ViaBerna - stage 05 Magglingen - Biel/Bienne

The starting point is the training venue of the Swiss sporting elite: In Magglingen, where the name “End of the World” even appears on the map. The trail descends to La Combe, leads past Evilard/Leubringen to Frinvillier, where you reach the river Suze. For the time being, the hiking trail follows the canal of the energy plant to the entrance of the Taubenloch Gorge. The gorge soon narrows and the river becomes wilder. Deep green moss and lichen-covered rocks line the river. The hiking trail crosses the wild Suze several times. When the high walls of rock appear, you have reached the most beautiful section of the gorge. The trail here has been carved into the rock and leads through tunnels high above the water. Depending on the light, the effect can be mystical. Walking towards the light, you leave the Taubenloch Gorge and emerge into the city suburb of Biel-Bözingen. Wide footpaths take you along the banks of the Suze to Schüssinsel Park, a new park facility at the heart of the city of Biel/Bienne. Further along the Suze, the hiking trail leads straight to the Strandboden area next to Lake Biel, via Biel/Bienne central square. The green space at the lake basin is a popular meeting place for young and old during the summer months. You reach the end of the trail at the railway station in Biel/Bienne via the harbour/Strandbad (lido).

The footpath through the Taubenloch Gorge is the result of an initiative of the Swiss Alpine Club, SAC. The trail was constructed in 1889. Even then people recognised the potential for tourism. The Taubenloch Society (Taubenlochgesellschaft) was founded for the upkeep and maintenance of this hiking trail. The trail is very popular because it leads straight out of the city at Bözingen into a wild and romantic natural landscape.

Legend has it that a young local man once loved a girl who was so beautiful and gentle that everyone called her La Colombe (dove). They wanted to get married. But she was being pursued by the tyrant from Rondchâtel who had also fallen in love with her. So as not to fall into his hands, the young women jumped to her death in the gorge. From then on the gorge was known as Taubenloch or Gorges de la Petite Colombe (dove gorge or gorge of the little dove) in her honour. On the other hand, people who study names say that the expression “Tubeloch” comes from the old German “Dubelloch” or “Tobelloch”, meaning forest gorge with water running through it.

Schüssinsel Park is paradise for anyone seeking relaxation at the heart of the city. It has attracted attention in specialist circles across Switzerland. In December 2017, the city was awarded two prizes in recognition of the park’s exemplary design.

Biel/Bienne is the regional and economic centre for Seeland, Bernese Jura and parts of the canton of Solothurn. The city is also described as a global watchmaking metropolis. Biel/Bienne is characterised by its homogeneous new town and the well-preserved medieval structures of its old town.