Welcome to the Justistal, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The Justistal is marked by the majestic Niederhorn, a towering peak that serves as the entrance to this secluded valley. The valley is steeped in history, named after Justus, a monk who once spread the gospel in the Lake Thun area alongside his companion Beatus.
As you journey through the valley, you’ll pass by the Grönbach stream and the site of the famous ‘Chästeilete’, an annual cheese sharing celebration. The valley is surrounded by steep mountain flanks, and as you venture deeper, you’ll understand how the Sichelpass got its name, meaning ‘sickle’ or ‘crescent’ in German. Join us as we explore the beauty and history of the Justistal and discover why it’s a worthwhile destination for any nature seeker.
Hiking in Justistal
Embark on a scenic hike through the Justistal, a 7.5 km trail that winds its way through lush fir forests and picturesque alpine farms. Follow the Grönbach creek and take in the stunning views of the Sigriswilgrat and Güggisgrat ridges. As you make your way through the tranquil Justis valley, be sure to stop at one of the nine local farms and cooperatives to pick up some delicious alpine cheese. The trail then continues on to Sichle before ending in the charming village of Eriz. It’s a wonderful tour that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Merligen – Justistal – Sichle -Eriz
The Justistal hike is a scenic journey that begins at the Bus stop Merligen, Beatus and leads up to the village. Along the Grönbach stream, the trail takes you over well-paved roads, through the forest, and up to the Gütsch. Gaps in the trees offer a beautiful view of the Lake Thun region and the Niesen.
The flanks of the Sigriswil and Güggis ridges rise steeply at the entrance to the Justistal, and the well-paved roads are lined with large boulders from these impressive mountain ridges. The hike continues via Püfel to Gross Mittelberg and Hinterstberg, with a very little ascent, and leads along a well-maintained road through the valley.
The actual ascent to Sichle presents itself impressively at the valley entrance. At the last alpine farm, where hikers can have a snack, the actual mountain trail begins. The mountain trail narrows more and more towards the Sichle, revealing a narrow ridge between two peaks with views of the hilly Emmental and the Bernese Oberland with the striking Niesen and the Frutigland.
A narrow meadow path leads down from the Sichle towards the Eriztal valley, then it gets rocky and stony, several gullies have to be overcome until the Obere Schörizhütte is reached. The hike ends at the Säge restaurant in Eriz with the bus stop of the same name.
Justistal to Niederhorn Hike (Bärenpfad)
From the road in Grön, hike for about 10 minutes into the Justital (direction Sichle). Then for on the right side up an extremely steep hiking trail up to Niederhorn. The path is only suitable for experienced hikers and leads over several metal ladders. The path should also only be walked in dry conditions in summer/autumn.
The beginning of the trail is somewhat hidden in a small forest and from below it seems hardly imaginable that through the rugged flank of the Niederhorn a path should lead up there. But for adventurous hikers it is an interesting experience.
Visiting the “Chästeilet”
Every September, the Justis Valley comes alive with the sound of cowbells as farmers gather for the Alpabzug. This traditional event marks the end of the summer grazing season and the return of cattle to the valley. Nestled in the idyllic valley of Sigriswil, farmers come together to celebrate and share the alpine cheeses they’ve produced over the summer, in keeping with a century-old custom.
The Chästeilet, held on the Spycherberg above Lake Thun, is a beloved event that has taken place for nearly 300 years. The custom is famous well beyond the borders of the canton and attracts visitors from far and wide. During the summer, alpine farmers milk more than 250 dairy cows to make their cheeses. The cows, owned by farmers from the municipality of Sigriswil, graze on the lush pastures of the valley.
At the end of the summer, in a century-old ritual, the cheeses are divided among the farmers, hence the name Chästeilet, which means “the dividing of the cheese.” To experience this traditional event, take a bus from Sigriswil to the Justistal. Since it’s a highly popular event, it’s best to arrive early. The apportioning starts around 11.00 am at the Spycher above the Grönhütte. After the ceremony, you have the opportunity to admire the alpine dairy farmers dressed in traditional costumes as they lead the procession of magnificently adorned cattle back down to the valley. It’s a captivating sight to see the cattle, adorned with colorful ribbons and bells, making their way through the picturesque valley.
Watching the rutting
Embark on an unforgettable autumnal adventure in the Justistal, where the wild stags come together to roar and compete for the attention of the females. Guided by a local wildlife expert, witness the impressive natural spectacle of rutting season amidst the stunning alpine landscape. Between early September and early October, visitors can hear the bellowing of the stags from a distance and with a bit of luck, even witness the herds of females or dominant males fighting for their favor.
To fully experience this natural wonder, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and warm, weatherproof clothing and bring along binoculars or a camera. Follow the instructions of the wildlife expert and remember that guided rutting observation is available on enquiry and explanations are in German but may be summarized in English on request.
Justistal in Winter
The Justistal is a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. Cross-country skiers and winter hikers can explore the 12-km route from Grönhütte to Hindersberg and back. The well-groomed trail offers stunning views of snowy alpine meadows, towering firs, and the majestic surrounding peaks.
Start your journey on foot or cross-country skis, and follow the trail alongside the Grönbach stream, which flows into Lake Thun in Merligen. Along the way, you’ll see glittering ice formations and possibly even catch a glimpse of the Spicherberg, where the famous “Chästeilete” cheese-sharing event takes place each autumn. As you make your way deeper into the valley, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Hindersberg alp hut and the Sichel, a crescent-shaped pass that leads to the west of the Sieben Hengste to Eriz in the Zulgtal valley. The easy and secluded trail leads back to the starting point, making it the perfect way to spend a winter day.
Final Thoughts
The Justistal region offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. In the summer, hikers can take a scenic trail up to the Sichle and enjoy views of the Emmental and the Bernese Oberland. In September, the Alpabzug event allows visitors to witness the traditional practice of farmers sharing alpine cheeses, and in the autumn, visitors can experience the impressive natural spectacle of rutting stags with a local wildlife expert. The Justistal is a hidden gem for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience.
