Summer is coming, and sometimes it’s hard to motivate yourself (or your kids) to go for a hike. “It’s going to be hot again…” or “Is it even worth it in this heat?” My answer is: “Of course it is!” Why not go for a short hike early in the morning, when the sun isn’t too hot yet, somewhere near the water, perhaps right by the crystal-clear Lake Thun? Doesn’t that sound appealing? That’s precisely what a hike to the Leissigen Suspension Bridge offers. It’s the perfect short trip with a significant wow factor – beautiful views, a little adrenaline, and manageable even with children. And at the end, you can stop at one of the many swimming areas along Lake Thun.
How to get there
The starting point is the Leissigen train station (BLS line Spiez–Interlaken). Parking: There are six free parking spaces opposite the station. Additional parking spaces can be found near the local Volg store (which is also open on Sundays, which is awesome).
Start of the route
From the station, head to the center of the village and follow the sign for “Hängebrücke.” A short distance above the village, you will find a scenic bench where you can prepare yourself mentally for the climb ahead.
You will climb up a narrow forest path, over steps and roots, and finally across a pasture. In less than a kilometer, you will climb about 250 meters. It’s quite a climb, so be prepared for the kids to complain a little.
With this structure (perhaps a hayloft?), the worst is behind you. There is another bench where you can rest and enjoy the views.
Panorama Bridge Leissigen
This suspension bridge, which is part of the Panorama-Rundweg Thunersee, is 140 meters long and hangs 60 meters above the gorge of the Spissibach stream. Walking across the bridge is an “interesting” experience in itself. The bridge sways slightly with every step, so be prepared! If you overcome your fear, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Thun. Unfortunately, the view is somewhat marred by high-voltage power lines that run across the valley.
Meilisalp
Once you cross the bridge, continue towards Meielisalp. You will descend along a wide gravel road, which soon turns into asphalt. After about a kilometer, you will arrive at the Meielisalp hotel and restaurant.
According to the original route I found on the internet, you should continue along the restaurant and you will reach the Hodler-Gedenkstätte, a memorial to Ferdinand Hodler. He was a Swiss painter, one of the most important representatives of symbolism and Art Nouveau in Switzerland and throughout Europe. There should be a memorial plaque on the monument commemorating that Ferdinand Hodler often painted and drew inspiration here. The views of Lake Thun and the surrounding peaks are among the typical motifs of his landscape paintings. However, we somehow missed the turn and continued along the asphalt road (adding about 800 meters to our hike). However, we didn’t mind, as we enjoyed the beautiful views not only of Lake Thun but also of Interlaken and Harder Kulm in the distance. And then we rejoined the original route.
Remember the photo of the mountain stream with a wooden bridge? Well, a dam like this has been built in the lower part of the stream. It serves as a reminder that even innocently babbling streams can turn into a wild torrent during the spring thaw, carrying not only water but also rocks and pieces of trees. The trail continues through the village and back to the station.
Summary
- The route is 5.6 km long and takes approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on your pace and how many stops you make.
- Not suitable for strollers.
- The route is open year-round, but crossing the bridge is not recommended in rain or snow.
- I recommend bringing hiking poles for the initial climb. And good shoes.
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