Top 13 Gorges around Oberhofen am Thunersee
Best canyons around Oberhofen am Thunersee are primarily gorges and valleys offering hiking and scenic viewpoints. While Oberhofen am Thunersee itself does not feature specific canyons for the sport of canyoning, it serves as a base for accessing renowned canyoning experiences in the nearby Interlaken and Bernese Oberland regions. The area provides diverse natural features, including deep gorges and river valleys, suitable for exploration.
Best canyons around Oberhofen am Thunersee
- The most popular canyons is Justistal, a gorge and valley nestled between the Sigriswil ridge and the Niederhorn mountain. This valley is known for its alpine pastures and an annual cheese festival.
- Another must-see spot is Strättligsteg footbridge over the Kander River, a bridge and gorge offering adventure and nature views. It provides a cool prospect over the Kander River.
- Visitors also love View of the Kander Gorge from Hanissteg, a viewpoint over the Kander Gorge. This impressive steel bridge, reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, crosses the Kander as it leads to the Kanderdelta at Lake Thun.
- Oberhofen am Thunersee is known for its scenic gorges, valleys, and river viewpoints. The region offers a variety of natural landscapes to see and explore, from deep riverbeds to alpine valleys.
- The canyons around Oberhofen am Thunersee are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and over 80 photos shared.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Strättligsteg footbridge over the Kander River
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Cholerenschlucht Gorge
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Suspension Bridge Cholerenschlucht
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Justistal
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Eriz Valley
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Auf zwei Rädern unterwegs im Berner Oberland
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Road Cycling Routes around Oberhofen am Thunersee
Hiking around Oberhofen am Thunersee
Running Trails around Oberhofen am Thunersee
Cycling around Oberhofen am Thunersee
MTB Trails around Oberhofen am Thunersee
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Other adventures around Oberhofen am Thunersee
Tips from the Community
You have to carry the bike onto the bridge
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The cheese sharing event takes place here in September
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The upper part is more demanding than the lower
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That was really mega beautiful
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Yes, a farmer actually spotted a bear back there and was able to photograph it. This was about 3 years ago. Since then things have become quiet again, at least around the bear. But of course it's very quiet at the back in Eriz and there really doesn't seem to be any hustle and bustle. Totally secluded and yet close to Thun and Bern.
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The Choleren Gorge, which was created by the erosion of the Cholerbach. With steep cliffs, thundering waterfalls and winding paths, it offers hikers and nature lovers a spectacular experience. Wooden bridges and stairs enable safe exploration of this fascinating natural setting. The name "Cholerenschlucht" is probably related to traditional charcoal burning. The Choleren Gorge used to be known for its charcoal kilns, where charcoal was produced. The name "Choleren Gorge" could thus refer to this historical activity. A second theory is that the term comes from the Latin word "colera" which means "bile" or "anger" and could refer to the wild waterfalls and the impressive nature of the gorge. A third theory holds that the name comes from the old Swiss German word "chole" meaning "little stream" or "little river".
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A descent into the Kander Gorge, especially at this point, is not recommended and dangerous. There is no real path leading down to the Kander and when the weather is uncertain, the river can become a raging beast. The view straight down from the Strättligensteg is picturesque.
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The Kander puncture through which the Kander flows and over which the Strättligensteg leads is not of natural origin. Due to constant flooding in the hinterland, it was blown up in the rocks to allow the wild Kander in the Einer Kanderdelta to flow into Lake Thun. The gorge is not accessible and a roaring beast when the snow melts and heavy rain falls. In front of the Strättligensteg (view from Lake Thun in the direction of Durchstich) is the Kanderbrücke, over which all rail traffic runs from Valais to Thun and on to Bern.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the gorges around Oberhofen am Thunersee?
The region offers a variety of natural landscapes, from deep riverbeds and impressive rock formations to alpine valleys. You can find stunning viewpoints, thundering waterfalls, and smooth, water-carved rocks. Highlights include the Cholerenschlucht Gorge with its waterfalls and the wild romantic Justistal valley.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in the gorges around Oberhofen am Thunersee?
Yes, the Justistal is noted as family-friendly, offering a wildly romantic valley experience. While the Cholerenschlucht Gorge can be steep in places, it features wooden bridges and stairs for safe exploration, making it accessible for families with good shoes.
Can I go canyoning directly in Oberhofen am Thunersee?
While Oberhofen am Thunersee itself does not feature specific canyons for the sport of canyoning, it serves as an excellent base for accessing some of Switzerland's most renowned canyoning experiences in the nearby Interlaken and Bernese Oberland regions. These areas offer a range of canyons catering to different skill levels.
Where can beginners go canyoning near Oberhofen am Thunersee?
For beginners, the Local Canyon (often referred to as Saxeten Canyon) near Interlaken is highly recommended. It offers a gentle introduction to canyoning with rappelling, natural water slides, and jumps into clear water pools, all led by professional guides.
Are there options for experienced canyoners in the region?
Yes, experienced canyoners can find more challenging options. The Grimsel Canyon is suited for more 'sporty' individuals or experienced beginners, featuring an impressive 50-meter abseil and diverse obstacles. For the most physically and technically demanding experience, the Chli Schliere Canyon is designed for advanced and confident canyoners, offering long rappelling stations, high jumps, and strong currents.
What is the best season for canyoning near Oberhofen am Thunersee?
Canyoning tours in the Bernese Oberland are typically available during the summer months, from May to October, when water levels and temperatures are most suitable for the activity.
What equipment is needed for canyoning, and are guides available?
All necessary equipment, including wetsuits, helmets, and life jackets, is provided by tour operators. Due to the inherent risks, it is strongly recommended to undertake canyoning with experienced and licensed guides, who are readily available in the region.
Are there any specific age or fitness requirements for canyoning tours?
Participants generally need to be at least 12 years old and physically fit. While swimming ability is recommended, it's not always strictly necessary for beginner tours, as professional guides ensure safety and can offer options to bypass challenging sections.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the gorges around Oberhofen am Thunersee?
Beyond exploring gorges, the area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including challenging mountain bike trails, and diverse mountain hikes. For more details, explore the Cycling around Oberhofen am Thunersee, MTB Trails around Oberhofen am Thunersee, and Mountain Hikes around Oberhofen am Thunersee guides.
What do visitors enjoy most about the gorges and valleys near Oberhofen am Thunersee?
Visitors frequently praise the pure adventure and nature experiences, the cool prospects from bridges like the Strättligsteg footbridge over the Kander River, and the impressive views, such as the View of the Kander Gorge from Hanissteg. The romantic scenery of places like the Cholerenschlucht Gorge with its waterfalls is also highly appreciated.
Are there any unique cultural events associated with the canyons in this region?
Yes, the Justistal, a wildly romantic valley nestled between the Sigriswil ridge and the Niederhorn mountain, is famous for its annual cheese festival (Chästeilet) in autumn. This event celebrates the region's alpine pastures and traditional cheese-making.
What are some notable gorges for hiking near Oberhofen am Thunersee?
Beyond the popular Justistal, the Cholerenschlucht Gorge near Adelboden is a picturesque hiking destination featuring a 100-meter-long rock gorge with impressive waterfalls. The Strättligsteg footbridge over the Kander River and the View of the Kander Gorge from Hanissteg also offer scenic walks with impressive gorge views.
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