Bouldering and Climbing Around Lake Thun

Bouldering or rock climbing—what's the difference?

In bouldering, you climb at jumping height without a rope or climbing harness. Thick mats provide protection in case of a fall. To get started, all you need is comfortable athletic clothing and climbing shoes, which are usually available for rent at the climbing gyms.

When rock climbing, the routes go significantly higher. In addition to climbing shoes, you’ll need a climbing harness, a rope, a belay device, and someone who knows how to belay properly. If you haven’t completed belay training yet, it’s best to take a course first or climb under the supervision of an expert.

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What do difficulty ratings like 4a, 5c, or 7b mean?

Many climbing routes in Switzerland are graded according to the French scale. As a general guide, routes in the 2 to 4 range are considered fairly easy, those in the 5th grade are considered moderately difficult, and those in the 6th grade and above are considered challenging. Routes in the 7th grade require a great deal of technique, strength, and experience.

However, the rating only describes the technical difficulty of the climb—not the protection, the approach, or the experience required for safe outdoor climbing.

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Thun Climbing Club in Gwatt – Rope Climbing for All Skill Levels

Klettertreff Thun is the go-to spot for anyone in the Thun region who wants to climb on a rope regardless of the weather. Spanning 964 square meters of climbing space, there are about 120 routes ranging from 3a to 8b. The wall is up to 13.5 meters high, and the longest routes measure 22 meters. A separate beginner and practice area provides an ideal setting to practice basic belaying and climbing techniques at your own pace.

Thanks to the large span, both beginners and experienced climbers will find challenges suited to their skill level. Those with no prior experience in belaying can book a course or a private lesson by calling ahead.

Well suited for: Beginners, intermediate climbers, ambitious sport climbers, courses, and groups.
What to bring: Comfortable athletic clothing, climbing shoes, a climbing harness, a belay device, and a rope at least 40 meters long. Rental equipment is available on site.
Price: Children up to age 15: 12.- / High school students (ages 16–19): 15.- / Mountain guides, college students, apprentices, retirees: 20.- / Adults: 22.-
Location: Schorenstrasse 62c, 3645 Gwatt.
More information: Klettertreff Thun

Our tip: Combine your visit to Klettertreff with a stop at the nearby Deltapark Vitalresort. After climbing, you can refuel with seasonal dishes at Restaurant Delta or embark on a culinary journey to Thailand at Deltaverde Thai Cuisine. Learn more about the Deltapark Vitalresort

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Griffbar Bouldering Wall in Thun – Easy Bouldering in Steffisburg

Griffbar in Steffisburg is a family-friendly bouldering gym located just outside Thun. It is run by a club and aims to make bouldering accessible to both beginners and experienced climbers. The boulders, which are regularly set with new routes, cover a range of difficulty levels and ensure that there’s always something new to discover, even on repeat visits.

If you’re trying bouldering for the first time, you can start with simple sequences of movements and work your way up step by step. Since a supervisor isn’t always present at Griffbar, it’s recommended that you visit for the first time during supervised hours. The gym doesn’t offer its own classes; similar offerings are available at the partner gym, Boulderkino, in Thun.

The long hours of operation are especially convenient: With a membership or a ticket purchased online in advance, admission is available daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Children ages 5 to 12 may use the facility only when accompanied by an adult.

Well suited for: first bouldering moves, regular training, teens, adults, and experienced boulderers.
What to bring: Comfortable athletic clothing, climbing shoes, a water bottle, and optional chalk. Climbing shoes and chalk bags can be rented on-site.
Price: Adults CHF 18.00, students and apprentices up to age 30, as well as AHV/IV recipients CHF 15.00, teens ages 13–17 CHF 12.00, children ages 5–12 CHF 10.00.
Location: Ortbühlweg 53, 3612 Steffisburg. Parking directly at the hall is not permitted; public parking is available at the cemetery and in the village.
For more information: Griffbar Boulderwand Thun

Our tip: After bouldering, the Burehuus restaurant in Thun invites you to enjoy a delicious meal. Look forward to Swiss cuisine, regional products, and a cozy atmosphere. Learn more about the Burehuus restaurant

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ORBIT Interlaken in Wilderswil – the bouldering and climbing universe

If you’re looking for a particularly large bouldering area, ORBIT Interlaken offers a wide variety of options. The modern facility features 620 square meters of bouldering space, as well as an additional 300 square meters of climbing walls designed primarily for training. A new 30-square-meter children’s wall has been added to the facility, where even the youngest guests can let off some steam.

You don't need any prior experience to try bouldering. This makes the gym a great place for anyone who's curious and wants to give the sport a try for the first time. At the same time, boulders are regularly set with new problems, ensuring that even experienced climbers remain challenged.

The rope climbing wall is 12.5 meters high. To climb the rope on your own, you must have a thorough understanding of the basics of belaying. If you have no prior experience, you can take an introductory course.

