Hiking in the Diemtigtal Valley

On the trail of traditional Simmental architecture

The Diemtigtal valley owes its impressive collection of buildings to wealthy farmers and skilled craftsmen. The splendid architecture is testament to the flourishing cattle trade and the success of horse-breeding and dates back as far as the 16th century. Each house has its own history and particular features. The Hausweg brochure (House trail brochure) and the Diemtigtal app are the ideal companions and provide you with all the important information along the way.

The architectural sights are spread along a route of more than 30 kilometres. Since this is too far for one single hike, they are divided into three circular routes, which you can comfortably hike in three to three and a half hours. Those who want to can travel the entire route by e-bike on quiet back roads.

Hiking for the inquisitive

Would you like to discover exciting things about the culture and nature of the Diemtigtal valley whilst you are hiking? Then the following themed trails are perfect for you. Here you will find suggestions for short and easy circular hikes that are enlivened with comprehensible and interesting information, and which are also suitable for children.

The healing springs of the Diemtigtal Valley

This hike impresses not only with its breathtaking high alpine landscape and rare alpine flowers. But above all, it is the red, ferruginous springs that make this place so special and have given it the reputation of a place of power. High up on Grimmialp, the spring bubbles out of the stony ground at the foot of a huge rock face with incredible clarity. The healing waters are said to have given countless sick people lasting healing and a new lease of life.

Hiking route	Postautohaltestelle Schwenden i. D., Grimmialp-Senggiweid-Würzi-Alp Grimmi-Kraftort Grimmiwasser-Alp Nidegg–Postautohaltestelle Schwenden i. D., Grimmialp
Distance	11,8 km
Walking time	4 hours 15 minutes
Elevation difference	621 m
Difficulty level	medium
Catering facilities	Bergrestaurant Grimmi

Hike along the Fildrich and Chirel rivers

This valley hiking trail follows the Fildrich and Chirel rivers and takes you over 11 bridges, through shady forests, and across lush flower meadows. On hot days, it remains pleasantly cool along the riverbank and in the shade of the trees, so the trail is ideal even in high summer, too. Along the route, five barbecue sites invite you to take a rest and enjoy a picnic. The approximately 15-km-long hiking trail runs away from the road, but does lead to eleven Postbus stops at intervals of between 20 and 40 minutes. This offers you countless shortcut options and hiking variations.

Hiking route	Sennggiweid (Grimmialp)–Schwenden–Grundwasser–Oey
Distance	15 km
Walking time	4 hours
Elevation difference	140 m
Difficulty level	medium
Catering facilities	5 Barbecue areas

The hiking trails are accessible daily from April to November, depending on the weather and snow conditions.

From Bern, you can reach Oey-Diemtigen train station on the Regio-Express. Once an hour it even runs direct, so you don’t need to change in Spiez. Depending on the hiking trail you choose, the post bus will take you from Oey-Diemtigen train station to the starting point of your hike.