3.4 km downhill hike with fun stations, themed around Vogellisi - a local legend who speaks with birds. Optional trotti ride. No strollers.
Adelboden | Berner Oberland (Canton of Bern, Switzerland).
The "it" factor
What makes it special:
Immerse yourself in Vogellisi's world
Alpine playground next to the restaurant with a delicious brunch
Fun adventure stations along the way
Barbecue spot right next to Vogellisi's play house
Stunning views at the top of Sillerenbühl Mountain
What needs to be considered:
The hike is not stroller-friendly
The trail goes mostly through the forest—plenty of shade during summer days but limited alpine views along the trail
The themed part of the trail with fun stations is about 1.4 km; the remaining 2 km have no activities and need to be hiked down, or kids 8 years and up can take a trotti to ride down to where the hike ends.
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The fun factor
Adelboden is a charming alpine town nestled in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, known for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities. It is also home to Vogellisi, a beloved figure from local folklore. Vogellisi is cherished for her extraordinary gift of communicating with birds, and her deep connection with nature has made her an iconic figure in the region, with her story being passed down through generations.
Accompanying Vogellisi on her adventures is Karl-Joseph, her loyal companion and trusted friend. Together, they explore the alpine landscape, embodying the deep harmony between humans and nature.
To celebrate and discover this legendary duo, you can embark on a 3.4 km downhill hike from the nearby stunning Sillerenbühl Mountain—a journey filled with fun and folklore, perfect for immersing yourself in the enchanting story of Vogellisi.
Here are our top 6 Fun Factors of Vogellisi themed trail in Adelboden
1. Immerse yourself in Vogellisi's world
Vogellisi wooden statues greet you at both the bottom of Adelboden’s Oey station and at the top of Sillerenbühl station, inviting you to step into her enchanting world, with plenty of opportunities to encounter her along the way. On special days, you might even meet Vogellisi herself at the Bergrestaurant Sillerenbühl, where the hike begins. She welcomes everyone with a small treat, much to the excitement of our kids.
At the restaurant, you can also dive deeper into her story by exploring the Vogellisi book and even taking home a little toy to keep the magic alive long after your adventure ends.
Along the trail, you’ll come across posts with small boxes that resemble mailboxes. Inside each box, you’ll find a story about Vogellisi and Karl’s adventures. Be sure to pick up a map at the gondola stations—on the back, you’ll find questions related to each post. If you solve all the questions correctly, you’ll receive a small prize! Just keep in mind that the task is only in German, but as always, the Google Translate app comes in handy to help you out.
2. Kick off your adventure with play and fun
The hike starts at the top of the Sillerenbühl Mountain, where you'll find Bergrestaurant Sillerenbühl with an alpine playground complete with swings, climbing structures, a zip line, and, if the weather allows, a bouncy castle. Nearby, there's a bird's nest—a fun spot for kids to pretend to be birds and snap a photo.
From here, pass through a playful gate that invites you to embark on the Vogellisi trail and begin your adventure.
3. Dive into the Vogellisi fun
The themed portion of the hike spans about 1.4 km, where you'll encounter a series of playful stations designed to immerse you in Vogellisi's world. Start by soaring on a zip line, and just a few steps further, you can climb into a bird's nest before sliding down to your next adventure. This leads you to two mechanical birds that you can manually operate, making them glide along a track, and then another bird’s nest to explore. The path continues downhill, guiding you to charming gablotes containing Vogellisi's stories, and then onto a balancing platform.
The last stop on your Vogellisi adventure is her enchanting house. Discover a secret entrance, brew a potion in her kitchen, and explore the nearby lifts. Our kids’ favorite game? Sweeping the floors—if only they enjoyed doing it at home as much! Plus, there's a barbecue spot right here, so parents can relax and enjoy a break while the kids continue to play and explore.
4. Choose your descent
For the remaining 2 km downhill, you have two options. Kids aged 8 and older, as well as adults, can rent a trotti (a type of scooter), which are conveniently available right next to Lisi's house and go down with route 2 to Adelboden.
We opted for the hike down to the Bergläger Zwischenstation Sillerenbahn, where the hike ends, since our kids were a bit too young for the trotti. The path is a mix of asphalt and forest roads—some sections are easy, while others are more challenging, with roots and stones to navigate.
Unlike the earlier part of the hike, there are no play stations along this stretch.
The fitness factor
The Adelboden Vogellisi Themed Trail is 3.4 km in total, with c. 480 meters descent and it is not suitable for strollers.
While it's officially recommended for children 6 years and older, we managed it with a 4.5-year-old without any issues. However, be aware that although there are no drop-offs, some sections can be quite challenging. The trail includes roots and steeper sections, making it best suited for kids who with some hiking experience. Make sure to wear good, sturdy shoes to handle the terrain comfortably.
The return journey back to the gondola station, a further 2 km, is a mix of asphalt and forest roads. Some sections are quite easy, while others are a bit steeper with roots sticking out. It’s a scenic and varied path that provides a nice balance of terrain as you make your way back down.
The views factor
The views from the gondola ride and the top of Sillerenbühl Mountain are truly stunning. You'll see a picturesque landscape filled with fields, forests, and majestic mountains, making it easy to understand why Vogellisi fell in love with this part of the land. The natural beauty surrounding you offers a glimpse into the serene and enchanting world that Vogellisi called home.
The hike mostly winds through forests, offering a cozy, enclosed experience with occasional views of the surrounding landscapes.
The food factor
We began our hike with a delicious brunch at the top of Sillerenbühl Mountain, where the trail officially starts. The all-you-can-eat buffet offered an impressive selection, from standard breakfast items to hot dishes, including a variety of meats and plenty of vegetables. We highly recommend this brunch—it’s a great way to fuel up before your hike. Sometimes, Lisi herself even stops by to say hello, adding a special touch to the experience.
As we enjoyed our meal, we also took the opportunity to read a book about Vogellisi, getting to know her story and setting the perfect mood for the hike ahead.
The themed part of the hike concludes next to a cozy spot with wood provided for a barbecue, right beside Lisi's house where kids can play and explore. It’s a fun and relaxing way to end the adventure—just remember to bring your own food to cook.
The value factor
Gondola return ticket (daypass)
Adults: 56 CHF | Kids (6 - 15): 28 CHF | Kids below 6: Free
Discounts with SBB Card / Halb Tax: 50%
Other discounts available (including bundles with trotti rental)
Vogellisi Adventure Trail in Adelboden | Practical info
Arrival by car: Park just next to the Adelboden Oey gondola station - Bodenstrasse 2, 3715 Adelboden, Switzerland
Arrival by public transport: Take the bus from Frutigen to Adelboden. Get off at the Adelboden Mineralquelle stop, then walk for about 3 minutes to the Adelboden Oey gondola station
Arrival from Adelboden town center: Take the connecting gondola from Adelboden Dorf to Adelboden Oey
Start & end:
Take the gondola from Adelboden Oey to Sillerenbühl - Do not get off at the Bergläger Zwischenstation Sillerenbahn; just stay on and continue to the top
Follow the Vogellisiweg signs
Ends at Bergläger Zwischenstation Sillerenbahn. From there take the gondola down back to Adelboden
Stroller friendly: No
Duration: Full day (depending on how much time you will spend on food and play). The hike itself, can be done in 1-2 hr, but with all the adventures it took us full day in total
Length: 3.4 km, downhill
Themed section with play stations: 1.4 km
Recommended age: 6+, but can be done with a 4-year-old. Some challenging sections, so best for kids with hiking experience
