Skip to main content.
Two e-bikers take a selfie with the snow-covered Bernese Alps in the background
Large lime tree against a blue sky, with two e-bikers below.
Two e-bikers ride along a dirt track through the hilly Emmental landscape, with a fruit tree with red apples in the foreground.
Two e-bikers ride along a small road towards Trachselwald Castle, with a cornfield to the right.

Herzschlaufe Gotthelf #699

The «Herzschlaufe Gotthelf» pays homage to the Emmental attitude to life and its famous poet Albert Bitzius, the village priest of Lützelflüh. So, let’s hit the trail and explore the region that inspired him so much 175 years ago.


MapElevation Profile
Level of difficulty
difficult
Distance
59.7 km
Duration
5:15 h
Ascent
1520 m
Descent
1520 m
Highest Point
1007 m
Lowest Point
578 m
GPS data (geodata) for this tour
Download as GPX file
Printable map
Download as pdf

The trails through the graceful landscape still look the same as they did back then and whisk you away to bygone times. Sturdy farmsteads, green meadows and dreary ditches capture our imagination on this tour. Albert Bitzius would no doubt have used the e-bike himself had this innovation existed in his day. He loved being out and about in this landscape, which both opens the heart and stimulates the mind. After this route you’ll be physically and literarily satiated.

Tip from the author

In the hamlet of Geilisgut you can enjoy the country atmosphere at leisure with a glass of cider from the farm shop. A short walk around confirms the impression: The Emmental is a «Hügu Himu» (heaven of hills).

And/or

 

Be sure to visit the Gotthelf Center in Lützelflüh, even if it's just for a Bitzius coffee in the bistro. Gotthelf lived and worked here for many years.

Rent a Bike

Reserve your preferred bicycle – with or without a motor – at the Bernese company Rent a Bike by Bern’s main station or at the TCS Camping Bern Eymatt campground. The reserved bike can then be picked up at and returned to the chosen location.


Map and elevation profile


Details

Features
Level of difficulty
difficult
Distance
59.7 km
Duration
5:15 h
Ascent
1520 m
Descent
1520 m
Highest Point
1007 m
Lowest Point
578 m
Condition
Technique
Experience
Landscape
Best season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Directions

-
Start
bicycle station Langnau
Destination
bicycle station Langnau

Getting there

  • Public Transport

    Ideal for arrival by train, with the bike rental station 50 m from the railway station.

  • Parking

    P+Rail Langnausbb.ch/parking


Useful information

Safety Information
-
Equipment

e-bike reservations recommended at rentabike.ch

Additional information

The route is posted in both directions as Route 699 «Herzschlaufe Langnau». Have a look at the Herzroute website? herzroute.ch

Note: There may be significant deviations in the indication of the altitude difference between SchweizMobil and Outdooractive. This is based on a differently resolved terrain model, while SchweizMobil is already taking in consideration small differences.


E-bike friendly accommodation

We recommend enjoying your bike trip at a slower pace and staying overnight in the city or region of Bern. Whether in a stylish city hotel, royal castle or cosy farmhouse – we show you where to stay and reveal the best hotel tips for cyclists.