Passwang–Oberaargau
Overview
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Distance 33 km
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Ascent 360 m
Intro
Disused industrial buildings are evidence of once mighty ironworks, the Jura is suddenly left behind, broad cultivated fields doze in the Mittelland, the Aare blocks the path, farmhouses become more well-to-do, the gentle Langete shapes the landscape.
Description
The once enormous ironworks are still the most striking feature of Balsthal. To this day, the Klus area is dominated by large building complexes watched over by the venerable Alt Falkenstein Castle. Two narrow, rugged ravines (transverse valleys) have been carved through the Jura Mountains here. Near Oensingen the valley opens up and the Dünnern, a roughly 36 km tributary to the Aare River, flows out into the flat Mittelland region.
After some forests and fields full of beautiful, bright yellow sunflowers, a bridge takes you across the Aare to Aarwangen. A quick look at the castle with its prominent Early Gothic main tower, and you’re off to Langenthal, which is said to be the “most ordinary small town in Switzerland”. The population here believes that the phrase was coined by ordinary Swiss who rarely come from Langenthal. Anyway, there are some beautiful homes to see here, and the Langenthal museum with fascinating permanent and special exhibitions is situated right on the bike route. In the area of the Langete River, which originates at Ahorngrat in the Napfbergland, the atmosphere feels almost southern, at least when you pass the local tree nursery with its exciting collection of conifers and deciduous trees, in addition to avenue trees and hedge plants.
The route continues through a colourful mix of residential neighbourhoods, agricultural districts and handsome villages, such as Lotzwil and Madiswil. Once you get to the traditional market town of Huttwil after a leisurely and interesting bike tour, you might already think about the Huttwil Christmas market. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. You may also hear people talk about the cheese market, the Easter egg market, the onion market, the crafts market, and the suitcase market (the goods are presented in a suitcase), and it is no exaggeration to say that this town really rocks!
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 |
Balsthal
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Huttwil
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| Ascent |
360 m
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| Descent |
220 m
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| Distance |
33 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
32 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
1 km
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| Physical requirements |
Easy
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SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.
Quick Facts
Route number
Stage: 2/2