Experience the forest from above - new treetop walk on the Ballenberg
14.07.2025
High up and fast down: a new treetop trail at the Alter Bären invites families to enjoy a playful forest experience. With marble runs, forest knowledge, and a slide as the highlight, it's a summer adventure that perfectly combines nature, technology, and fun.
© Pictures: Ballenberg, Open-Air Museum of Switzerland
A new summer adventure in the forest | Experience nature - discover knowledge
The forest playground at the «Alter Bären» inn has been enriched with a new attraction. The 25-metre treetop path invites families to enjoy exciting nature experiences at lofty heights - including an almost eight-metre-long slide as the crowning glory.
The new facility offers more than just fun and games: In collaboration with the «Förderverein Forstmuseum Ballenberg», a learning and adventure space has been created that conveys the forest in a playful way. A lime tree as a central symbol of community and a tinkerer's area for building your own marble runs extend the offer.
© Pictures: Ballenberg, Open-Air Museum of Switzerland
Timber construction from the region | craftsmanship meets nature - beautifully realized
Timbatec Holzbauingenieure Schweiz AG was responsible for the structural concept. The natural spruce trunks from the local forest serve as elegant supports and are part of the structural concept. Technically cleverly connected to the CLT platforms, targeted interventions such as relief slots (ensuring controlled crack formation) and additional support screws ensure stability and durability.
The prefabricated half-slabs were placed precisely around the trees, covered with EPDM rubber foil to protect them from the weather and fixed in place with an aluminum profile. The result is a timber construction project that is precise down to the last detail, is visually impressive and meets the high durability requirements.
People involved in the construction
| Area of responsibility | Carrier |
|---|---|
| Client | Timber construction | Grossmann Holzbau und Bedachungen GmbH, 3855 Brienz BE |
| Project | Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum, 3858 Hofstetten near Brienz BE |
| Execution statics | Timbatec Holzbauingenieure Schweiz AG, 3012 Bern BE |
| Foundations | Gasser Felstechnik AG, 6078 Lungern OW |
| Steel parts | Hugi's Metallbau GmbH, 3700 Spiez BE |
Construction site impressions «From tree to treetop path»
© Pictures: Grossmann Holzbau und Bedachungen GmbH, 3855 Brienz BE
and Timbatec Holzbauingenieure Schweiz AG, Bern
And you like this? - Where are you spending your summer vacation? - With a trip to the Ballenberg - fun for children and adults alike is guaranteed.