Trift Bridge – Suspension Bridge at the Trift Glacier

The Trift Bridge in the Gadmental valley in the Bernese Oberland is one of Switzerland's most breathtaking pedestrian suspension bridges, combining an alpine natural experience with modern engineering. It spans the Trift Lake, which formed as a result of the retreating Trift Glacier, and gives hikers direct access to a high-alpine landscape that has changed dramatically over the past few decades.

The bridge stretches roughly 170 meters in length and hangs about 100 meters above the valley floor, offering extraordinary views of the turquoise glacial lake and the surrounding rock formations.

Hiking to the Trift Bridge Through a Former Glacier Landscape

The trail to the Trift Bridge typically starts at the Triftbahn cable car station in Gadmen and winds through a varied mountain landscape. Even the ride up on the small gondola makes for a memorable start to the experience. From the top station, a well-marked hiking trail leads toward the bridge, with several route options available that differ in difficulty and duration. For the shortest approach, you should plan for roughly 1.5 hours of walking. Along the way, sweeping views of the glacier area open up repeatedly, while the scenery gradually becomes more alpine and rugged.

Particularly striking is the dynamic transformation of the surroundings, the Trift Glacier has retreated significantly due to climate change. Where ice once dominated, a glacial lake now sits, giving the area an entirely new character.

The history of the Trift Bridge is closely tied to the changes of the Trift Glacier. Originally, access to the Trift Hut ran directly across the glacier itself. As the ice retreated significantly, however, this route became increasingly impassable and dangerous. To ensure safe access could be maintained, a suspension bridge was first constructed in 2004.

That initial structure was relatively narrow and built more as a temporary solution. Due to growing interest and rising visitor numbers, it was replaced just a few years later. In 2009, the current bridge was built, considerably wider and more robust than its predecessor. It meets higher safety standards and is far better suited to the demands of a popular hiking destination.

By car: Drive via Meiringen into the Gadmental valley to the valley station of the Triftbahn, where parking is available.

By public transport: Take the train to Meiringen, then continue by Postbus into the Gadmental valley to the Triftbahn stop.

By cable car: Ride the Triftbahn gondola up to the top station, where the hike to the bridge begins.

On foot: Several hiking trails lead to the Trift Bridge, depending on the route, the approach takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours.