Merligen summer holidays

Holidays in Merligen

If your idea of a summer break involves rest, relaxation and gobsmacking views, you’ve hit the nail on the head here: on the banks of the Thun Lake and at the base of the Niederhorn, this peaceful village has a healthy combination of all three. Fighting the sights of the Bernese Alps for the title of ‘Merligen’s best feature’ is the weather, which is hot enough to rival the Med.

Highlights: • Water sports on Lake Thun • Golf & mini golf • Amazing views from the Panoramebrücke Sigriswil

Merligen Walking

For an easy walk to begin with, take the hour long Rundweg Beatenbucht trail, a short circuit from the village along the Lake’s edge. Along the way keep an eye out for the near invisible verdant Sphecodes Orchids and the much more vibrant pink Ferrugineum rhododendrons, two beautiful indigenous species of flowers. There’s a super family walk from the village to Oberhofen: where kids will love the castle and you can take a ferry back to the village. There are some more challenging hikes across the Lake in the Bernese Oberland: Head to Interlaken and take the Berner Oberland Train up to get access to the start of hikes from Lauterbrunnen into the valley. Our favourite is the route that takes you through the Lauterbrunnental past the quaint villages of Mürren and Gimmelwald, all ringed by 72 waterfalls.

Merligen Cycling

The 28km ‘Foothills of the Alps’ tour between Thun and Blueme is a popular route in this neck of the woods. The ascent leads through mostly forested area but breaks in cover reveal fabulous views of the Bernese Alps. Apart from the odd short stretch on the climb up to Blueme and a few places on the descent, this route is technically straightforward. Across the Lake is the Wiriehorn, a downhill run serviced by a six-man chair - one of the 2013 iXS European DH cup races was held here and the track is renowned for the flowing berms. It’s easily accessed via the train, with the station right next to the park, so there’s no excuse to not give it a go!

E-biking is widespread in this area; the 72km Thun-Langnau route is one of our favourites for a battery-powered bike ride. It features climbs which lead you above Lake Thun with views to Niesen and the Alps. Once you’ve arrived in Langnau you’ll definitely fancy the local dessert: Meringue-Glacé with Fugi-Nidle!

Roadies: Head east of the village and take the Beatenburgbahn train up to Sack. From here the roads open up over the mountain – follow the Haptstrasse road east through Chrachewalk, Waldegg and Luegibruggl and you’ll find yourself in Interlaken soon enough!