Horboden lies in the Diemtigtal, where two streams converge. As the Chirel, they flow into the Simme at the lower entrance to the village of Oey. Choose from a range of themes when planning your trip: Swiss wrestling, themed hikes, winter activities and insights into alpine life.
Swiss wrestling and culture
The Springenboden Swiss Wrestling Trail introduces visitors to Swiss wrestling through an interactive app and activity stations where you can put your skills to the test. The easy circular hiking trail is 2.5 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 110 metres and takes about 1.5 hours of walking time. A description from 2020 states that the Swiss Wrestling Pavilion at Springenboden is open to the public; check access before your visit. The pavilion dedicated to the Swiss wrestling kings displays portraits of all past Swiss wrestling kings. A true-to-life wooden sculpture depicts Kilian Wenger with his winning bull, “Arnold”, which Wenger won in Frauenfeld in 2010.
Circular trails and valley hikes
If you choose trails by length, the 2.5-kilometre Swiss Wrestling Trail and the 10.20-kilometre “Middle Valley” Diemtigtal House Trail offer circular routes of different lengths. The House Trail is described as an easy circular trail and themed trail. It starts at the “Chirel” post bus stop in Horboden and returns to Horboden at the end of the route.
A longer exploratory hike is the Culture & Sculpture Trail, a route of around 15 kilometres along the valley hiking trail between Oey and Grimmialp. The Diemtigtal Valley Hiking Trail follows the Fildrich and Chirel streams through forests and meadows, crosses eleven bridges and descends towards Horboden before reaching the village. In Horboden, the Culture & Sculpture Trail features Rainer Klossner’s sculpture “Fair-Weather Bell”. It stands by the footbridge on the hiking trail at the livestock showground.
Winter at Springenboden
The Springenboden ski area offers six kilometres of ski runs, one ski lift, two children’s lifts, a marked snowshoe trail and three winter hiking trails. Operating conditions depend on the weather. One of the winter hiking trails is a 6.83-kilometre circular route starting and ending at the Gsässweid inn in Springenboden, Horboden. It passes through deep-snow-covered forests and pastures and offers views of the upper Diemtigtal and the Simmental. Winter conditions affect trail accessibility; check conditions before setting out. The Springenboden Swiss Ski School offers ski lessons as group or private courses, as well as private snowboard lessons.
Alpine life, play activities and getting around
At Alp Krebs Springenboden, visitors can watch cheese being made and ask questions between 9 am and 12 noon. Mutsch, raclette and alpine cheese are made and sold at Alp Krebs. The Diemtigtal Model Playland is in the basement of the Wirieblick restaurant at Allmiried 48, 3755 Horboden. Visitors can operate remote-controlled vehicles at a scale of 1:32, including snow groomers, excavators, trucks and tractors; there is also a Carrera slot-car track.
The PostBus serves the “Horboden, Sporthalle” stop four times a day. From there, it is a two-minute walk to the Model Playland in the Wirieblick restaurant. Check the timetable before travelling. The fire pit on the Swiss Wrestling Trail is at Post 8; it is a 30-minute walk from the Hasenloch car park. On site, there is a covered barbecue and seating area with two tables, firewood and a toilet.
The Neuenstift village festival at Nöienstift in Horboden takes place at the end of July each year and offers a convivial celebration with traditional entertainment. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates for your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Erlenbach in the Simmental, Spiez, Diemtigen, Oberwil in the Simmental, Därstetten, Niederstocken, Oey, Faulensee
Return to the broader travel overview: Niedersimmental.
