Bikepark Thunersee: Flow, Airtime & Adrenaline – All in a Single Day

The Flying Metal Crew, the builders of Bikepark Thunersee, clearly knows how to thrill adrenaline-hungry mountain bikers. But does the Bikepark Thunersee offer more than just airtime?

Thun – A Picture-Perfect Scene in the Heart of Switzerland

A few hours earlier, we’re standing in the historic center of Thun. The backdrop could be straight from a storybook: traditional facades in classic Swiss architectural style, framed by a picturesque mountain landscape. Thun embodies everything many Germans imagine when they think of Switzerland.

In the distance, I can spot the snow-covered peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—icons of the Bernese Oberland. But we won’t be heading that high today, as the upper trails are still snow-covered in early April. We’re sticking to lower elevations to enjoy the already snow-free mountain bike trails around Lake Thun.

Bikepark Thunersee – Not a Traditional Bike Park, but a Trail Network

Around Thun lies a sprawling network of trails encircling Lake Thun. The range of routes stretches from Steffisburg on the eastern shore to Beatenbucht on the western tip of the lake. This entire area is marketed under the name “Bikepark Thunersee.” But don’t expect a typical lift-accessed bike park here. You won’t find gondolas or chairlifts—instead, you power yourself up the mountain or hop on a bike-specific shuttle bus.

Switzerland takes its mountain biking seriously: the public bus from Thun to Goldiwil is equipped with a bike trailer to easily carry riders to the trailheads. We want to enjoy the climb too, so we hop on our eMTBs.

Rabenfluh-Trail – Flow to Get You Going

Thanks to our e-mountain bikes, even the climb is an experience: instead of pedaling up the road, we ascend via a dedicated uphill trail that winds through the forest. This path leads us up the hillside and drops us off above Steffisburg at the start of the Rabenfluh Trail.

From there, we dive into the first descent. As soon as we start rolling, I can feel the flow: I push the bike from berm to berm, feeling like a pinball bouncing from side to side. Small and large tables launch us into the air—but they can also be easily rolled over. The trail is rideable from top to bottom, making it fun for everyone, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned bike park shredder. Grins quickly spread across our faces. What a start!

Luckily, I’m not riding alone today. Locals Flurina and Leo are joining me, and they know the trails around Lake Thun like the back of their hands. They show us the perfect trail connections. With their insider tips, we don’t miss a single turn—and soon we’re ready for the next highlight.

Goldiwheel-Trail – Airtime on the Jumpline

NAfter the flowy warm-up, we’re hungry for more. We traverse the slope to Goldiwil, where the Goldiwheel Trail begins. At first, the trail winds playfully through the woods, with berms and small jumps. But halfway down, the terrain opens up—revealing a massive jumpline that sends our adrenaline soaring. The tables get bigger the further down you go — at the bottom, a monster jump awaits, stretching about 11 meters. What a rush to float in the air that long! Mid-flight, I glance down: just a few meters away is the road to Goldiwil. It feels surreal to be soaring above passing cars.

Thankfully, the jumps are cleverly designed. The line starts with smaller tables around 3–4 meters, and every element is rollable for those who’d rather stay grounded. That means every rider can get their thrill. Thanks to the motor power of our eMTBs, we’re back at the top in just a few minutes. We can't get enough and knock out several laps on the Goldiwheel jumpline — pure airtime today!

Heartbeat-Trail – Adrenaline Rush on a Rough Downhill

After satisfying our cravings for flow and airtime, we’re ready for something gnarlier. So we make our way to Beatenbucht, the southwestern tip of Bikepark Thunersee. Here lies the Heartbeat Trail—a downhill track that feels like a blast from the sport’s early days.

At Beatenbucht, we take a short break by the lakeshore. Lake Thun sparkles in the midday sun, but we’re soon drawn back up the mountain. Fortunately, there is an uplift here: the Niederhornbahn gondola accepts bikes and comfortably hauls us up to Beatenberg.

Before long, we’re standing at 1,100 meters at the start of the Heartbeat Trail. It’s time for one last descent—and it’s a wild one.

The moment I let go of the brakes, it’s clear: this trail is next level. The loose forest floor grips our tires enough to stay in control, so I ride boldly. Roots, rocks, and narrow technical sections demand full concentration. In some spots, the bike blasts through the forest at high speed, only to dive into tight, technical switchbacks.

The Heartbeat Trail really gets my downhill heart racing. It’s a perfect mix of tech sections, high-speed lines, drops, and kickers—nonstop variety all the way to the bottom. This one’s clearly built for advanced riders. My arms absorb the hits from the root carpets, my thighs are burning—but the adrenaline keeps me going. This is what downhill used to feel like—raw, wild, and real. At the bottom, it hits me why it’s called Heartbeat: my heart is pounding out of my chest. Pure adrenaline!
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Conclusion: Variety and Pure Joy at Lake Thun

In just a single day, Bikepark Thunersee offered every aspect of mountain biking—from flowing berms to massive jumps to hardcore downhill action. This diversity of trails is what makes the region truly special.

Happy, exhausted, and full of impressions, we wrap up our day. We treat ourselves to a well-earned burger in the evening sun, right on the shore of Lake Thun. As the last rays of sunlight dance on the water, we all agree: there’s no better way to end a mountain bike day in Switzerland.

Short Overview:

Flow: The Rabenfluh Trail delivers smooth ride flow with berms, rollers, and rollable tables—perfect for warming up at any skill level.

‍Airtime: The Goldiwheel Trail features a one-of-a-kind jumpline. Experienced bikers can enjoy massive jumps (up to 11 m), while all features remain rollable for less confident riders.

Adrenalin: The Heartbeat Trail at Beatenbucht is for advanced riders. Technical sections, speed, and root carpets make for a heart-pounding downhill ride – bikepark-thunersee.ch.

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