Wimmis lies at the foot of the Niesen. At the same time, its castle, town wall and museum tell of the town’s long-standing role at the entrance to the Simmental. During a stay here, mountain scenery and history go hand in hand—from hikes on the Burgfluh to traces of early settlement.
Castle, museum and historic traces
Wimmis Castle was built in the early Middle Ages. In the 12th century, the barons of Strättligen transformed it into a château. First the castle, and later the château, served for many centuries as a checkpoint at the important and sometimes fiercely contested entrance to the Simmental. Remains of the old town wall bear witness to the mighty bastion that the barons of Weissenburg had built at the entrance to the Simmental.
The museum in the municipal administration building presents the history and development of Wimmis. It also offers insight into the Burgfluh fortress and the work of the former gunpowder factory. East of the village, PintelhĂĽgel bears witness to several historical periods: Celtic settlement, viticulture by Roman garrisons, an Alamannic refuge fortress and a medieval place of execution.
The old farmhouses also shape the townscape. Wimmis has numerous buildings featuring distinctive Oberland timber architecture. The oldest house dates back to 1512 and may once have served as a goods depot.
Mountain scenery and trails
The Niesen is Wimmis’s local mountain and rises to 2,362 metres above sea level. From Wimmis, it can be reached on foot via various routes in around five hours. The Burgfluh offers a different option: this half-day hike follows a steep mountain trail up to a wooded rocky ridge around 300 metres above the village. Conditions on the mountain trail can vary with the seasons; check them before setting out.
The Bänkli Tour in Wimmis takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes by bicycle, and longer on foot. Wimmis is also on several cycling routes. Before setting out, it is advisable to check trail conditions and signage locally; conditions on the routes can also vary with the seasons. The different time estimates help you plan your activities: the Niesen routes are estimated at around five hours on foot, the Burgfluh hike takes half a day, and the Bänkli Tour takes just under three hours by bicycle.
The Simmenfluh rises to 1,397 metres above sea level and is well known among mountaineers and climbers. Around Dählen, sparse coniferous forests frame rugged, very steep rock formations. Another striking feature of the landscape is Port, the narrow passage between the Simmenfluh and Burgfluh. The Simme, roads and railway squeeze through the impressive gorge. The bridge at Port was built by Erasmus Ritter around 1766.
Guided tours and gathering places
From April to October, 1½-hour guided tours of Wimmis Castle and church take place monthly. Check the dates for your trip. The annual public Chirschmuesen also offers insight into the town’s shared culinary tradition; it is organised by Wimmis Tourism. For the next edition, it is advisable to check the date locally.
The suggested hike “From the Simmental to Lake Thun” passes the Herrenmätteli fire pit near Wimmis. There, a large outdoor playground for children and adults invites visitors to relax and enjoy a picnic. If you are planning the hike, bear in mind that it is seasonal and conditions may change.
Discover more destinations: Oey, Därstetten, Horboden, Niederstocken, Oberwil Im Simmental, Spiez, Faulensee, Diemtigen.
See the overview of the wider region: Niedersimmental.
