Ninety seconds on Sigriswil Panorama Bridge
Sigriswil's suspension bridge takes you 340 metres across the Gummischlucht, high over the floor of the gorge, with Lake Thun below and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau lined up beyond it.
Look down before you look out. The walking surface is perforated metal sheet, and 182 metres below it lies the floor of the Gummischlucht, the wild gorge of the Guntenbach stream. The railings are perforated plates as well, so you see through the sides while children stay safe at the rail.
Four 27-metre pylons hold the bridge up, each leaning slightly in towards the middle. The deck sways a little underfoot as you walk. It is safe, but expect the movement if heights make you nervous.
The bridge opened in 2012 and now carries a stage of the Panorama Rundweg Thunersee, the walking route around the lake. Fans of Crash Landing on You will recognise it from the series.
From the Sigriswil side, the visit starts at the Schulhaus Raft car park, where the bridge begins and public toilets stand close by. Pay the ranger at the entrance in cash, by card or by Twint. When no ranger is on duty, drop the fee in the coin box at the entrance.
Cross slowly and stop to look straight down into the gorge, the signature view of the crossing. Turn the other way for the lake and the mountains. Information boards on the bridge explain how it was built.
At the Aeschlen end you can walk back over, climb into the hills above Aeschlen, or follow the lakeside route on round. To ride back to Thun instead, catch the bus from Aeschlen down to Oberhofen and change there for Thun. Both villages have places to eat.
You can cross without a guide. For a group, the operator offers private guided walks led by one of its on-site rangers, who also give walking suggestions for the paths beyond. Register the group in advance through the groups and tours page of its website.
Your ticket is a day ticket, so hold on to it if you plan to walk back across. Keep young children close on the deck.
If heights bother you, the operator points to an alternative path through the Gummischlucht instead. The gorge loop is 1.3 km with 120 metres of climbing. Wear walking shoes for it.
Bring a picnic: there are tables and benches beside the bridge. Off-peak and in low season you may have the crossing almost to yourself.
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