Diemtigen: Hiking and Architectural Heritage in Diemtigtal Nature Park

Diemtigen combines hiking opportunities in Diemtigtal with remarkable architectural heritage in the village. The entire municipality lies within Diemtigtal Nature Park, which also extends into part of the municipality of Zweisimmen. The valley’s cultural landscapes and forests are places for hiking and recreation. When choosing where to stay, it is worth distinguishing between the trails in the wider valley and the historic sites in the village of Diemtigen.

Hiking Trails and Landscapes

The valley hiking trail in Diemtigtal follows the Fildrich and Chirel waterways. Along the way, eleven bridges cross the water; shady forests and flower meadows shape the landscape along the route. The geotrail around the Wiriehorn offers a different focus: it explains how the mountain landscape formed and covers mountains and valleys, glaciers and water, and rock and stone.

The Tschuggen Alpine hiking trail is a ten-kilometre circular hike in the lower Diemtigtal. It starts at Oey-Diemtigen railway station, leads to Diemtigen and then climbs towards the Tschuggen viewpoint. Those interested in historic houses will find a starting point of their own in the village: the “Vorderes Tal” house trail enters Diemtigen at Styg and then passes numerous magnificent houses.

The three Diemtigtal house trails are designed as half-day hikes to historic houses in the valley. Together, they cover just over 30 kilometres and are divided into three circular routes, each taking around three to three and a half hours to walk. Brown signposts mark the house trails; each house visited also has a numbered brown plaque. Check distances and conditions by season before planning your hike.

Village History and Simmental Architectural Heritage

Diemtigen is the only locality in the municipality situated entirely on the left side of the valley. Together with the church, the village forms the historic centre. Diemtigen was first mentioned in a document in 1257, when the Castrum of Diemtigen was granted to Count Hartmann of Kyburg. In 1986, the municipality received the Henri-Louis-Wakker Prize from the Swiss Heritage Society in recognition of its carefully preserved and vibrant architectural heritage. The traditional scattered settlement pattern of Diemtigtal is also part of this distinctive architectural heritage.

The houses in the village reflect around 300 years of carpentry. Haus Styg was built in 1789 by Captain and Landseckelmeister Jakob Mani as the first Ründi house in Diemtigen. At Haus Moser, the central section dates from the 16th century; the northern extension bears a building inscription from 1647. The Hirschen inn was built as an inn around 1800. Its described features include a double-flight external staircase and a richly decorated Ründi façade.

The church can also be understood through its building history: it is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and Saint Catherine and was first mentioned in 1314. The present building was completed before the middle of the 15th century. The Romanesque hall church has a set-back rectangular choir and a tower rising above it. The rectory was built in 1781/82, at the same time as the church was enlarged. The village bakehouse was built in 1781; from October to May, it is fired up once a month to bake loaves and braided bread. Dates may change, so check the upcoming dates in advance.

Nature, Birdlife and Regional Products

The ruins of Hasenburg, also known as Diemtigen Castle or Grimmenstein, lie northeast of and above the village. They were established in the 13th century as the seat of power in Diemtigtal. The approach starts at the north-eastern edge of the village and takes about 20 minutes. Aegelsee lies near Diemtigenbergli, surrounded by a nature reserve and moorland; the onward route from the surrounding area continues on foot.

The “Diemtigtaler Vogelwelt” exhibition uses taxidermied specimens to showcase a large proportion of the region’s birds. The programme includes public guided tours, excursions and talks for individuals and groups. The exhibition is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be visited free of charge, with donations welcome. Check the opening hours before your arrival.

In summer, various alpine farms in Diemtigtal offer cheese-making demonstrations or brunch on the alp, where visitors can experience the production of Diemtigtal Alpine cheese. Alpine cheese from Seeberg, goat’s cheese from Kiley, Diemtigtal mountain milk and Diemtigtal mountain cheese are available year-round. Ueli Erb branded products are available directly from the Erb family, in product refrigerators in the village of Diemtigen and at Oey-Diemtigen railway station. Check availability before travelling.

Getting to Diemtigen

From Bern, take the Regio-Express to Oey-Diemtigen railway station on the Spiez–Zweisimmen line. From there, the PostBus runs to the “Diemtigen, Dorf” stop. Depending on the suggested hike, PostBuses also run from the station to the respective starting points. You can factor the train journey and the hiking trails described in the valley into your stay plans.

Discover more destinations: Grimmialp, Niederstocken, Weissenburg, Spiez, Wimmis, Därstetten, Erlenbach im Simmental, Oey.

Back to the main travel overview: Niedersimmental.