Around Bern - to the Chutzen Tower

Around 1130, Cistercian monks founded the Frienisberg Monastery. After it was repurposed as the seat of the bailiff during the Reformation, it now serves, in a significantly altered architectural form, as a retirement and nursing home. From the bus stop, the hiking trail passes the south side of the main complex to the sheep enclosure, which is ascended via a loop. After crossing the cantonal road, you enter a magnificent sunken path in the forest. This is part of the old monastery path, which once led from Bern via Meikirch to Frienisberg. At the trail junction at point 753, follow the signs to the Chutzen Tower and turn right. Passing the Chutzen hut, a short ascent leads to the highest point of the elongated ridge of the Frienisberg. A 40 m high wooden observation tower rises above the treetops here. Those who manage the 234 steps to the top platform enjoy a superb view: it includes the Alpine panorama from Säntis to Mont Blanc; the cities of Bern and Fribourg, Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel, and Lake Murten as well as the Jura chain are also in view. Also fascinating is the sight of the colorful mixed meadows and fields in the nearby Bernese Seeland. From the tower, return a few steps to the last junction, follow the forest road which makes a distinct left loop, and reach Weichel on the way to Wahlendorf. The farming village is located in an idyllic large forest clearing, which is crossed in a big arc. Then the hiking route joins the old monastery path again. Once more through an impressive sunken path and finally along a little road, you arrive in the village of Meikirch.