In the realm of wild streams

The stately building with a spacious viewing terrace on the Gurnigel was built by the Swiss Confederation and serves both as troop accommodation and for tourism needs. A special panoramic path is the pasture hike to the Gurnigel mountain hut and to Ober Gurnigel. In the valley lies the vast Thuner Westamt. The Alps can be seen from Pilatus to the Jungfrau region. To the south, the distinctive peaks of the Gantrisch chain limit the view. And westwards, in front of the blue band of the Jura, even the Jura lakes can be made out. The following descent past the Stockhütte to Gurnigelbad (via Seftigschwand–Neuhus 1h20) evokes memories of vanished splendor. The "Herrenwägli" – a path section paved with stone slabs – was part of what was once the largest hotel complex in Switzerland (more details on page 94) as was the music pavilion “Zur Wilhelmshöhe” and the Gurnigel pond, where in winter ice was cut for the hotel kitchen. The descent along a partly swampy path into the Seligraben becomes adventurous. Eggs, fruit, and vegetables were once brought over the “Black Footbridge” to the Grand Hotel Gurnigelbad. Several bridges have already been swept away by the wild Seligraben water. Through the beautiful Längeneiwald, you descend to Längeneibad and finally cross it towards Rüschegg Heubach.