A hidden gem just outside of Interlaken and one of the most underrated short hikes in the Jungfrau region is the walk from Beatenberg to Birefluh & Bire. Bire is a Beatenberg landmark comprising of a free standing rock tower you can summit via a spectacular staircase which is preceded by an varied and gorgeous 1 hour long hike starting close to the Beatenberg tourist centre. The Adventure Ducksters were all for it so on a sunny Sunday afternoon they grabbed a picnic bag and hit the trails.
Beatenberg’s Birefluh Hike
From the Interlaken West train station take bus 101 that heads to Beatenberg and get of at the Wydi bus stop just after you pass the tourist center. Alternatively drive to the same place and park at the sizable Wydmi parking to start your adventure hike to Bire and Birefluh (or Birenfluh). The entire hike is around 4km with 350m of vertical elevation and takes about 2 hours return trip. Add an extra hour for the necessary picnic stop on top of the Bire rock tower and you can easily count on 3 hours total time.
The Ducksters started the hike gently making nice progress while the landscape got more spectacular along the way.
Just past the halfway point the scenery gets better and the trail more spectacular with switchbacks and steep rock faces all around.
Don’t forget to look back from time to time as the views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau also get better the higher you get.
After passing the stunning cliffs you end up at the Birefluh which is right at the foot of the Bire rock tower formation. The zigzagging staircase reminded rubber duckster of his hamster friend’s staircase and is lots of fun to do. Watch your steps while you scale this wooden contraption and you get rewarded with stunning views from the top.
The views are surreal and give you a direct look at the snowcapped mountains plus the lake of Thung and Beatenberg. Relax on one of the benches and enjoy a picnic lunch at this unique spot just outside of Interlaken.
Sign the guestbook to mark your arrival at this remarkable and unknown hiking spot.
You did really let the adventure begin by coming here. Read more of our adventurous blog posts for an extra dose of outdoor Interlaken adventure inspiration here.
