Sigriswil panoramic bridge – suspension bridge hike

The weather last Saturday was just lovely! Bright sunshine at almost 20 degrees Celsius and the autumnal trees – a dream. We took advantage of this good weather for a short trip to the newly opened panorama bridge in Sigriswil, above Gunten on Lake Thun. Besides us, many other people had the same idea, and so it was quite crowded on the bus from Thun to Sigriswil.

Suspension bridge in Sigriswil

The pedestrian bridge is 340 m long, was opened on 14 October 2012 and connects Sigriswil with Aeschlen across the rugged rubber gorge. Behind the realization of this bridge is the idea of offering a panoramic circular route around Lake Thun in the future, which includes six suspension bridges over the various gorges. The first bridge in Leissigen, over the Spissibach, was opened in 2011 and now the Sigriswil Panorama Bridge follows. In Thun, Hilterfingen, Oberhofen and at the Beatus Caves, the remaining four bridges are being planned. Under Brückenweg.ch you will find all the necessary information about the project.

I think the Panorama Circular Trail is a great project, and I’m already looking forward to when all the bridges are realized. I think the bridge in Sigriswil is nicely set into the landscape, and I don’t find it disturbing. The crowds show that this is a great offer, especially for many older people. For people with a fear of heights, however, crossing the bridge in Sigriswil is certainly a challenge, as you can clearly feel the vibrations and have to hold on to the railing in between. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view over Lake Thun. It should be noted that as a day tourist, you have to pay 8 CHF for crossing the bridge.

After we had mastered the 340 m from Sigriswil to Aeschlen, we decided to tackle the short hike through the rubber gorge on the way back. Under the motto “Guntenbach Gorge Experience”, this path leads from Aeschlen first about 100 m into the depths, past rushing waterfalls and after about 45 minutes back up to Sigriswil. While the climb doesn’t take long, it’s quite steep.

Vermicelli

Due to the short sporting confirmation, a dessert as a reward was more than appropriate :-). Since there was no more space at the restaurant Bären, which is located directly at the bridge, due to the many people, we headed for the restaurant in the Solbadhotel Sigriswil. We were not disappointed – there was still enough space on the terrace with the best view and for 10.50 CHF I got this huge vermicelli plate! I don’t think a Saturday afternoon could be more perfect.