In the natural paradise on the Emme

From Burgdorf station, take the path towards Gisnauflüe to the bank of the Emme. With a view of Burgdorf Castle, the route heads upstream to the Waldeggbrücke. Through the riparian forest, you reach and cross the modern Heimiswilbrücke. Along a dam, you arrive at the Lochbachbrücke. On the left is the historic Lochbachbad, once the largest spa in the Emmental. Now begins the particularly idyllic section along the new «Emme-Birne». This is a renatured river section where the path winds through the riparian forest between waterways and ponds. Soon the 1839 wooden bridge in Kalchofen comes into view. The wooden arch bridge, displaced 800 meters downstream, spans 58.5 meters and is thus the longest-span bridge of its kind in Europe. The path continues along the east bank through Hasle-Rüegsau, then to the bridge in Lützelflüh near the church and the Gotthelf Centre, which offers fascinating insights into the life of the famous Emmental writer Jeremias Gotthelf. After the covered Gohlhusbrügg, the riparian forest narrows and views over the hills of the middle Emmental increase. There follow further river and stream crossings: you cross the Grüenestäg, pass the Ramseistäg, and reach the western bank via the Ranflühstäg, where you soon arrive at Zollbrück. The path continues further into the valley via Husmatt to Emmenmatt.

Background: The Lochbachbad was founded in 1671 when Johann Dysli was granted permission to operate a bath on the Lochbach. It developed into a popular mineral bath, especially appreciated during the Baroque period. In the 19th century, the Lochbachbad was the site of important breweries and factories. Today it is a residential and commercial area. The Emme-Birne is a renatured river section aimed at slowing the water, reducing flood risk, and creating new habitats for plants and animals.