Hiking where the storks fly

From the station in Büren an der Aare, the route heads towards the Aare to the main street, passing the castle, town hall, and the charming arcade houses towards the covered wooden bridge. The bridge, a popular photo motif, was completely rebuilt after a fire and reopened in 1991. Before the bridge, turn right towards Ländte and start the walk along the riverside promenade at the Aare bank. The path now runs directly along the water and is lined with strips of trees and shrubs. Along the way, dragonflies, frogs, butterflies, water birds, and occasionally even kingfishers can be observed. You continue over the Rütibach footbridge to Aarbrügg, whose elegant arch replaced the former iron construction by Gustave Eiffel. On the other side of the Aare, follow the water further. Shortly afterward, you pass under a massive highway bridge; here is also the amphibian spawning area Grenchner Witi. There are further loops of the Aare and you reach the stork village Altreu directly. To continue the hike, cross the Aare by ferry. Upon reaching the height of the Aare island Länggrien, you leave the course of the Aare and follow the hiking trail to the bus stop in Nennigkofen.

Background: The Aare plain between Grenchen and Solothurn is also called “Witi.” At the center of this extensive agricultural and protected area lies the stork village Altreu with the Witi information center. As a significant hare habitat in Switzerland and an important breeding ground for many bird species, the Witi protected area contains many valuable natural treasures. The western part of the area is also designated as a water and migratory bird reserve of national importance.