Scharnachtal: Hiking, Mountain Scenery and Village Culture
Accommodation in Scharnachtal
Scharnachtal is a village in the municipality of Reichenbach im Kandertal, in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. Above Reichenbach, Scharnachtal and Faltschen are described as elevated “terraces.”
Scenery and trails around Scharnachtal
The Hergisallmend alpine area associated with Scharnachtal is a grazing area at an elevation of about 1,060 to 1,290 m. On the mountain side, it is naturally bordered by forest. In the Scharnachtal-Faltschen area, the trail names “Panoramatrail” and “Panoramaweg” are used. Regional tourism materials also describe the area as suitable for e-bike rides and leisurely hikes.
Access routes to the alpine area are listed from train stations in the lower Kandertal; these include Route 24. A hiking and mountain-hiking trail leads from Reichenbach via the alp and Engel to the Engelhorn (1,775 m), then continues via Standfluh to the Wetterlatte (Wätterlatte, 2,007 m). The Panoramaweg and Routes 23 and 24 are also mentioned.
Eight circular hikes start and end at the Scharnachtal, SchĂĽelis railway platform. A hike to the Engelhorn starts at the postbus stop by the Scharnachtal schoolhouse. The viewpoint on the Engelhorn offers an impressive view down over the Lake Thun basin. Thus, different route details are given: the eight circular hikes have the same starting and ending point, while the mountain hike lists several locations and elevations. Before setting out, check current route information, trail conditions and public transport details.
Traditional architecture in the village
The bim TĂĽrli building group is located on Chlappergasse, south of Stockbrunnen. It consists mainly of farm buildings and lies on a small terrace on the slope. The houses in the group face down the valley. The other buildings are set slightly farther back and are surrounded by gardens, some of which are also orchards.
For travellers interested in traditional farm architecture, the building group offers a specific point of interest: alongside the individual buildings, their position on the slope and the surrounding gardens also shape the ensemble. This lets you consider the buildings’ construction together with the arrangement of the houses, without treating their different features as one and the same.
Local history and culture
Scharnachtal gave its name to the Alemannic noble family von Scharnachthal. Individual family members are documented from the 13th century onward; the male line died out in 1590 with the death of Niklaus von Scharnachthal. The village also has an early connection to musical history: a yodelling group called “Blüemlisalp” was already active in Scharnachtal more than 100 years ago.
Recurring events
The Scharnachtal Chilbi is an annual tradition held in early June in a festival tent on the grounds of the Scharnachtal schoolhouse. In early August, a mountain church service with baptisms and a barbecue gathering is held on the Härggisallmi above Scharnachtal. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, confirm the exact date with the organiser; for the mountain church service, check the weather arrangements in advance as well.
Discover more destinations: Wengi Bei Frutigen
Go to the main travel overview: Reichenbach Im Kandertal.
