Diemtigtal

Orientation

Diemtigtal runs south from the Simmental between the Niesen and Turnen ranges. It is the Simmental’s largest side valley and forms the core of a 135.4 km² regional nature park. The valley ends beneath Seehorn, Spillgerte, Rauflihorn and Männlifluh; at 2,652 metres, Männlifluh is its highest summit.

This is a lived-in agricultural landscape, not a wilderness reserve. Alpine farming shapes the open pastures, and traditional scattered settlements give the valley its distinctive pattern of large wooden houses, barns and alpine huts.

Walk the valley

The Diemtigtal Valley Trail is the practical backbone for an on-foot visit. It links Oey-Diemtigen and Grimmialp over about 15–16 km, crosses the Chirel and Fildrich streams on 11 bridges, and has PostBus stops along the route. Walk a section rather than treating it as an all-or-nothing day.

For a higher objective, head towards Seebergsee, the mountain lake near the southern end of the park, or use the Grimmialp chairlift to reach Stierenberg at 1,700 metres. From there, signed walks range from a short circular route to serious mountain hikes.

The valley’s themed routes add useful context:

• Diemtigtal House Trails trace the valley’s Simmental timber architecture.
• Albert Schweitzer Trail at Grimmialp follows the place where Schweitzer spent summer stays between 1901 and 1909.
• Wiriehorn Geological Trail explains the landscape’s rocks, glaciers and water.

Most interpretation on theme trails is in German.

Alpine farming and local food

Farming remains central here: roughly 140 alpine farms summer livestock on the mountain pastures, and more than 60 alps produce alpine cheese. Look for cheese and other regional products at farm outlets and mountain restaurants in season.

The architecture is equally worth noticing. Diemtigen received the Wakker Prize in 1986 for protecting and developing its built heritage. The best approach is simple: follow a House Trail through the settlements and look closely at the carved, broad-roofed timber buildings rather than expecting a single museum district.

Getting around

By rail: Take the Regio-Express Lötschberger from Bern to Oey-Diemtigen; some hourly services run via Spiez without a change.

By bus: PostBus continues from Oey into the valley towards Grimmialp, stopping at villages and trail access points. Services are infrequent, so build the timetable into the day rather than relying on a spontaneous return.

By car: The valley road runs from Oey to Grimmialp. Some mountain roads require permits; use designated parking only.

Essential outdoor rules

Marked paths often cross private pastureland. Stay on the trail, close gates, keep dogs leashed and give cattle—especially cows with calves—a wide berth. Take all rubbish away and light fires only at official sites. Wild camping is prohibited in protected areas and on municipal land; elsewhere, private-land permission is required.

Mountain weather changes quickly. Carry water and suitable footwear, and choose routes that match conditions and daylight.