Trailrunning Gantrisch

For an attractive and sustainable trail running tourism in the Gurnigel area

Gurnigel area (municipalities of Rüschegg, Guggisberg, Rüeggisberg and Riggisberg), Gantrisch Regional Nature Park, Bern, Switzerland

2025 - 2027

Client

New Regional Policy
Economic Development of the Canton of Bern

Beneficiaries

Municipalities and stakeholders of the Gurnigel area, in the heart of the Gantrisch Regional Nature Park.

Key Partners

indurance gmbh
Gantrisch Bike & Sport
Bernapark

The Gantrisch Regional Nature Park is one of 20 parks of national importance. The Gurnigel Pass is among the most well known excursion destinations in the region. At the same time, trail running has emerged as a trending sport within the running community. In 2024, the Swiss Trail Running Championship took place as part of the Gantrisch Trail in Riggisberg, within the nature park.

Local demand is increasing, yet the available offer, both locally and regionally, has not kept pace with this growth. The Gurnigel area is still primarily visited by day tourists, both in general and within the running tourism segment. Weather and seasonal fluctuations, limited public transport connectivity, and a fragmented offer of accommodation and gastronomy hinder a profitable year round operation. At the same time, visitors who wish to stay longer lack an attractive and bookable integrated offer. As a result, the value creation in the region remains low.

As a newly established association, Trailrunning Gantrisch (indurance, Gantrisch Bike & Sport and seecon) is developing an innovative, bookable trail running offer that integrates multi day tours or camps, accommodation, catering and mobility. The concept is modular, digitally supported and designed to enhance the visitor experience. Bernapark AG, which has acquired several properties around the Gurnigel Pass in recent years, together with other regional providers, forms the basis for strong partnerships.

The project idea is innovative because it positions trail running for the first time as a structured multi day offer within a Swiss nature park, with the potential to serve as a model for other regions. It is sustainable because it builds on existing infrastructure, involves local stakeholders and promotes soft tourism combined with healthy outdoor activity. It is also unique in that it connects a strong community of trail runners with a regional nature experience.

At seecon, we are part of the Trailrunning Gantrisch association, facilitate processes, and is responsible for project administration through the following activities:

Explore and discover

seecon supports Trailrunning Gantrisch in business model development and conducts stakeholder and partner analyses.

Co-create and design

seecon coordinates participatory formats to engage and align partners around the overall Trailrunning Gantrisch offer.

Empower

seecon raises awareness among and consults stakeholders regarding their sensitivity to sustainability efforts integrated into the overall Trailrunning Gantrisch offer. In addition, seecon is directly involved in the implementation of trail running trainings through its running coach and staff member Cédric Lehmann.

Reach and connect