At the foot of Schynige Platte and at the gateway to the LĂĽtschine valleys, Gsteigwiler combines village trails, meadows and a remarkable architectural history. You can get to know the village on a short, easy circular walk or take a closer look at Gsteig Church and its surroundings. A longer, more challenging circular trail also starts and ends in Gsteigwiler, offering a way to choose trails by distance and difficulty.
Gsteig Church and its historic ensemble
Gsteig Church is located in the municipality of Gsteigwiler and is considered the oldest surviving religious building between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It has been under federal heritage protection since 1965. The oldest foundations probably date back to the 8th century; the church’s earliest written mention dates to 1196. Thus, an uncertain early date and a later written record stand side by side, without referring to the same recorded event.
Inside, Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles can be identified through the different types of window construction and the artfully painted glass. Notable details include secco paintings from the 14th to the 17th century, including works by the painter Diebold. These paintings were uncovered and restored during renovations in 1974/75. Together with the rectory, the Pfrundscheune and the inn, the church forms a church ensemble within the municipality.
The church’s surroundings include a covered wooden bridge and an unusual cemetery on a hillside. A walk across the bridge leads to the church. The combination of the building, paintings and ensemble makes this a tangible point of interest for anyone interested in the region’s history and architecture.
Village trails, houses and landscape
Wooden houses and well-kept gardens characterise the village. A trail running above the village offers better views of the historic houses. The landscape also includes fruit trees, diverse flora and lush flower meadows; views stretch towards the LĂĽtschine valleys and the LĂĽtschine River. On mountain hikes in the Gsteigwiler area, you may be lucky enough to spot chamois.
The village walk is an easy, 3.31-kilometre loop. A longer and considerably more challenging option is the Schynige Platte Panorama Trail: this 5.6-kilometre circular hiking trail starts and ends in Gsteigwiler and is rated difficult. The estimated walking time is approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes; the actual duration may vary depending on conditions and hikers. The two loops therefore differ in both length and difficulty.
Baking days, concerts and other activities
The old OfehĂĽsi was renovated and made functional again in 2021. On open baking days and open breakfasts, a baking group demonstrates its skills there. Events are held on specific dates; check the dates before visiting. The barbecue area in Gsteigwiler is available on request to clubs, groups, organisations and private individuals.
Built in 1768, the Gsteig Pfrundscheune serves as a venue for various events. A variety of concerts are also held in the Gsteig parish area, and visitors are welcome; individual performances may vary. A church service is also held at Gsteig Church on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. As event and service dates may change, it is worth checking the relevant date before making plans.
The Swiss peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rise at the foot of the Gsteigwiler-Interlaken heliport. Skydiving is one of the activities on offer; check availability before booking. A helicopter tour from Gsteigwiler offers a bird’s-eye view of the Swiss Alpine landscape. Alongside village walks and architectural history, visitors can therefore also choose activities that take in the alpine scenery.
Discover more destinations: Brienzwiler, Niederried near Interlaken, Leissigen, Beatenberg, Axalp, Schwanden near Brienz, MĂĽrren, Matten near Interlaken.
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