Hiking & nature

Winter walking in Diemtigtal

Walk along snow-covered paths and leave the cares of everyday life behind

The winter walking trails on Springenboden take you away from everyday life and allow you to really relax and unwind, as the Diemtigtal Nature Park is all about the benefits of mindful enjoyment. The 7-km tour, which can be shortened in several ways, starts at the car park in Hasenloch or by the Gasthaus Gsässweid in Springenboden. The views from here are wonderfully varied, making you stop and gaze in wonder time and again.

Even those donning snowshoes for the very first time will soon be thrilled by this impressive winter experience away from the well-trodden paths. The trail up to Springenboden leads snowshoe walkers onto Diemtigtal’s very own sun terrace and offers splendid views.

After this three-hour tour, you can round off a beautiful winter’s day in the cosy atmosphere of one the two restaurants in Springenboden.

Winter hiking trail

The winter walking trail offers three different routes to Springenboden, meaning that you can tailor your walk to suit your needs: the shortcuts via Ahorni or Neuenstift are ideal for shorter walks with little change in elevation. The route via Alp Ottenschwand is more challenging; however, the climb to 1,500 metres above sea level is rewarded with an impressive view into the furthermost part of Diemtigtal and into Simmental.

The winter walking trail

Walking time	2 hours 30 minutes
Distance	6.9 km
Elevation difference	230 m
Difficulty level	Medium
Starting point/End poin	Gsässweid, Springenboden
Shorter “Ahorni” route	3 km, 1 hour
Shorter “Neuenstift” route	5 km, 1 hour 30 minutes

Snowshoe trail

The circular walk takes you through snowy Alpine meadows and mountain forests, and provides impressive views.

The starting point of this five-kilometre snowshoe tour is the Gsässweid car park on the sun terrace high up in the Diemtigtal Nature Park. The trail is waymarked and the ascent rewarded with an impressive panoramic view of the furthermost part of Diemtigtal and into Simmental. From the highest point, the descent takes you across snow-covered Alpine meadows, past isolated Alpine chalets and distinctive sycamore trees.

The snowshoe trail is signposted from the Gasthaus Gsässweid on Springenboden (pink direction arrow with snowshoe symbol).

The snowshoe trail

Walking time	3 hours
Distance	5.5 km
Elevation difference	332 m
Difficulty level	Medium
Starting point/End point	Gsässweid, Springenboden

Equipment

Snowshoe walking requires sturdy, high-shafted boots, snowshoes and poles, and clothing appropriate for the weather and temperature. You can hire snowshoes at the Gasthaus Gsässweid.

Availability

The winter walking trail is accessible from December to March.

Wintersportbericht Diemtigtal

BLS suggestion

Take a look inside the Swiss Wrestling Pavilion on Springenboden. Here, winter walkers find themselves in the home of the Swiss wrestling king, Kilian Wenger – which is why there are life-sized models of him and Arnold the cow, as well as exciting profiles of the Swiss wrestling kings and the accoutrements of the sport, to be admired. Visitors can also buy specialities of the Diemtigtal at the Pavilion.

How to get there

Take the train to Oey-Diemtigen Railway Station. Continue with the Postbus to the “Horboden, Wirtschaft” stop. From here, Springenboden can only be reached on foot (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). On request and for a fee, there is a shuttle service to Springenboden available: T +41 (0)79 616 90 45 / T +41 (0)79 664 08 60 / T +41 (0)79 669 31 14