classified as easy hiking, grade T1, and requires no special technical skills. The two descriptions offer different routes for an outing from the station; check seasonal trail conditions in advance.
Another notable place to visit is the 153-metre-long Hostalde suspension bridge. The route there runs along the Engstlige and a natural floodplain protection area. Free parking for the suspension bridge is available at Adelbodenstrasse 212, 3714 Frutigen; parking regulations may change. Frutigen lies in the mountainous landscape of the Bernese Oberland and is associated with the names Niesen, Männliflue, Gehrihorn and Drunengalm.
Activities at Frutigresort
At Frutigresort, the climbing tower combines activity with a viewpoint: it has three levels and 64 climbing stations, and can accommodate up to 90 people at a time. The 20-metre-high panoramic platform flies Switzerland’s largest free-hanging national flag. During the climbing tower’s opening hours, the platform is free for all visitors. As operating hours may change, check the latest information before your visit.
Other activities offer something different: the Murmeli adventure playground extends across a cave system more than 100 metres long, with five underground play areas, and is free for all visitors. The grounds also feature rides on the Erlebnis-Eisenbahn and an 18-hole mini-golf course. The free pump track can be used with mountain bikes, BMX bikes, skateboards and scooters. We recommend checking the current operating status of these facilities.
Elsigenalp and Frutigen markets
In the Elsigen-Metsch hiking area, trails pass clear mountain lakes and numerous barbecue spots. At the alpine cheese dairy on Elsigenalp, visitors can get an insight into cheese-making: they can watch a cheesemaker at work and sample fresh alpine cheese on site. Tours take place every Wednesday in July and August and are conducted in German, English and French. As this is a seasonal activity, check the dates for the relevant season.
Other activities on Elsigenalp are also seasonal: the Krimi Spass Elsigen-Metsch starts at the Elsigenalp cable car’s mountain station and is free of charge. The animal figure orienteering course features six lifelike animal figures hidden around the area. Check the seasonal operating information for these activities before travelling.
Three markets are held each year in Frutigen village centre. The traditional Frutigmärit always takes place on the last Friday in October; Frutigen’s markets feature more than 40 stalls selling a variety of handicrafts and «Gluschtigs». Check the current calendar for exact event dates before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Adelboden, Aeschi Bei Spiez, Frutigen, Frutigen-Ried, Kandersteg, Krattigen, Kiental, Aeschiried, Reichenbach Im Kandertal, Kandergrund
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