Around the Jolimont, the pretty hill

The cobbled alleys of Erlach are the starting point for the circuit of the Jolimont. The hiking trail immediately leads up a flight of stairs. After passing through the gate at the town hall, you enter the old part of the small town. On the steep path, you quickly gain altitude and soon catch a view of the lake and Petersinsel.

Past the large clearing with the Jolimont farm, you reach the Tüfelsburdi, a group of impressive erratic boulders. The stones originate from the Valais. During the Ice Age, the Rhone Glacier deposited them on the Jolimont. Their name comes from a legend: the devil is said to have once gathered them to build a castle there. No castle ever stood there, but the stones once served as a cult site. This is shown by the shards of Celtic pottery found there.

The trail continues along the wooded ridge of the Jolimont. At Wartstude, you do not take the descent to Gampelen, but walk along the sunny side of the Jolimont to Tschugg. You recognize the village by the distinctive buildings of the Bethesda mental hospital. It also has a charming old village center.

With a wide view over the Seeland region, the path leads past the vineyards of Erlach back to the small town. Tip: In Erlach, follow the hiking trail towards Petersinsel and then turn left to the campsite: there, a beach café and a bathing area await tired hikers.