Our family loves exploring the Meiringen-Hasliberg area in the Bernese Oberland, and it’s quickly become one of our favorite places to take friends and family. Compared to other mountain resorts in the region, Meiringen-Hasliberg is less crowded and more budget-friendly, especially when it comes to cable car tickets. The mountain offers several family-friendly hiking trails, whimsical alpine playgrounds, and beautiful views of the area.
Getting There and Starting the Adventure
We usually drive and park at Hasliberg Reuti, then take the cable car up to Bidmi. Alternatively, you can take the cable car from Meiringen through Hasliberg Reuti up to Bidmi as well. With the Swiss half-fare card, adults pay just 8 CHF for a one-way ticket, and kids ride free with a junior travel card. We buy a one-way ticket because we enjoy hiking from Bidmi downhill back to Hasliberg Reuti, taking in the marble run hike with the kids. Don’t forget to buy a colorful wooden marble at the ticket office—each child loves picking their own color, and it’s essential for the hike!
Playground Paradise at Bidmi
Once you step off the cable car at Bidmi, you’re greeted by a fantastic playground right next to a tranquil pond. This is one of our favorite playgrounds in Switzerland, with treehouse-style climbing structures and beautiful views. The kids could spend hours here, but we always remind them to save some energy for the hike down.
Lunch and More Play at Bärgbeizli
Before the hike, there is a nice restaurant, Bärgbeizli, close to the Bidmi cable car station. The menu features Swiss classics like schnitzel and burgers, plus a kids’ menu with favorites like chicken nuggets. There’s a smaller playground and a trampoline next to the restaurant—perfect for letting the kids play while waiting for lunch.
The Marble Run Hike: Kugelweg Hasliberg
From Bidmi, the real fun begins: the 3 km marble run trail (Kugelweg) down to Hasliberg Reuti. The path is mostly downhill, with 12 creative marble run stations along the way—each one a new adventure. The kids love racing their marbles and watching them twist through wooden tracks built by local craftsmen. The trail isn’t stroller-friendly, so we bring a hiking backpack for our toddler. We recommend buying an extra marble in case one goes missing during the excitement. The hike takes about 1–2 hours, depending on how long you linger at each marble run. The scenery is breathtaking, with glimpses of the Alps and Lake Brienz. The trail is open mainly in summer, so check ahead before planning your visit.
More Adventures in the Area
The Bernese Oberland has so much to offer families. Within a 30-minute drive from Hasliberg Reuti, families can explore the Trauffer World of Experience (the iconic wooden cow toy museum), hike the Aare Gorge, or experience the beautiful Giessbach Waterfall overlooking Lake Brienz. For more information on these activities and others in the Bernese Oberland, click here.
Meiringen-Hasliberg offers a perfect blend of adventure, play, and relaxation for families. The marble run trail is unique, the playgrounds are top-notch, and the area feels welcoming and uncrowded. It’s a place where both kids and adults can truly enjoy the magic of the Swiss Alps—without breaking the bank.