For a hike with a cultural connection, Boltigen offers the T1 Obersimmentaler Hausweg; those seeking scenic views will find a panorama stretching across almost the entire Simmental at Mittagflue. At Jaunpass, winter activities and a moorland landscape add to the picture. This offers a choice of trails with different focuses.
Hiking from different perspectives
The T1 Obersimmentaler Hausweg is 20.7 kilometres long and runs from Boltigen via Weissenbach, Grubenwald and Mannried to Zweisimmen. Its theme is traditional carpentry throughout the Obersimmental. The AlpnessTrail takes a different approach: its first stage starts in Boltigen and climbs steeply up the southern side of the valley to the foot of Niederhore. On AlpnessTrail #1, the view extends over Seebergsee, framed by Seehore and a belt of Swiss stone pine forest.
Mittagflue is considered Boltigen’s local mountain and offers views across almost the entire Simmental. A mountain hiking trail leads up from Tubetal; hikers can also reach Mittagflue from the northwest side. Another route at Jaunpass leads from the bus stop there across open pastureland to Alp Grosse Bäder and on to Bäderhorn. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Church history and a bicycle museum
The nave and tower choir of Boltigen Church date from the late Middle Ages, around 1510. After a fire in 1840, Rudolf Stettler restored the church. These two dates give the building a long history: its medieval origins and its restoration belong to different periods.
The HEKU Bicycle Museum in Reidenbach is located behind the door of an air-raid shelter. Its historic bicycles include a penny-farthing, old military, postal and baker’s bicycles, as well as children’s bikes. The collection also features more than 200 brand badges and numerous bicycle bells. The Grydbödeli barbecue area in Reidenbach has a large playground and a covered seating area.
Jaunpass: moorland and winter activities
Jaunpass is a route from the Simmental to the Greyerzerland. It has a moorland landscape with diverse alpine flora. Winter activities include a compact family ski area with a ski and snowboard school. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking on winter trails are also possible.
During the winter season, the «Zügwegen» ski lift can be rented for a total of two hours. This makes it possible to ski, sled or ride a Pistenbock together. Individually tailored winter programmes on Jaunpass are available for groups of 6 to 45 people. As booking conditions, group limits and programme options may change, check them before planning.
The Jaunpass alpine cheese dairy also connects the area with local produce: at an altitude of 1,508 metres, it processes fresh mountain milk into alpine-certified products. Visitors can watch production directly from the shop; the terrace serves hot and cold drinks as well as a selection of dishes. Visitor arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the current options before visiting. Bäderalp produces special cow’s and goat’s cheeses as well as meringues from a solar oven; availability may vary seasonally.
Climbing, rafting and getting there
The Bolti climbing area lies above Boltigen and is accessible by public transport. Its sectors differ considerably: «Zen Forest» offers technically demanding face climbing, «Grötteli» has steep routes 40 metres long, and the classic Bolti sector features short, bouldering-style routes. Check access and route conditions before visiting, as individual sectors and routes may change.
River rafting tours on the Simme start in Boltigen and run through rapids rated whitewater class II to III. A trip lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours and includes rafting equipment and professional guides. As operational details may change, confirm the current tour information before booking.
Boltigen is served by the BLS railway line between Spiez and Zweisimmen; a bus runs from the station to Reidenbach. The HEKU Bicycle Museum is opposite the bus stop and can be reached by train to Boltigen followed by a bus to Reidenbach. Check current timetables before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Lenk, Matten, Zweisimmen, Sankt Stephan.
Back to the main travel overview: Obersimmental.
