Lots of Aare and a city oasis

When there is still snow in the mountains, hiking in the lowlands is a nice alternative. The hiking suggestion starts in the Bern agglomeration, at the Kappelenring in Hinterkappelen (municipality of Wohlen). It is a place with an excellent residential location and unobstructed view of the Aare landscape. It is only a few steps from the bus stop to the Aare, which, coming from Bern, soon flows into the Wohlensee.

However, the hike leads upstream around the Kappelenring, past the Ey sports facility and the Chappelebrügg. Once this main road is passed, it becomes quiet, the landscape opens up, and the course of the Aare shows its beautiful side. Here you also walk along the border of the city of Bern, and soon the massive arch of the Halebrügg is underpassed. Shortly after follows the historic Neubrügg. This bridge crossing was Bern's first connection to the north and today is considered the oldest still existing wooden bridge in the canton.

Despite numerous bridges, the crossing of the Aare only takes place via the Seftausteg to reach the Felsenau district. After a short ascent, away from the idyllic Aare landscape towards the gray concrete, you reach Tiefenaustrasse and find yourself directly under the mighty highway viaduct. The contrast couldn't be stronger, but soon follows the descent to Äussere Enge and the reunion with the Aare.

Over the Engehalde dam, the Aare is crossed again, upstream past the Lorrainebad, you reach the Botanical Garden. With around 5,500 plant species from near and far, this is particularly a colorful oasis in spring and a worthy conclusion to this varied Aare and city hike.