Well suited for: first attempts at bouldering, regular training, experienced boulderers, children ages five and up when accompanied by an adult, and beginner courses with a rope.
What to bring: For bouldering, all you need is athletic clothing, climbing shoes, and, optionally, chalk. For rope climbing, you’ll also need a climbing harness, a belay device, and a 30-meter rope. Climbing shoes, a harness, and a rope can be rented.
Price: Adults CHF 24.00, students/apprentices/AHV/IV recipients CHF 20.00, youth ages 12–17 CHF 18.00, children ages 5–11 CHF 12.00. Climbing shoes, a harness, or a rope cost CHF 6.00 each; the complete rental set costs CHF 15.00.
Location: Industriestrasse 17, 3812 Wilderswil.
Additional information: ORBIT Interlaken

Our tip: On the way back toward Thun, it’s worth stopping at the Belvédère Strandhotel in Spiez. Enjoy an aperitif with a view of Spiez Bay, have dinner, or extend your trip with an overnight stay on Lake Thun. Learn more about the Belvédère Strandhotel

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Wilderswil Climbing Garden – Your Introduction to Climbing on Natural Rock

In the forest above Wilderswil lies a well-protected limestone climbing area. The Highflyer sector features 17 routes ranging from 4a to 7a+. Ten of these are in the 5th grade. There are also short children’s routes ranging from 2a to 3a at the base of the wall.

Because the rock here is less steep than in other sectors, this area is well-suited for less experienced climbers—though they should always be accompanied by an experienced guide or climb under professional supervision.

The hike from the “Hotel Heimat” bus stop or from the memorial takes about 25 minutes and involves an elevation gain of about 90 meters.

Well suited for: first-time climbers on natural rock under supervision, families with climbing experience, advanced climbers, and mixed groups.
What to bring: helmet, climbing harness, climbing shoes, belay device, 60-meter rope, about twelve quickdraws, topo, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Price: Climbing is free; you’ll only need to cover your own travel expenses and any parking fees.
Location: Wilderswil Climbing Garden; access from Wilderswil, “Hotel Heimat” stop.
Additional information: Wilderswil Climbing Garden on the SAC Tour Portal

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Climbing on the Stockhorn – Alpine Routes with Panoramic Views

If you’re looking to combine climbing with a day in the mountains, the Stockhorn offers a particularly diverse climbing area. More than 120 routes ranging in difficulty from 2 to 7 are accessible from the mountain station in about 20 minutes. The compact limestone cliff features smooth water grooves, slabs, and steeper sections.

The “Südseite Mitte” sector is a popular practice area: it features 28 routes ranging from 3a to 6a, 16 of which are in the 3a to 4c range. The protection is considered very good. This makes the sector generally well-suited for beginners to natural rock climbing and for climbing courses.

However, due to the alpine setting, the changeable weather, and the necessary knowledge of safety procedures, inexperienced hikers should only set out with a knowledgeable guide.

Well suited for: Beginners under supervision, climbing courses, experienced families, and advanced climbers.
What to bring: Helmet, climbing harness, climbing shoes, belay device, at least a 50-meter rope, about twelve quickdraws, topo, sturdy shoes, and protection from the sun, wind, and rain.
Price: Climbing itself is free. The round-trip fare from Erlenbach to Stockhorn costs CHF 62.00 for adults and CHF 31.00 with a Half-Fare Card or GA travelcard. The Thunersee Panorama Card offers a 20 percent discount. A climbing guide is available for CHF 5.00 at the valley station.
Location: Stockhorn; access via the Stockhornbahn from Erlenbach in the Simmental.
Further information: Climbing on the Stockhorn

Our tip: Round out your day of hiking and climbing at the Belvédère Strandhotel in Spiez. The Captain’s Bar, the restaurant, and the view of Spiez Bay provide the perfect setting for a relaxing end to the day.

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What should you pack in your climbing bag?

For your first visit to an indoor bouldering gym, keep your gear to a minimum:

• Comfortable athletic wear
• Climbing shoes or money for rent
• Water bottle
• Optional: magnesium and a brush

When climbing ropes, depending on the gym and the route, the following factors also come into play:

• Climbing harness
• Belay device and matching carabiners
• Rope of the required length
• When climbing outdoors, also wear a helmet and use quickdraws
• Up-to-date topo or reliable route information
• Good footwear for the approach
• Protection from the sun, rain, and cold, as well as plenty of water and food

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Stay Safe on the Road

Whether you’re in the gym or on the rock, the same rule applies: Before every climb, you should check with your partner and communicate clearly. When climbing outdoors, you should also check the weather, route conditions, local safety regulations, and any seasonal closures. A route’s grade does not indicate whether the approach is easy or whether the protection is suitable for beginners.

If you've never climbed on a rope before, it's best to sign up for an introductory course. Bouldering is a great way to get started—but even here, it's worth taking a brief introductory course on how to land safely and behave considerately on the mat.

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From the first hold to an alpine climbing route

The Lake Thun region offers the perfect spot for almost any climbing experience: first bouldering moves at Griffbar or ORBIT, varied indoor climbing in Gwatt and Wilderswil, or natural rock faces with very different characteristics in Wilderswil, Neuhaus, and on the Stockhorn.

This way, you can try out the sport in any weather and build up your skills step by step—all the way to a day of climbing with a view of the Bernese Oberland.

After an intense day on the wall, relaxation is just as much a part of the experience. A delicious meal, some spa time, or an overnight stay on Lake Thun ensure that your tired arms and hands will be ready for new routes the next morning.