Krattigen sits slightly above Spiez, forming a sunny panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Thun. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake, the rolling landscape and the mountains; the area extends all the way to the lakeshore. For planning, local routes with different estimated times are complemented by lakeside activities, a sculpture trail and historic sites.
Krattigen routes by destination and duration
Five Krattigen routes lead to different destinations. Route 1, “The Refreshing One,” runs from Chrattiggraben to the lake, is 5.7 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. Route 2, “The Leisurely One,” leads to Oertlimatt: 3 kilometres, about 1 hour. Route 3, “The Easygoing One,” leads to Büel and covers 2.3 kilometres in about 40 minutes. Route 4, “The Rural One,” leads to Stuelegg, covering 4 kilometres in about 1 hour. Route 5, “The Mysterious One,” runs between Viertel and Hellboden, is 6.8 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The estimated times make the differences easy to see at a glance: Route 3 has the shortest stated duration, and Route 5 the longest. The other three take between about one hour and 1 hour 40 minutes. This lets you compare the routes based on how much time you have, while keeping their different destinations in mind.
Sculpture trail and viewpoints
The Krattigen sculpture trail starts and ends at Eyeriedweg, by the SchĂĽtzenhaus. The 1.3-kilometre route takes about 30 minutes. Its starting point on Eyeriedweg can be reached on foot from the village of Krattigen in about 15 minutes; the trail is signposted. Its artistic character grew out of the creative involvement of Krattigen residents and regional artists. This makes it easy to assess the short trail both by walking time and by its artistic character.
The Krattiger Vita Parcours also winds through shady woodland, leading to viewpoints over the lake and towards the mountains. Another hiking option is the Lake Thun Panorama Circular Trail: an enjoyable multi-day hike through the Bernese Oberland, with views of the lake and mountains and stops at historic sites and impressive caves. The local routes with their stated walking times and a multi-day hike therefore represent very different time commitments.
At Lake Thun and along the way
At the Lido lakeside swimming area, you can swim in Lake Thun. The facilities include a large sunbathing lawn, a bathing jetty, toilets, a shower and a changing room. Admission is free. The swimming facilities are unsupervised; there is no lifeguard. These conditions are important when planning a swim and distinguish the Lido from a supervised swimming facility.
E-bike excursions are also among the outdoor activities associated with Krattigen. The tourism description says that Krattigen’s wide, sunny trails are suitable for Nordic walking and for outings with children or in groups. This adds more ways to experience the landscape alongside the local routes, without implying a particular tour or connection between the activities.
History and artillery fort
Krattigen was first mentioned in official records on 4 January 1297. The charter of liberties of 6 May 1476 granted the court of Krattigen a territorial right. It remained in force until the French Revolution and was formally repealed by a resolution of the Grand Council on 2 December 1840. The two dates mark different stages: the period during which the territorial right was in force and its later formal repeal.
On Schüpfgasse, the Krattigen artillery fort comprises three bunkered guns, a separate entrance building and underground connecting bunkers. It is now privately owned and can be visited by arrangement; confirm the visit arrangements before travelling. Its use is also part of the site’s history: from early 1978, the fort was used to train members of a resistance organisation; in the mid-1980s, it was in operation for a short time for the successor organisation P-26.
Discover more destinations: Kandersteg, Adelboden, Frutigen-Ried, Aeschiried, Kiental, Kandergrund, Reichenbach in the Kandertal, Frutigen.
Go to the main travel overview: Frutigen.
