Sliding on snow, that’s both the passion and tradition in the Interlaken and Jungfrau region and there is two activites that exemplifies that more than anything: night sledding with cheese fondue & the velogemel. Have you ever tried sliding on a snow bike without wheels but with runners instead?! Now imagine this snow bicycle is 100% made of wood and it slides faster than your wildest dreams. This is the Swiss Velogemel which has been sliding on the snowy mountains of Grindelwald since 1911 and it is must-try winter activity when visiting Interlaken and the Jungfrau region.
Velogemel, Switzerland’s unique wooden snow bike
In the picturesque village of Grindelwald, nestled at the foot of the imposing Eiger mountain in Switzerland’s Jungfrau region, a curious invention has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike for over a century. The velogemel, a hybrid contraption that combines elements of a bicycle, sled, and skis, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability in the face of challenging winter conditions. A 100% wooden snow bike is a neat feat to achieve. But once you realise this wooden snow slider was conceived in 1911 by a Grinderlwald local you can not be anything other than in awe…..
The Birth of the Velogemel
The story of the velogemel begins with Christian Bühlmann, a local Swiss carpenter and sawmill owner born in 1872. Bühlmann, who suffered from a slight disability due to childhood polio, found it difficult to navigate the snow-covered streets of Grindelwald. Seeking a solution to his mobility challenges, he set out to create a vehicle that would allow him to move around the village more easily during the winter months. On April 1, 1911, Bühlmann filed a patent for his invention, describing it as a “steerable sport sledge with in-line runners”. Little did the patent officials in Bern know that this seemingly whimsical application would lead to a beloved local tradition that continues to this day.
Dissecting the name Velogemel
In the context of the Swiss German velogemel, “gemel” is derived from the local Grindelwald dialect word for “sledge” or “sled”. The term “velogemel” is a combination of two words:
- “Velo” – French for bicycle, also commonly used for bicycle in Swiss German
- “Gemel” – Local Swiss German word for sledge
This combination perfectly describes the unique nature of the velogemel, which is essentially a hybrid between a bicycle and a sledge. The name reflects its dual nature:
- It resembles a bicycle in its upright riding position and handlebar steering
- It functions like a sledge with runners instead of wheels for gliding on snow
Design and Construction
The velogemel’s design is a masterpiece of simplicity and functionality:
- Frame: Made of sturdy ash wood
- Runners, handlebar, and seat: Crafted from maple wood
- Structure: Resembles a bicycle with an upright riding position and handlebar steering
- Movement: Glides on snow using runners instead of wheels
This unique combination allows riders to navigate snowy terrain with greater ease than a traditional sled, while maintaining the maneuverability of a bicycle.
From Necessity to Tradition to Leisure
Initially, the velogemel served as a practical means of transportation for Grindelwald residents. Mailmen, farmers, and even doctors adopted this innovative vehicle to traverse the snow-covered village. As road-clearing techniques improved and motor vehicles became more common, the velogemel’s role shifted from a daily necessity to a beloved leisure activity that can be tried by anyone.
Experience the Velogemel
For those eager to try this distinctive Swiss invention we offer velogemel snow biking tours. Hop on a wooden snow bike and slide down the Swiss Alps in style. For prices, RESERVATIONS & BOOKINGS click here.
Or drop us a message at info@adventureinterlaken.info for more info.
