• Grindelwald railway station
• Kaufmann Sport
• Egger Ski Service, Grindelwald Grund

In the years 1910 - 1911, Christian Bühlmann invented the bicycle sledge. He used ash wood for the frame and maple for the runner holder, handlebars and saddle. Two Grindelwald blacksmiths made the runners.

On 1 April 1911, Christian Bühlmann from Grindelwald went to the Federal Office for Intellectual Property in Bern to apply for a patent for his "velo-like wooden sledge". He presented the officials with a detailed plan for his "single-track steerable sports sledge".

In the past, the Velogemel served the postman well on his rounds, the doctor used it to visit the sick, the farmer did his shopping with the Velogemel and the children travelled to school with it. Nowadays, the Velogemel is mainly used for sport and leisure, some locals still use it to go shopping in the village and children use it to get to school.

Nowhere else in Switzerland are Velogemel bicycles used. As a unique item, however, they are sold all over the world. Buyers are Australians, Japanese, Americans, New Zealanders and simply lovers of the Velogemel.

Velogemel races have also been held from time to time - and they are becoming increasingly popular again these days.

The choice of route includes not only sloping roads, but also flat sections. On these in particular, the Velogemel proves to be a practical and energy-saving means of transport if the appropriate "scooter technique" is mastered.

To mark the "850 years of Grindelwald" anniversary, a "world championship" was even organised for the first time in January 1996.

After all, this race through the village street, which was organised with more than a modest seriousness, became truly international thanks to German, Dutch, French and Japanese participation, but the title of world champion was won by a local - and not unexpectedly - in the person of Hänsel Brunner.

This "world championship" has already become a fixed part of the winter programme.

Incidentally, all sledging races organised in the valley offer opportunities for cyclists to compete, as a separate category is always reserved for these vehicles. Experience has shown that if you have the right riding skills, you can certainly keep up with the speed of the local sledges, but not in comparison with today's sports sledges, the standardised competition equipment.

Would you like to buy a velogemel? You can find all the information here.