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Hike to Hostalde Suspension Bridge
Your hike to the Hostalde Suspension Bridge includes walking across one of the longest bridges of its kind in Europe (153 metres).
The pedestrian suspension bridge hovers 38 metres above the «Engstlige» mountain stream and its surrounding meadowscape. So it’s only for those who don’t suffer from vertigo.
Travel comfortably by train to Frutigen. From the railway station, the AFA bus will take you to the «Widi» stop, or you can walk directly to Künzistegstrasse, where the well-signposted shoreline trail alongside the River Engstligen begins.
Hike to Hostalde Suspension Bridge
Enjoy the diversity of the landscape as you hike from Frutigen train station, via Künzistegstrasse, to the Hostalde Suspension Bridge. The route is well sign-posted and leads you through a floodplain that has been designated as a site of national importance. Along the route you will discover wooden sculptures and works of art on the theme of nature by local sculptor Johann Inniger. There is much to discover for your children too on the hiking trail along the mountain stream.
Shortly before you arrive at the bridge, the path climbs steeply for a short distance, and then, at street level, the 153-metre-long suspension bridge awaits your crossing. Enjoy breathing the fresh mountain air as you take in the views spanning both ends of the valley at a lofty height of 38 metres. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you will find the «Hängebrügg-Beizli», run by the Wäfler family, on the other side. This cozy pub spoils visiting hikers with meat and cheese platters, fondue or homemade cakes.
The quickest way back to Frutigen train station is by AFA bus, line 230, from «Frutigen, Hohstalden» (right by the bridge). You can also hike back again along the wooden sculpture trail, or choose the historically more interesting option via Tellenburg, an imposing 13th-century ruin, with views over the Kander viaduct and its impressive arches, which is over 100 years old.
The hiking trail
| Walking time | 1 hour 15 minutes / 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Distance | 5.5 km / 9.6 km |
| Altitude | 134 metres |
| Degree of difficulty | easy |
| Starting point | The station at Frutigen |
| End point | Hostalde Suspension Bridge / Frutigen station |
Hostalde Suspension Bridge
To cross the bridge you should not be suffering from vertigo.
| Span | 155 m |
| Height | 38 m |
| Minimum width | 65 cm |
With sturdy footwear, the path and the suspension bridge are accessible year-round.
Hängebrügg-Beizli opening hours
open all year round
Tue–Sun 09.00–18.00 hours
Also opens in the evening if a reservation is made by phone:
- CHF 1.00 Crossing the suspension bridge*
* Payment only required if no food or beverages are purchased in the Beizli.
Take the train to Frutigen. From the railway station, the AFA bus number 230 towards Adelboden will take you to the «Widi» stop. Or you can walk directly to Künzistegstrasse, where the well-signposted shoreline trail alongside the River Engstligen begins.
For the return journey, take the AFA bus directly by the suspension bridge («Hohstalden» stop), which will carry you to Frutigen Railway Station in 8 minutes.
