Cool gorge for hot days

Frinvillier belongs to the Bernese Jura and lies in the valley of the Schüss. The cantonal road, the railway line, and the A16 Transjurane motorway run through the valley of Frinvillier. However, the small river Schüss has also cut through the front Jura chain here, creating the wild romantic Taubenloch Gorge.

The gorge can be well explored on foot. The starting point of this hike is the train station in Frinvillier. Heading west, you will soon reach the Schüss and the long-distance hiking trail ViaBerna, marked with route number 38. The hiking trail initially follows the canal of the power plant to the entrance of the gorge. Soon, the gorge becomes narrower and the Schüss wilder. Deep green moss and stones covered with lichens line the river. The hiking trail crosses the wild Schüss several times. High rock walls then appear, announcing the most beautiful section of the gorge. Here the path is carved into the rocks and leads high above the water through tunnels and galleries. Depending on the light incidence, mystical moments occur.

How did the gorge get its name? According to a legend, once a young man from the area loved a girl who was so beautiful and sweet that everyone called her La Colombe (Dove). The two wanted to marry. However, she was pursued by the tyrant of Rondchâtel, who had also fallen in love with her. To not fall into his hands, the young woman jumped into the gorge. In her honor, the gorge was henceforth called Taubenloch or Gorges de la petite colombe. Name researchers, however, derive the term "Tubeloch" from the Old High German "Dubelloch" or "Tobelloch," meaning water-flowed forest gorge.

Walking towards the light, you leave the gorge and enter the city in Biel-Bözingen. Here, the bus can be used, but continuing the hike also has its charm. Following route 38 further, a hiking and cycling path leads along the Schüss through a partly redesigned riverside and recreational area towards Biel. Passing an extraordinary building of a watch company and continuing along the Schüss, you reach the spacious waterfront facilities at Lake Biel. The train station is not far away.