Gantrisch Legend Route
As the name suggests, the 64 kilometres of this e-bike route are legendary. Sometimes dwarves cross your path, sometimes mysterious horsemen, sometimes you ride through fairytale forests, sometimes you cross mystical gorges. Enjoy the fantastic regional products in farm and village shops, stop off at legendary country inns or spend the night under the stars.
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The history of the Gantrisch region is not only shaped by its geography and its inhabitants. Over the centuries, natural disasters, crop failures, famines and social structures have shaped the character of this now extremely fertile region. In their distress, people repeatedly sought answers and comfort from the spirits of nature, which explains the wealth of legends in the Gantrisch region. Discover the six legend stations on your e-bike route - and get to know the history of the land and people of the Gantrisch Nature Park with all your senses.
Tip from the author
It is recommended to discover the route as a multi-day tour or in several stages so that there is more time to enjoy the experiences. Starting and finishing points are Burgistein, Riggisberg and Schwarzenburg.
Map and elevation profile
Details
Features
Best season
Directions
Discover the legend of "Chatz u Muus" from Burgistein
Starting and finishing points with connections to public transport as well as e-bike rental options are in Burgistein, Riggisberg or Schwarzenburg. For example, start the e-bike tour at the welcome point at Burgistein railway station. From here, the Veloland Route 74 leads to Wattenwil, where the first adventure spot is already located. Who knows why the rock formation on the Walalp ridge above Wattenwil is still called "Chatz u Muus" today? The legend of the same name answers this question, simply scan the QR code with your smartphone and listen to the legend on site or read it thanks to the plaque in the secret compartment on site.
Of peddlers and dwarf secrets
Now it's uphill on Veloland Route 4 to the scenic adventure spot in Rüschegg. The church can be seen from afar, and here those with a thirst for knowledge can hear or read the story of what is said to be the first pedlar in this region. Continue leisurely on your e-bike along Veloland Route 37 towards Riffenmatt. Here, at the adventure spot in the Riffenmatt car park, a view of the Horbühl Pass with its dense and mysterious forests opens up. Legend has it that many years ago the villagers captured two dwarfs to uncover their secret.
Through the impressive Rossgraben to Hinterfultigen
In Kalchstätten, the route from Veloland Route 37 now continues on Route 62 towards Schwarzenburg. After a restorative descent, an impressive stretch now follows through the Rossgraben, up over the well-known Maillart bridges, to Hinterfultigen. Fortunately, it is pleasantly cool in the forest, past sandstone. Once you reach the top, it's time to rest. It was here, in Hinterfultigen, that the legend of the burning man originated, which is still thought-provoking today.
From Rüeggisberg Monastery to Riggisberg Castle
The Gantrisch Legend Route leads to the village of Rüeggisberg. Here, next to the monastery, the terrifying legend of the headless monk can be heard or read. A little further down, in Riggisberg, an equally scary legend is told at the castle, namely that of the Rabbentaler, the former castle lord. So many experiences and stories make you hungry and thirsty. On the way, it is worth stopping at legendary inns, village and farm shops. A refreshing drink and a sensational menu with regional specialities - the Gantrisch Nature Park has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights. Full of impressions, we now head downhill on the Veloland Route 99, back towards Burgistein station. The Gantrisch Legend Route is truly an impressive experience for all the senses.
Getting there
- Public Transport
Travel comfortably via S-Bahn from Bern in about 30 minutes to the welcome locations in Burgistein, Schwarzenburg or Riggisberg. From Thun it takes about 15 minutes by S-Bahn to Burgistein or 30 minutes by bus to Wattenwil and from Fribourg a bus takes about 30 minutes to Schwarzenburg. Click here for the online timetable. One-way tickets and day bike tickets can be purchased conveniently online. Please note the information for self-loading bicycles (see here).
- Privat Transport
Would you prefer to arrive by e-bike? From Bern, simply follow the Veloland signposts 62 and 99 to Riggisberg or 74 to Burgistein for about an hour. From Thun and Fribourg, route 4 leads to the welcome places on the Gantrisch legend route. Click here for the Veloland network.
- Parking
We recommend traveling by e-bike or public transport.
Useful information
Safety Information
Wear a bicycle helmet and switch off the e-bike motor (45 km/h) in the event of a ban on motorised bicycles.
Equipment
- E-bike or bicycle Helmet
- E-bike charger
- Comfortable clothing
- Sun protection
- Bag, backpack or bike basket for shopping in the farm and village shops
Additional information
Here you can find more information about the Gantrisch Legend Route.
Spend the night in the Gantrisch region
We recommend taking it easy on your bike trip and spending the night in the Gantrisch Nature Park. Guests have the choice: would you like to spend the night in a castle or an inn?
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E-bike rental stations
In Schwarzenburg at Bikewanderand x-Bike, in Riggisberg at Gantrisch Bike & Sport, in Seftigen at Stebi’s Check Point, in Wattenwil at Velo Moto Hadorn and around Bern at the official Rent a Bike station, you can hire a bike of your choice on site. This can then be collected and returned there.
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