Gsteigwiler walks

The Faulhorn rises to an altitude of 2,680 metres. It offers a 360-degree view of the Alps, with some peaks over 4,000 metres high, such as the Grosses-Fiescherhorn. The two main access points to the Folhorn are via the Schynige Platte or First. However, with good logistics (see practical information), it is also possible to make a one-way trip and return by public transport. The hike is a gradual climb, but offers splendid views of the first Alpine glaciers and other peaks in the surrounding area. There are restaurants where you can eat and take a break in pleasant surroundings.

Four-day panoramic tour around Lake Thun. This route offers numerous views of the lake and the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. In good weather, you can see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the Schreckhorn. You will also discover the charm of the towns along the way. Interlaken, at the eastern end of Lake Thun, is the starting point for this itinerary.

The cosmopolitan town of Interlaken is the starting point for this tour of Lake Thun. You can admire the three famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. This beautiful route follows the northern shore of the lake. You will overlook the lake near the Saint Béat caves, then cross the pretty village of Merligen. You will enjoy beautiful views of both the lake and peaks such as the Niederhorn and Rothorn in Sigriswil.

Park at the starting point of this circuit and begin the ascent to the Augstmatthorn immediately, following the signs. The terrain can be very slippery, even impassable, after or during rain.

This second stage will take you from Kiental to Kandersteg. After a fairly challenging climb to Ramslauenen, you will cross the beautiful Horewald forest and then overlook the Kander valley. You will enjoy more views of Lake Thun and the Niesen. You will also have a bird's eye view of the trains on the Lötschberg line. Kandersteg is the station where vehicles board the shuttle trains before the Lötschberg railway tunnel.

This second stage begins with a highlight: crossing the panoramic bridge at Sigriswil. At 340 metres long and suspended 180 metres above the Guntebach Gorge, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama. The route overlooks the lake for a long time before descending to the town of Thun. This town has many historic buildings. A visit to the historic centre is a must.

This first stage will take you from Spiez to the shores of Lake Thun and the small valley of Kiental. After following the lake to Faulensee, the climb to Aeschi offers views of the pyramid-shaped Niesen mountain overlooking Spiez. You will also be impressed by the steep funicular railway that climbs up to the Niesen. You will enjoy the tranquillity of the village of Kiental.

A magnificent route starting from Lake Thun in the canton of Bern and ending at the pretty spa resort of Leukerbad in Valais. You will cross the Lötsche Glacier and the Lötsche Pass (the highest point of the hike), which marks the border between the cantons of Bern and Valais. This route offers numerous views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland and Valais.

For this fourth stage, you will once again enjoy the lakeside on the Strandweg. The walk along the lake from Spiez to Faulensee is magnificent. The route then climbs from Kratttigen to Meielisalp. You will enjoy numerous views of the lake and have another opportunity to cross the 140-metre-long Leissigen bridge, suspended 60 metres above the Spissibach Gorge.

For this third stage, after following the Aare, you will return to the shores of Lake Thun, passing the magnificent Schadau Castle. Climb up the Strättlig hill for panoramic views of the lake. Before descending to Spiez, cross the Kander Gorge via the Strättligsteg suspension bridge. You will arrive in Spiez via its vineyards and castle. This charming village lives peacefully around its marina.

This third stage will take you from Kandersteg to the hamlet of Selde. The Kander river will accompany you throughout this beautiful route. Calm from Kandersteg to Eggeschwand, the Kander can be heard as you climb up through the gorges, where you can enjoy the various waterfalls and cascades. You will then follow it more peacefully through the wide Gastertal valley to Selde.

This fourth stage will take you from Selde to Lauchernalp. You will start by crossing the Kander via a suspension bridge. After Gfelalp, you will have a superb view of the Kanderfin glacier, the source of the Kander. The climb to the Lötschenpass crosses a glacier without any difficulty. An equipped passage takes you to the pass, where you can enjoy a break at the hut. You will admire the wide panorama of the 4,000-metre peaks of the Valais Dom, Weisshorn and Matterhorn. At the Lötschen Pass, as at Lauchernalp, you can see the Restipass, which is the planned route for the next day's stage.

This last stage will take you from Lauchernalp to Leukerbad. The route passes through several mountain pastures, including Kummenalp and Restialp. As you climb up to the Restipass, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Lötschental and the peaks, from the Jungfrau to the Aletschhorn. The Weisshorn will also often be visible. The western slope of the Restipass will take you easily to the upper station of Leukerbad at the Rinderhütte.

This third stage will take you to the Fieschergletcher, which runs parallel to the Aletschgletcher. On the Aspi Titter suspension bridge, you will be impressed by the depth of the Weisswasser river gorges. This fairly technical end of the route ends in the beautiful village of Bellwad, which has preserved its traditional chalets.

After a night spent in absolute silence, this second stage begins with a pleasant climb to Schwartzgrätli. A fairly exposed section along the Felsenhorn wall will require a little caution, despite the cables and ropes. You will then continue along the Engstlige ridge with the Tschingellochtighorn, with its remarkable relief, in your sights. To conclude the day, you will descend via the Ärtele ridge to Engstligenalp, a superb mountain pasture at the foot of the Wildstrubel.