On the Aare riverside trail through the Elfenau

From the Bärenpark bus stop of line 12, descend to the riverbank and follow the Aare on a good footpath through the magnificent old tree stock of the so-called English Garden to the Schwellenmätteli. Fascinating views of the beautifully structured old town south front, the Minster, and the rushing, swirling Aare currents at the rapids invite frequent pauses. After passing under the already 120-year-old Kirchenfeld Bridge, enjoy the impressive view of the Federal Palace. A beautiful birch avenue lines the promenade up to the Schönausteg. A visit to the nearby animal park is well worth it. Those who skip it still pass the enclosures of various animal species (including waterfowl, wild goats, and bisons). At the northern edge of the Elfenau nature reserve, the asphalt ends. On the left above is the former grand ducal residence. The floodplain landscape with its ponds, crystal-clear water veins, wide reed beds, water plants and birds, and gnarled old trees radiates a special charm. The Bodenacher ferry allows crossing to the other riverbank. Through the riparian forest at Muribad past the Auguet Bridge, the covered wooden bridge from 1832 relocated here in 1973/74 from Hunzigen. The further route along the east bank of the Aare touches the excellently renatured Märchligen and the wide Kleinhöchstetten floodplains. Diverse riparian forest moods also characterize the continuing path to the Schützenfahr Bridge near the Münsingen park pool, where it continues on asphalt to Münsingen station at the end.