Scharnachtal is a village in the municipality of Reichenbach im Kandertal, in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The area combines marked hiking trails with a farming-influenced building ensemble and a high-altitude alpine pasture. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping the different route designations and the dates of local events in mind.
Hiking Trails and Alpine Pastures
Scharnachtal and Faltschen are the elevated areas of Reichenbach known as “terraces,” above Reichenbach. In the Scharnachtal-Faltschen area, the trail names “Panoramatrail” and “Panoramaweg” are used. The regional tourism organization describes the area as suitable for e-bike rides and leisurely hikes.
The Hergisallmend alpine pasture associated with Scharnachtal is a grazing area at an altitude of about 1,060 to 1,290 meters. On the mountain side, it is naturally bordered by forest. Access is described via hiking trails from railway stations in the lower Kandertal; Route 24 is mentioned. Before setting out, check the latest route information for trail designations and local conditions.
A hiking and mountain hiking trail leads from Reichenbach across the alpine pasture and via Engel to the Engelhorn at 1,775 meters. The route continues via Standfluh to the Wetterlatte, also called Wätterlatte, at 2,007 meters. The names Panoramaweg and Routes 23 and 24 are used. Eight circular hikes start and finish at the Scharnachtal, Schüelis railway platform. These circular routes therefore share a start and end point; by contrast, the described route via Engelhorn and Wetterlatte passes several named landmarks.
The hike to the Engelhorn starts at the postbus stop by Scharnachtal schoolhouse. At the Engelhorn, a viewpoint offers an impressive view down over the Lake Thun basin. When planning this hike, you can take the stated starting point and viewpoint into account when choosing your route. Check the latest information on public transport and trail conditions beforehand.
The Bim Türli Building Ensemble and Local History
A building ensemble is located on Chlappergasse, south of Stockbrunnen. The Bim Türli building ensemble in Scharnachtal consists mainly of farm buildings and sits on a small terrace on the hillside. Its houses face downhill. The other buildings are set slightly farther back and surrounded by gardens, some of which are also orchards. To understand the ensemble, it is therefore important to consider not only the individual houses but also their orientation on the slope and their arrangement in the surrounding area.
The history of the village is also linked to the name Scharnachthal: the place name derives from the Alemannic noble family of Scharnachthal. Individual family members are documented from the 13th century onward. The male line died out in 1590 with the death of Niklaus von Scharnachthal. An older part of local cultural history is a yodeling group called “Blüemlisalp,” which existed in Scharnachtal more than 100 years ago.
Annual Events
The Scharnachtal Chilbi takes place in a festival tent on the school grounds in early June. The event is described as an annual tradition. In early August, a mountain service with baptisms and a barbecue afterwards is held on the Härggisallmi above Scharnachtal, with the involvement of a local association. The two events mark different points in the year: in June, the focus is on the village festival; in August, on the event on the alpine pasture. Check the exact event dates before travelling; for the mountain service, also check the weather arrangements.
Discover more destinations: Wengi Bei Frutigen
Go to the overview of the wider area: Reichenbach Im Kandertal.
