Bänkli circular route Aeschi near Spiez

Aeschi, the cozy village with around 2,000 inhabitants, is located on a scenic and sunny terrace above Lake Thun. The central location in the Bernese Oberland and the quick accessibility, whether by public transport or by car, are much appreciated.

The starting point of the hike is the municipal square in the centre of the village. We first follow the road towards Mülenen/Frutigen for about 200 m. Just a few meters after the start of the route we already discover the first bench at the entrance to the indoor swimming pool. It is called the "Reading Bench" because current newspapers are always available in a box, inviting you to read. We now consistently follow the signage with the green bench pictogram on a white arrow. Shortly afterwards we leave the settlement area and enjoy – for example during a first break on the bench where Wilhelm Tell or at least the actor of the eponymous open-air play once sat – the view of the local mountain Niesen. The next seating, the "Organ Bank", is playfully humorous. One would not be surprised if music suddenly sounded. After the ascent to Sewenegg, the view opens up to the Kandertal. Only the llamas and alpacas that often graze here distract from the panorama. Following the forest edge, we reach the parking lot in Aeschiried where hunger and thirst can be satisfied in the Panorama restaurant. Refreshed, we continue the route which leads through the rather steeply ascending Allmigässli. We are fascinated by the artistic backrest of the Haflinger bench and discover just above it the next seat that stands as proof of eternal love since the wedding of a couple. We now head for the well-visible alpine hut, where the alpine cheese produced there is offered for sale in a refrigerator. Below the ski hut, we leave the forest road and follow the track across the open field to the four larches standing in a row. We have reached the highest point of the circular route and enjoy the magnificent panorama sitting on the Niesen bench that opens up at our feet. Far on the horizon, in good weather, you can even see the Jura mountain range. No wonder this place is considered a place of power… Having taken in enough of this, we walk down the pasture to the small road which we follow to the right to the former holiday centre. Before the houses, the path leads left across the meadow downwards. Truly hospitable are two more twin benches on Windegg. In winter many parents here appreciate sitting comfortably watching their children as they curve down the simple slope to the start of the drag lift. The further route leads pleasantly downhill past the Chemihütte bench below the eponymous well-known restaurant operation beyond the region. Soon the Tannenmattli district is reached. We wind between the houses and soon leave the settlement area again. The wide view and openness probably also influenced the farming family living here. This is home to Switzerland's only earthworm stable, where thousands of busy creatures produce the finest compost every day. The bench shortly afterwards on the right side of the path has an exact depiction of Lake Thun as its backrest. About ten minutes later we reach the main road coming from Krattigen, which we follow for just under a kilometer into the village centre. Children have fun on the playground next to the schoolyard. Matching this is the generously sized "family bench" where a whole family can comfortably find a place. We have already reached the starting point of the eventful hike again.