Diemtigtal Nature Park

The Diemtigtal is a regional nature park rather than a wilderness reserve, and the distinction matters: the protection here is of a landscape that is still farmed, with around a hundred and eighty alps grazed each summer and a stock of Simmental farmhouses that includes some of the most elaborately carved timber building in the country. The Grosses Lohner and the Spillgerten stand at the head. Walking is the main activity, on paths between alp dairies where cheese is made through the summer and sold at the door. In winter the Grimmialp and Wiriehorn have small ski areas that never became resorts. The valley is quiet in a way the Jungfrau side of the region no longer is.

What's there

• Carved Simmental farmhouses - among the finest timber building in Switzerland.
• About 180 grazed alps - a farming landscape, not a wilderness.
• Alp dairies selling at the door - cheese made through the summer.
• Small ski areas - Grimmialp and Wiriehorn, never developed into resorts.

When to go

May to October for walking and the alp season. A day.

What to expect

There are no headline sights here - the appeal is the ordinary working valley, which does not suit everyone. Postbus service up the side valleys is infrequent. Alp dairies keep farm hours. Accommodation is limited.

Nearby

Spiez and Lake Thun are north; the Simmental runs west.