Herzschlaufe Gotthelf | 699
The "Herzschlaufe Gotthelf" is a tribute to the Emmental lifestyle and its famous poet Albert Bitzius, village pastor of Lützelflüh. So, we follow the trail on the fully signposted Veloland route No. 699 and discover the area that inspired him 175 years ago.
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The paths through the charming landscape still look the same as they did long ago, and they evoke moods from earlier times. Sturdy farmhouses, green meadows, and dark ditches capture us in the best sense on this route. Albert Bitzius would have undoubtedly used an e-bike himself if this innovation had existed in his time. He loved to be on the move in his landscape, which equally stimulates and opens heart and mind. After this route, you are richly satisfied both literarily and physically.
Refreshment options: Along the route, cozy inns and small farm taverns await you. Some restaurants and cafés have irregular opening hours. To avoid cycling to the next door with an empty stomach, we recommend checking the opening hours on the venues' websites in advance.
Tip from the author
In the hamlet of Geilisgut, enjoy the land and its atmosphere at a leisurely pace or with a glass of cider from the farm shop. A short walk to the linden tree confirms the impression: Emmental is a "Hügu Himu".
And/or
Be sure to visit the Gotthelf Centre in Lützelflüh, even if only for a Bitzius coffee in the bistro. Gotthelf lived and worked here for many years.
Map and elevation profile
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Best season
Directions
The new Gotthelf loop commemorates the famous local poet and social reformer Jeremias Gotthelf, who remains known as a symbol of rural Emmental today. Starting from Langnau, the route offers wonderful viewpoints with views towards the Alps and Jura. Key sites of Gotthelf's work can be found along the way. Lützelflüh as his residence, Sumiswald as the setting of his novella "The Black Spider," or Trachselwald, where he established a home for needy children near the castle.
The route revels in the rural richness of the Emmental, surprises with little-known sections, and enchants with a routing that offers a new view of this poetic landscape.
Getting there
- Public Transport
Arrival by train, car, on foot, or by bike. Arrival by train is ideal, rental station 50m next to the station.
- Parking
P+Rail Langnausbb.ch/parking
Useful information
Safety Information
Wearing a bike helmet is recommended, and if there is a ban on motorized bicycles, the e-bike motor (45 km/h) must be turned off. Further tips for safe cycling at herzroute.ch/vademecum
Equipment
- E-bike reservation recommended via rentabike.ch
- Helmet
- E-bike charger
- Comfortable clothing
- Bag, backpack, or bike basket for purchases in farm and village shops
Additional information
Note: There can be significant differences in elevation data between SchweizMobil & Outdooractive. This is based on terrain models with different resolutions, with SchweizMobil already factoring in small discrepancies.
Spend the night in the Emmental
We recommend enjoying your bike trip at a slower pace and spending the night in the Emmental. Guests have the choice: would you prefer to spend the night on a farm or in a traditional inn?
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