Natron Hiking Event 2026: From Eriz over the Sichle into the Justistal

The idea for a Natron hiking event came up over lunch, without much ceremony. A few of us hike regularly anyway, so the question was obvious: why not head into the mountains together once a year?

So we did. First came the internal search for a date and a vote on the route options. We settled on the tour from Eriz over the Sichle and through the Justistal to Merligen on Lake Thun. On Sunday, 13 September 2026, it was time.

An on-time start in Thun

We met at 09:45 at Thun station. Short-notice cancellations due to illness left us with seven people instead of the nine we had planned for. For the next edition we hope to find a date that works for more of the team.

There was enough time before departure for a first group photo and some last-minute gear adjustments. Given the surprisingly warm weather, sunglasses and sunscreen were essential, while one or two unnecessary jackets stayed behind in Thun.

The bus to Eriz filled up quickly. In good spirits and deep in conversation, the 50-minute ride passed in no time.

The climb to the Sichle

After arriving at Eriz, Säge, a quick gear check was all it took before we set off. The first half of the climb was comfortable and we made good progress.

The second half got steadily steeper and, above all, warmer. The midday sun made itself felt on the exposed slopes.

With enough breaks, plenty of snacks and the Sichle always in sight, morale stayed high. We were in fact moving considerably faster than planned. We still worked up a sweat, just to varying degrees.

At the top of the Sichle, 1677 metres above sea level and 632 metres above our starting point, we were rewarded with a magnificent view. Time for a break, a group photo and a few panorama shots.

Fondue at the Sigriswiler Bärgli

Getting hungrier, we started the descent into the beautiful Justistal. Shortly after 13:00 we reached the Sigriswiler Bärgli, where we were expected and warmly welcomed.

Five of us went for the pre-ordered fondue with plenty of bread and potatoes, two ordered à la carte. Fresh fruit rounded things out, and some finished with a slice of plum tart.

Our hosts were attentive and made sure we ran short of neither food nor drink. Our lunch break turned out accordingly relaxed.

At around 14:45 we finally set off again. Despite the long break, our quick ascent to the Sichle and descent into the Justistal kept us ahead of schedule.

Through the Justistal to Lake Thun

The flat stretch through the Justistal came at exactly the right moment after lunch, a chance to digest and take in the landscape.

The final third brought the long descent to Merligen on Lake Thun. After the kilometres already covered, everyone started to feel it in their legs, again to varying degrees.

Our timing still worked out perfectly. We reached the bus stop a few minutes before departure and caught the 16:40 bus back to Thun. The bus was busy and traffic was slow on the way back, but we still made it to Thun in time for our Bern-based colleagues to just catch the trains around 17:30.

The day at a glance

To be continued?

That brought a varied and thoroughly successful first Natron hiking event to a close.

After the premiere comes the next hike. A second edition next year is definitely on the cards, perhaps as early as May or June. Hopefully with good weather again and a slightly larger turnout.

Thanks to everyone who came along.