Discover Oey: Simmental Architecture and Nature Trails

Oey lies at the entrance to the Diemtigtal, on an alluvial fan formed over the centuries by the Chirel. If you are looking for a hotel in Oey, you can plan your trip around different interests: Simmental architecture in the village, birdwatching and hiking trails in the Diemtigtal. Oey was connected to the railway network in 1897.

Carpentry and history

Sälbeze is an example of Simmental carpentry. Painted façades and elaborate Fraktur inscriptions are among the features that define the house. The former connection between Oey and Latterbach is also part of the village’s history: the two places were once linked by a wooden bridge.

The Diemtigtal House Trail, “Vorderes Tal,” starts at Oey-Diemtigen station. This easy themed trail is 9.08 kilometres long and forms a loop. Along the route, richly carved and painted façades tell stories of times gone by. This makes it possible to combine architectural heritage and exercise on the same route, without having to choose a long hike through the valley.

Hiking trails with different profiles

The valley hiking trail runs for 15.02 kilometres from Senggiweid near Grimmialp in Schwenden to the market square in Oey. Along the way, it crosses the mountain rivers over eleven bridges, follows the Fildrich and Chirel, and passes through forests and meadows. The route goes past Blauseeli and reaches the “Gwunderwasser” water playground.

There are eleven PostBus stops along the valley hiking trail, spaced 20 to 40 minutes apart, making it possible to shorten the route. To reach Senggiweid, take the train to Oey-Diemtigen, continue by PostBus to “Schwenden i.D., Grimmialp,” then walk a short distance to the starting point. Check the current timetable when planning your trip.

The Tschuggen alpine hiking trail offers a different route: this 10-kilometre loop runs from Oey-Diemtigen to Diemtigen, Riedli, and has a low technical difficulty level. Seasonal or weather-related closures are possible. Cheese is made along the trail in summer. Together with the 9.08-kilometre House Trail and the 15.02-kilometre valley hiking trail, this gives you a choice between two loop trails and a longer route to Oey.

Bird Trail and nature experiences

The Bird Trail is a loop that starts and ends at Oey-Diemtigen station. It passes through a range of habitats for native bird species and features twelve information panels. The colony of common swifts can be reached on foot from the station via the Bird Trail in just under 15 minutes. A free visit to the common swift tower can be booked on request from May to July.

In Diemtigtal Nature Park, themed trails introduce visitors to nature, history and living traditions. They are mostly short, easy circular walks that are also suitable for children. Along the hiking trails in the Diemtigtal, simple mountain restaurants serve regional specialities where you can stop for refreshments.

Oey also offers an activity beyond the hiking trails: the flight school timetofly.ch, based there, offers introductory courses, training and further education, as well as a range of passenger flights. The available offerings may vary. Whether you are interested in birds, historic façades or one of the different hiking routes, these highlights give you practical ideas for planning your trip to Oey and finding a hotel to suit your needs.

Discover more destinations: Horboden, Oberwil in the Simmental, Diemtigen, Spiez, Faulensee, Niederstocken, Wimmis, Weissenburg.

See the overview of the wider region: Niedersimmental.