Trans Swiss Trail
Overview
Intro
High-level hike over the Hohwacht-Girsgrat chain of hills. Past a historic signal post, one of Switzerland’s oldest tunnels and a dairy producing guaranteed authentic Emmental cheese. Typical Emmental patchwork of hills, gullies, meadows and woodlands.
Description
Langnau i.E. is located on the lower reaches of the river Ilfis, halfway between Bern and Lucerne. The core of the town is situated away from the river valley because of the danger of flooding. The name Langnau possibly derives from "Lange Au". Au means something like wet lowland, watercourse or island.
Starting at the railway station, you walk in a southerly direction. After crossing the Ilfis, the trail heads uphill to Vordere Hochwacht. Fields and woods alternate along the way. The view of the surrounding hills and the alpine chain in the background is simply splendid. From here, the mountain hiking trail leads over the Hochwacht range of hills to the Girsgrat ridge. You also cross the geographical centre of the Signau district.
By the time you reach the Hegenloch, you've already covered two and a half hours of ground. The tunnel was excavated by local farmers in 1839/1840. It is probably one of the oldest man-made tunnels in Switzerland. From Hinter Girsgrat, the hiking trail leads downhill to Eggiwil, where the rather short stage ends after a little more than three and a half hours. The village is located at the Emme in the Emmental valley and is a representative example of a pre-alpine scattered settlement in the upper catchment area of the Emme.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
Start location |
Langnau i.E.
|
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Destination |
Eggiwil
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Direction |
One way
|
Ascent |
580 m
|
Descent |
520 m
|
Distance |
12 km
|
Duration |
3 h 40 min
|
Duration back |
3 h 35 min
|
Technical requirements |
Easy
|
Physical requirements |
Medium
|
Season |
March - September
|
More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe2.... |