To the fragrant auricles at the Bireflue

A short, steep ascent through the Spirenwald leads up to impressive rock walls above the village of Beatenberg. More or less flat, a narrow path continues along the rocks towards Bire. On this section, the first auricles bloom in crevices and niches in the rock. Those who wish can climb a steep wooden staircase, slippery when wet, to the rock spikes jutting out of the forest.

From here, there is a beautiful view of the famous trio of peaks of the Bernese Oberland and Lake Thun. Only a part of the seven-kilometer-long village of Beatenberg is visible. Many auricles grow particularly at the Känzelifelsen. From the second half of April until about mid-May, they glow from the rock walls and the grass at the base of the cliff. Their fragrant flowers are mostly pollinated by bumblebees.

Like many other typical crevice species, the lime-loving auricle is succulent. Thus, it can store water in its fleshy leaves and survive for weeks without water supply.

The auricle manages with minimal amounts of fine soil and tolerates drought and large temperature fluctuations. Because snow hardly adheres to the steep rock walls, the evergreen auricle is also exposed to frost and wind unprotected in winter. Thanks to its frost tolerance, the powdery, leathery leaves with good evaporation protection, and its water storage capabilities, it can withstand these harsh living conditions.

Following the hiking trail, the route goes back through the Dälewald via Rossi to Beatenberg Hubel.

Sabine Joss