The velogemel is a type of bike sled originating in Grindelwald and consisting of a wooden frame with two runners and a handlebar at the front. It allows riders to steer their way forward by moving their legs and pushing off with their shoes, similar to the first bicycle designed by Karl Drais. This special vehicle was invented by Christian Bühlmann, a graduate of the woodcarving school in Brienz and the manager of a sawmill, in Grindelwald in 1911. With a velogemel, you can reach your destination more quickly on flat and downhill routes in the snow. The name comes from the local dialect word for sled – Gemel – combined with the Swiss German word for bicycle (Velo). While this bike-sled hybrid is still used for daily tasks, it is primarily a piece of sporting equipment and a collector’s item. Velogemel riders can often be found in the sledding areas of Grindelwald, which has hosted an annual velogemel world championship since 1996.
The vehicle is an example of innovative craftsmanship: It is a seemingly simple invention that has endured for over a hundred years and is closely linked to local identity. It also symbolises an innovative approach to dealing with one’s natural environment. With the use of wood – an abundantly available and sustainable resource – a vehicle has been tailored for the snowy winter landscapes of Grindelwald. Velogemels are exclusively produced in Grindelwald, with production topping out at 30 to 50 pieces annually. They serve as a kind of trademark for the town and are sold throughout Switzerland and abroad.
