Activities
Being in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, there are an almost infinite number of activities both from straight out of the front door or within an easy drive.
Each season offers its' own delights, and a lot of the activities can be done year-round.
Here are a few favourites reported by our guests:
(click here for specific Winter activities)
The Niesen
The Niesen - the almost perfect pyramid just next to the chalet -is also known as the Swiss Pyramid because of its iconic shape. The funicular, which opened in 1910, takes you to the top (2362m) where there is a 360 degree view of the Bernese Alps and the lakes of Thun and Brienz
The first hotel at the summit opened in 1856, and visitors rode up or were carried in a sedan chair… Today they serve culinary specialiites, and, if it’s a clear morning, it is really the most memorable breakfast you can imagine.
Thermal baths & swimming pools
The indoor swimming pool and spa on the village square of Aeschi has a wellness area, bio sauna, steam bath, ice well, … with massages and various other treatments. In the Summer there is also an outside area. Other villages such as Gunthen, Sigriswil, Adelboden or Merlingen on the Thunersee have hot thermal pools where you can swim outdoors even when it is snowing.
And for the braver, lake Thun must be one of the cleanest lakes in Europe.
Cycling
Lots of mountain bike trails pass right by the chalet, leading up into the mountains and the Suldtal.
Road cycling is also a big activity near the chalet, both cycling round the Thunersee or heading further afield.
There are numerous bike rental places for both road bikes, competition bikes and mountain bikes.
Mountaineering
Mountains such as the Schilthorn, Stockhorn, Morgenberghorn - not to mention the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau - are all within an easy walk or a short drive from the chalet.
Walking
Walking is the biggest Summer activity, and there are lots of walks straight from the house, some relatively flat, some to the top of a mountain!
You can walk down to the lake to Faulensee (1.5hrs) and then walk around the lake to Spiez where you get a bus back to the end of our private lane, or a boat to continue the excursion.
The footpath that passes right by the house, goes up to the Pochenfall, a lovely waterfall, with a restaurant nearby.
For the fitter guests, climbing the Morgenberghorn from the chalet and watching the sun rise, is absolutely spectacular.
Llamas and Alpacas
Looking out of the sitting room window, you may be surprised to see Llamas and Alpacas on the sky line. Aeschi is home to Europe's largest llama and alpaca herd (some 250 animals). You can watch and stroke them, buy llama wool products and even buy a llama to take home!
Western Riding
Just below the lama farm, about 800m from the chalet, is a Western riding ranch – the Mountain Ranch - which offers riding lessons, excursions, etc.
Twin Paragliding
For the more adventurous, why not try paragliding with a twin jump!
Twin paragliding is available in Thun, Interlaken and nearby other places.
High Ropes Courses
Another fun activity for the whole family is a high ropes course. There is one in Interlaken as well as several other nearby places.
Bungee jumping
For the adrenaline seekers, Bungee jumping on the Stockhorn or in Grindelwald are all near the chalet!
Canyoning
Apparently it's not as cold as it looks - but to be honest I've never tried!
Canyoning is not too far in Interlaken ,amongst other places in the region.
Zipwiring in Grindelwald
One of the more memorable activities our guests have reported is zipwiringon the First Flyers in Grindelwald.
Ballenberg Open Air Museum
One of the all time family favourites is the open air museum in Ballenberg, with over 250 houses from all over Switzerland, most of which are in working order with people demonstrating how day to day life was in the "olden days".
Big day tour
Drive to Montreux via the Simmental, Col de Pillon, Aigle, then Montreux. Then from Montreux by boat to visit the famous Château de Chillon and back to Montreux.
The way home by motorway to Bulle and visite Gruyère, from where you can return via the Jaun Pass and the Simmental home to Aeschiried for an apéro in front of the fire!
Helicopter sky diving
Sky diving is probably not for all, but is certainly the high light of the holiday on a brilliant day, for those who fancy it!
Skiing
There are several lifts in Aeschi which are ideal for younger skiers and beginners.
If you’re serious skiers, try Adelboden (30mins), Grindelwald (40mins), Wengen (30mins), Kandersteg (50mins) and Gstaad (1hr).
The chalet really is in the heart of some of the world's best ski regions - and you can try a different one each day
Tobogganing
The fields near the chalet are ideal for tobogganing, both for the very young and the not so young, or take the car up to Aeschiried and toboggan back to the chalet for a great, long run too. But there are also really long toboggan runs further afield.
Cross-country skiing
The big Winter attraction of Aeschi is the cross-country skiing and we are right on the tracks. There are over 30km of tracks that go way back into the Suldtal.
Ice Skating
There are many free open air ice rinks in the region - including this one in Interlaken. A fun activity for all the family.
Curling
Curling is a really fun activity for all the family, and can be done in nearby Interlaken.
