Albert Schweitzer Theme Trail

Thematic route

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Tour data

4.79km

1,164 - 1,280m

Distance

98hm

124hm

Ascent

01:45h

Duration

Naturpark Diemtigtal

Brief description: The circular trail around Grimmialp is dedicated to probably the most famous guest from Diemtigtal. The stays between 1901 and 1909 strongly influenced Schweitzer's ethic of «reverence for life».
Difficulty: easy
Rating: Technique

Fitness

Landscape

Experience
Starting point: Hotel Kurhaus Grimmialp, Schwenden
Route: Eggli restaurant
0.5 km

Spillgerten restaurant
0.6 km

Grimmialp locality
1.1 km

Kapelle Schwenden place of worship
4.5 km

Grimmialp (1,235 m)village
4.8 km

more waypoints
Best season: Jan

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Description: Grimmialp was of decisive importance for Albert Schweitzer's life and work. Together with «Tata» (Adele Herrenschmidt), a good acquaintance of Schweitzer, he spent several weeks on Grimmialp from 1901 to 1909 – with the exception of 1907, when he stayed in Graubünden. Here he sought peace and recreation and enjoyed many walks in nature.

In his honour, a short circular walk was signalled together with the Swiss Benefit Society for the Albert Schweitzer Hospital. Resting benches and quotations from Albert Schweitzer (in German) help people to turn inwards and recharge their batteries.

Digital presentation of the rich life of the doctor, philosopher, theologian and organist
In addition to augmented and virtual reality, you can experience the rich facets of Albert Schweitzer's life in a somewhat different way on the existing theme trail through animated graphics, audio and video contributions as well as interactive game elements (download information under «Additional information»). The app is only available in German.
Directions: Follow the Albert Schweitzer theme trail from the Hotel Kurhaus Grimmialp to the valley road. Hike along the road to Lake «Blauseeli» with its captivating turquoise-blue colour. From here, walk towards Würzi and along the edge of the forest back towards Seehoreweid. Via Buechli, you tackle the descent to the valley road before turning left after 250 metres to reach the Schwenden chapel. The 100-year-old chapel is somewhat hidden and surrounded by trees. The path leads you back to the Hotel Kurhaus Grimmialp. The loop is marked with white directional signs and a green route field.
Highest point: 1,280 m
Endpoint: Hotel Kurhaus Grimmialp, Schwenden
Height profile: © outdooractive.com
Equipment: Sturdy shoes
Tips: Even if you are not interested in Albert Schweitzer's themes, this hike is worthwhile: you enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and are far away from everyday life for a short time.
Additional information: The theme trail flyer (in German) with an overview map is available from the Diemtigtal Nature Park office.

Diemtigtal Nature Park
Bahnhofstrasse 20
3753 Oey
Phone +41 33 552 26 00
info@diemtigtal.ch
www.diemtigtal.ch

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Download the app (Albert Schweitzer in German only)
> App Store (iOS devices)
> Play Store (Android devices)
Directions: Motorway A6 Bern direction Zweisimmen, 1 km after the Simmenfluhtunnel turn left direction Diemtigtal. Follow the Diemtigtalstrasse into the valley for 18 km in the direction of Grimmialp, Schwenden. After the old Schwenden schoolhouse, turn left after 250 m to the Hotel Kurhaus Grimmialp.
Public transportation: By train to Oey-Diemtigen. Then take the PostBus to the «Schwenden i.D., Winteregg» stop. You reach the Hotel Kurhaus Grimmialp by a short walk.
Parking: Parking spaces are located directly at the Hotel Kurhaus Grimmialp