Bödeli with Lakeside Returns: the Bönigen–Gsteig–Unterseen Cycling Circuit: gravel and dirt in Switzerland
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Bödeli with Lakeside Returns: the Bönigen–Gsteig–Unterseen Cycling Circuit

Distance
26.6 km
Time
3 h 21 min
Elevation gain
681 m
Difficulty
Easy
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Route description

The Bödeli circuit explores the shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, small Baggerseeli and the historic settlements surrounding Interlaken. From the eastern station area, head towards Bönigen before turning towards Wilderswil and Gsteig Church. The other side of the ride connects Weissenau, Lake Thun and Unterseen’s old streets beside its Reformed Church. Mountains remain close, while water and changing lakeside and town settings shape the outing. This version includes extra returns and walking connections whose cycling permissions need checking beforehand.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Asphalt 58% · Compacted dirt 17% · Gravel 12%

Surface is defined for 96% of the route.

Asphalt 58% · 15.3 km
Compacted dirt 17% · 4.58 km
Gravel 12% · 3.31 km
Improved surface 6% · 1.58 km
Fine gravel 2% · 0.46 km
Dirt 1% · 0.26 km
Concrete 1% · 0.05 km
Dirt / grass 1% · 0.03 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Bödeli lets you compare two celebrated Bernese Oberland lakes and smaller waters between them within one ride. Pause beside the water at Bönigen, examine Gsteig’s medieval building and exchange the lakeside for Unterseen’s old streets. Choose it for a varied exploration around Interlaken with short stops between cycling sections.
Length
26.6 km
Elevation gain
681 m
Surface
Asphalt 58%
Bödeli with Lakeside Returns: the Bönigen–Gsteig–Unterseen Cycling Circuit: route photo 6 in Switzerland

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car Yes
With children With caution
With a dog No
By bike Partially
With a stroller No
Mobile signal Не проверено

Nearby

Unspunnen ruins lie off the selected passage and need a separate approach. Unterseen Castle and town museums are also additional visits. Near Weissenau, explore the ruins and nature area using their own authorised paths. Swimming in the lakes or Baggerseeli is not a confirmed part of this ride.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Arrive at Interlaken Ost station, close to the selected circuit’s departure. Check train bicycle rules and capacity before travelling. Replacement buses are announced between Interlaken West and Ost for eight weeks from 19 October 2026; bicycle carriage on them is not confirmed. Returning to the starting area simplifies onward arrangements after permitted completion of the circle.
By car
Drive to Interlaken or authorised parking with a convenient connection to the circuit. Starting elsewhere adds a connection to the selected departure or requires a separately arranged visiting order. Lakeside paths, narrow urban streets and nature areas are not a continuous vehicle support route.
Parking
The Weissenau parking area beside the circuit is confirmed, but its precise municipal parking regime needs identification from the signs on site. The municipal page lists different areas under this name with different time limits. Check the actual sign, payment and permitted duration; free or unlimited parking cannot be assumed.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Lake Brienz the lakeside passage at Bönigen.
Baggerseeli Lake the separate small lake beside the circuit.
Gsteig Church the historic church near Wilderswil, viewed outside.
Lake Thun the shoreline section near Weissenau.
Unterseen Reformed Church the church beside the old town streets.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 681 м.
SurfaceAsphalt 58%, Compacted dirt 17%, Gravel 12%.
Риски Local vehicles use urban roads, and pedestrians share lakeside sections. Short climbs, natural surfaces and returns over familiar ground add variety. Around Interlaken Ost, this version uses walking connections without confirmed permission to ride bicycles. Check current signs: wheel the bicycle where pedestrian passage allows it, otherwise choose an authorised connecting approach. Continuous riding around the entire selected circuit is not established.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 3 h 21 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Allow an estimated 3–5 hours for riding, walking connections and pauses beside lakes and churches. This is an editorial allowance for the expanded version, not the standard shorter Bödeli circuit timing. Add indoor visits and lunch separately. Check permitted connections and set the required return time for your train before leaving.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose snow-free conditions with dry roads, usually from spring to autumn. Natural lakeside surfaces can be slippery after rain, and lake winds can feel stronger than on town streets. Keep to permitted routes through nature areas and check local restrictions. A winter passage around the entire circle is not confirmed.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Bicycle for asphalt and short natural surfaces
Helmet and sound brakes
Pump, spare tube and repair kit
Lock for stops
Water, snack and rain protection
Lights and charged phone
Map of permitted connections
Checked bicycle carriage arrangements

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Arrive at Interlaken Ost station, close to the selected circuit’s departure. Check train bicycle rules and capacity before travelling. Replacement buses are announced between Interlaken West and Ost for eight weeks from 19 October 2026; bicycle carriage on them is not confirmed. Returning to the starting area simplifies onward arrangements after permitted.

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 26.6 km, easy.

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