In the Land of the Eggen and Chrächen

Some things work a bit differently in the Emmental than elsewhere. This also applies to the high-altitude trails. Anyone who assumes that a high-altitude trail always runs at an approximately constant height will have to change their view in the Emmental. After ascending from the valley, the path rarely goes straight ahead; instead, the trails follow the varied terrain, which constantly performs vertical twists and turns – up to sunny ridges, down into deep valleys. However, for Emmental conditions, the altitude differences on the high-altitude hike from Röthenbach to Heimenschwand are quite minor, which is why it is well suited for an easy introductory route to get to know the advantages of this area. From the bus terminus at Röthenbach i.E., first walk a few steps to the village center, from there follow Jassbachstrasse towards Linden, after 200 m turn left to the forest and ascend along a stream channel to the Stouffenbrunnen pasture. An enjoyable path now leads through forest clearings and over pastures up to Hinterstouffen. Beautiful view towards the Aare valley and the wooded ridge of the Honegg. On a country road you pass a protected, probably nearly 600-year-old massive stone oak to the splendidly situated Vorderstouffen farm shaded by beautiful trees. Wonderful view over the high plateau dotted with individual farms and hamlets towards the Stockhorn chain and the peaks of the Pre-Alps and High Alps. Now follow the forest edge, descend to the Jassbach–Heimenschwand road, cross it near the Schlegwegbad and reach the hiking trail junction Chrüzholz uphill. From here it is only a few minutes’ walk with a slight descent to Heimenschwand. The village forms, together with the many farms and hamlets of the surrounding area, the municipality of Buchholterberg. The coat of arms shows a green beech; equally typical for the area is the extremely rich floral decoration in front of and on the farmhouses.