Seeland-Solothurn-Weg

German and French-speaking Switzerland meet at the Bielersee lake and the landscape also offers contrasts. On the southern shore, fens and secluded reed beds, on the northern shore, vineyards and the Jura chain with the often cloud-covered Chasseral. The Seeland-Solothurn-Weg begins in the small town of Erlach and over four days leads along not only the reed beds of the Bielersee southern shore, but also along banks of the Aare and Emme rivers. The changing atmosphere of lake and river are characteristic of the route.

It’s worth strolling to the castle in Erlach and through the narrow lanes of the old town quarter, or even making a detour to the St. Petersinsel, where writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau found refuge. With wonderful views of the opposite villages, the trail leads along the shore via Lüscherz to Nidau and the bilingual town of Biel. The varied and attractive trail first stays close to the water, following the Nidau-Büren canal, marvel at the old course of the Aare and the striking wooden bridge at Büren. The observation tower in the Häftli nature reserve at the gates of the medieval town will provide kids and adults with plenty of excitement.

Historic Buchegg Castle is enthroned on forested Bucheggberg, and Landshut Castle with its moat stands on a rocky spur near Bätterkinden. You hike on the right and left bank of the Emme to where it flows into the Aare before reaching the history-laden baroque town of Solothurn at the end of the route.