Grenzpfad Napfbergland

Huttwil is a historic country town in the lower Emmental. It is known for its National Sports and Cultural Centre as well as its classicist town centre and lies above the confluence of the Langeten, Rotbach and Wyssachen rivers.

The hike of more than six hours starts at the railway station. Heading east on asphalt for a while, you walk through the village centre and the residential neighbourhoods to Langete. Soon after the old schoolhouse, the typical landscape of the Napf region opens up: hill after hill, often with a single tree at the highest point.

The crest trail with views of the Langete Valley and the Jura continues via Nyffenegg. Past cow and horse pastures, the route ascends steadily towards the Napf. After Grunholz, the path soon branches off into the forest, and the gradient steepens slightly.

Forestry has always been an important resource in the Napf region. Farmers and foresters maintain a selection forest where only individual trees are harvested. This way, young and old spruces, silver firs and beeches stand side by side, strengthening the forest.

Shortly before Ahorn, the path leaves the forest, and fantastic views open up. You have reached the stage's halfway point. On gravel roads and scenic trails, you hike from hill to hill towards Hochänzi. The slopes become steeper, and in places, you walk on narrow paths. Rows of trees on the hillcrest dot the landscape, and the views of the Swiss Alps are unobstructed.

At Hochänzi, the Grenzpfad (boundary trail) joins the Alpine Panorama Trail. Because the Napf region was not glaciated during the last Ice Age, it was primarily shaped by the erosive forces of water. Deep, steep forested gullies radiate star-like from the highest point into the valley, while pastures spread along the flatter ridges.

After Niederenzi, the last ascent takes you to the Napf via a scenic path through exuberant ferns. Geologically, the Napf consists mainly of nagelfluh, sandstone and marl. The primaeval Aare River once deposited these molasse rocks.

The Napf is reached at an altitude of 1,406 metres. This peak is only accessible on foot or by mountain bike. The long and varied hike ends here, with breathtaking views of Entlebuch's barren stone folds, the Jura to the north, the Bernese Alps to the south and the Central Swiss Alps to the southeast.