Alpine pastures with lake views: Aeschiried – Brunni – Leissigen

From the village of Aeschiried, it is a short walk to the broad, partly wooded ridge separating the Suldtal valley from the Lake Thun region. The mountain path to the rear of the ridge becomes fairly steep as it leads upwards. From the meadows, the views across Lake Thun as far as the Niesen are stunning. As you climb, it is possible to spot Lake Brienz in the distance to the east. From the Aeschiallmi, you continue to climb in stages (interspersed with flatter sections) to the Greberegg and the Brunnihütte. All the while, the imposing Morgenberghorn comes to dominate the scene before you.

The view from the Brunnialp is superb. The rich blue of Lake Thun shimmers far below, the twin rocky crests of the Niederhorn and the Sigriswiler Rothorn soaring beyond. Dense fir forests and open grasslands make for a diversely patterned landscape.

A beautiful ridgeway flanking the Morgenberghorn traverses the area known as In de Wenge, after which the descent commences. The path initially slopes steeply down to Leissigbärgli, before passing through woods and crossing pastures on the way to Leissigen.

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Situated above the Meielisalp, the Stoffelberg-Allmi is a beautifully flower-filled meadow. The meadow lies directly above the point where the downhill path branches off into the panoramic circular route around Lake Thun. Here the natural surroundings are both diverse and colourful. Orchids and Turk’s cap lilies are among the many types of flora seen the meadows, with cotton grass filling the wetlands in between as countless butterflies flutter from one blossom to another. In 2012, this special place was awarded the Kulturlandschaftspreis (Cultivated Landscape Prize) for the East Oberland region.

Every year, the «Kulturlandschaftspreis» (Cultivated Landscape Prize) is awarded to the most beautiful, and most valuable, areas of cultivated landscape in the East Oberland region. By supporting and promoting the area’s image through tourism, the award incentivises farmers to manage their land sustainably and help preserve our beautiful natural environment. 

Looking for more hiking ideas in the Bernese Oberland?

Learn more about the hiking options around lakes Thun and Brienz.