In Aeschlen Ob Gunten, short gorge walks meet sweeping views over Lake Thun. The Gummischlucht gorge can be explored on a hike of about 45 minutes; by contrast, the Panorama-Rundweg Thunersee is a 63-kilometre multi-day hike. The 340-metre-long panoramic bridge between Sigriswil and Aeschlen is another of the area's distinctive experiences.
Village and landscape above Lake Thun
Aeschlen Ob Gunten is a village in the municipality of Sigriswil on the right bank of Lake Thun in the canton of Bern. It lies at an altitude of approximately 760 metres on a natural south-facing terrace between the Oertlischlucht gorge to the west and the Gumischlucht gorge to the east. From Aeschlen, views stretch across the lake to the Bernese Alps. The setting and the two gorges give the village a distinct landscape: the lake remains the focal point, while the hiking destinations vary in direction and scale.
Hikes for different time frames
A short hike of around 120 metres of elevation gain and approximately 45 minutes leads through the Gummischlucht Aeschlen-Sigriswil gorge. Along the way, viewing points provide information about birds, Nagelfluh conglomerate, gorge woodland and botanical features. The route can be started at the Restaurant Panorama Aeschlen. As trail conditions can change seasonally, check them before setting out. Local signage may also change.
A section of Panorama Trail No. 26 leads from Aeschlen Ob Gunten towards Rappeflue and Balmflue through rocky terrain. This is separate from the Panorama-Rundweg Thunersee: the 63-kilometre hike is a multi-day route around the lake that combines history and nature. Villages, caves and viewpoints lie along the route. These details offer two different scales for planning: a single hike of about 45 minutes or several days of hiking on the longer route.
Panoramic bridge between Sigriswil and Aeschlen
The 340-metre-long suspension bridge between Sigriswil and Aeschlen is part of the Panorama-Rundweg Thunersee. From the Sigriswil panoramic bridge, views extend to the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Lake Thun; it also offers a view into the 182-metre-deep Gumischlucht gorge. The structure thus brings together two useful perspectives on the area: wide views of the lake and mountains, and a look into the gorge.
Chilbi fair and local character
The Aeschlen Chilbi fair takes place twice a year in early May on the school grounds. In the evening, the programme includes live music and fairground entertainment. Specific dates and performing music groups may change, so check the current programme before your trip. The so-called “Chilbi-Wasser” is also sold in milk bottles at the fair. Another part of local culture is the Dorfmusik Aeschlen music association, which has been active since 1955.
Barbecue area and getting there
RĂĽtacher Aeschlen is located in ErizbĂĽhl, directly beside a hiking trail between Oberhofen and Sigriswil. The covered barbecue area has tables and benches for up to 25 people, drinking water and a basic toilet. It can be reached by bus route 24 to the Aeschlen Ob Gunten, Dorf stop, followed by a 10- to 15-minute walk. Check the current timetable before travelling. STI bus services also connect Aeschlen Ob Gunten with Thun; it is worth checking the latest departure times for these too. If you are planning to visit the barbecue area, it is a good idea to confirm its condition in advance.
Discover more destinations: Buchholterberg, Hilterfingen, Uebeschi, Tschingel Ob Gunten, Forst bei Längenbühl, Thierachern, Heiligenschwendi, Schwanden Ob Sigriswil.
See the overview of the wider area: Thun.
