As soon as the surroundings of the Nature Park Gantrisch are covered in snow, it turns into a winter paradise for snow sports fans. The cantonal road (Süftenenstrasse) is closed for this purpose from approximately the beginning of December until the beginning of May. More detailed information is available on the website.
Every year the Langlaufzentrum Gantrisch (cross-country skiing centre Gantrisch) provides 45 kilometres of superbly groomed trails, just a stone’s throw away from the city of Bern. You can find this paradise for skating and classic cross-country skiing at snow-sure altitudes of 1,450 to 1,650 metres above sea level.
The cross-country skiing paradise consists of main and side trails. The main entry points are Schwarzenbühl Selital, Ottenleuebad and Gurnigel Wasserscheide. Even if you don’t have your own cross-country skiing equipment, you don’t have to miss out on the fun: equipment can be rented at three locations in the region. Cross-country skiing lessons are also offered regularly in the region.
You can view the current condition of the trails, amount of snow or whether the sun is shining via the live webcam.
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General information
Cross-country skiing passes for the whole of Switzerland or the Gantrisch region can be purchased either online or on site.
Cross-country skiing day tickets can be purchased on site.
Opening hours
If there is enough snow, the trails are open non-stop.
Trail network
The Langlaufzentrum Gantrisch’s 45 km long cross-country skiing network consists of main and side trails between the Schwarzenbühl, the lower Gantrischütte (Gantrisch hut), the Wasserscheide (watershed) and the Berghaus Gurnigel (Gurnigel mountain lodge).
Attention: two-way traffic on the entire trail network.
Click here for a detailed description of the trail network.
Courses
The SwissNordic School Gantrisch offers cross-country skiing lessons in skating as well as classic technique for different levels.
For all information and registrations, please contact the Langlaufschule Gantrisch (cross-country skiing school Gantrisch) by e-mail. All information regarding offers and rates can be found here.
Accommodation
The following accommodation is available around the cross-country skiing trails:
Gurnigel Berghaus
Untere Gantrischhütte
Berghütte Selital
Hotel Restaurant Schwarzenbühl
Restaurant und Hotel Riffenmatt
Sternen Guggisberg
Eringer-Lodge OttenleueGastronomy
On the cross-country trail:
Berghütte SelitalNext to the trails:
Gurnigel Berghaus
Untere Gantrischhütte (with its own access to the trail)
Hotel Restaurant Schwarzenbühl
Berghaus SelibühlIn the surrounding area:
Restaurant und Hotel Riffenmatt
Sternen Guggisberg
Arrival and departure
The Langlaufzentrum Gantrisch is situated between Schwarzenbühl Selital, Ottenleuebad and Gurnigel Wasserscheide. These are also the three main entry points to the trail (parking facilities available).
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Schwarzenbühl Selital
Public transport
The easiest and cheapest way to reach the Selital is with the Gantrisch Schneebus (Gantrisch Snow Bus). It runs directly from Schwarzenburg railway station to the bus stop "Schwarzenbühl, Kurhaus".
Single tickets
CHF 9.00 for adultsReturn tickets
CHF 13.00 for adultsTimetable
More information about the Gantrisch SchneebusArrival by car
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Ottenleuebad
Public transport
There are no public transport connections (see Schwarzenbühl Selital, Gurnigel Berghaus or Wasserscheide).
Arrival by car
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Wasserscheide
Public transport
You can reach the Gurnigel Wasserscheide within an hour by train and PostBus from Bern. Trains leave Bern main station at 8:12 and 12:12 in the direction of Belp via Thurnen and Riggisberg. Two more, but slightly longer connections run via Schwarzenburg to the stop "Gurnigel, Wasserscheide".
Tip: plan your return journey in advance.
Arrival by car
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Berghaus Gurnigel
Public transport
You can reach the Berghaus Gurnigel within one hour by train and PostBus from Bern. Trains leave Bern main station at 8:12 and 12:12 in the direction of Belp via Thurnen and Riggisberg. Two more, but slightly longer connections run via Schwarzenburg to the stop "Gurnigel, Berghaus".
Tip: plan your return journey in advance.
Arrival by car
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Tipp
Parking spaces are available and signalled. The parking fee is CHF 5. If possible, please consider carpooling. Good to know: many people drive home by hitch-hiking. Drivers in the Gurnigel region are used to giving visitors a lift to the nearest bus stop or railway station.
Rentals
Guests without their own equipment can rent classic and skating cross-country skiing equipment at reasonable prices at three locations.
It is self-service, payment is on site (cash only, cash desk is available).
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Opening hours
Kurhaus Schwarzenbühl
Opening hours: open daily throughout
Hotel Restaurant Schwarzenbühl
3156 Riffenmatt
+41 (0)31 735 51 31
info@schwarzenbuehl.ch
www.schwarzenbuehl.chRiffenmatt (opposite Restaurant Löwen)
Opening hours: open daily throughout
Dorfplatz 33A
3156 RiffenmattBerghaus Gurnigel
Opening hours: open daily from 8:30-17:00 (also on days of rest)
Berghaus Gurnigel
Gurnigelberghaus 1
3099 Rüti bei Riggisberg
+41 (0)31 809 04 30
info@gurnigel-berghaus.ch
www.gurnigel-berghaus.ch/Specialist shops in the region
Cross-country skiing equipment can be rented or bought at the following specialist shops in the region:
Gantrisch Bike in Riggisberg
Christiania Sport in Rüschegg Gambach
Mahu in Plaffeien -
Prices
All prices can be found here.
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Group requests
For group and company rental rates as well as special rental requests please contact Christoph Aebischer directly at +41 (0)78 912 11 97. Rental rates for schools on request and according to expenditure.