Along the Gäbelbach to Wohlensee

From the S-Bahn stop Brünnen Westside, follow the signs labeled «To the hiking trail» via Ramuzstrasse, across Le Corbusier Square to the Gäbelbach tram stop and through the underpass to the first signpost with place names. Now on the route to Riedbach mill along the Gäbelbach settlement and through a glass passage in the noise barrier. Down to the Gäbelbach and over the wooden bridge in the tunnel-like stream passage into the Gäbelbach valley. This is where the proverbial «light at the end of the tunnel» is reached and you've definitively transitioned from the city to nature. Next follows a longer idyllic section on grass paths and forest roads, past a rest area and the highway viaduct. Continuing on paved surface to Riedbach mill and on to Frauenkappelen. At the site of today's church stood a chapel (Capella) dedicated to the Virgin Mary and later an Augustinian monastery. The community was long called «Cappelen im Forst». The village is crossed, shortly after the roundabout take Breitacherstrasse towards Wohlen, shortly after on the natural path past the Breitenacker farm and through the Chatzestyg forest the path descends to Wohlensee (caution when wet: slippery steps). On the shore of Wohlensee to the cozy hamlet Wohlei with rack buildings with a roof ridge from the 19th century (to Wohlen 25 min, see variant). The Wohlei bridge was built from 1917 to 1920, when the Aare was dammed for the Mühleberg power plant. Here there is a soothing view of the reservoir and the reed and tree-lined shore. Towards Gäbelbach via the field path, then ascending through forest, you reach the Riederhubel viewpoint. In front of the Swiss coastal radio reception facility, follow a grassy path down to the hamlet Riedern. Passing the Riedernrain settlement on the left, you reach the Gäbelbach animal enclosure. Follow it and you will then reach Brünnen Westside, the starting point of the hike, by the same way.