Wichtrach: Experience hiking, nature and culture

Wichtrach combines hiking suggestions with natural and cultural sites to appeal to a range of interests. The routes differ in duration, surface and suitability for pushchairs. There is also the Wolfetal Nature Reserve, a themed trail about the history of the gravel pit and historic buildings. For your planning, it is worth looking at the individual destinations and their respective conditions.

Choose hiking routes by duration and requirements

The municipality’s hiking suggestions differ considerably in duration, surface and suitability for pushchairs. «Zum Hallerstein» takes about an hour and a half, runs mostly across flat terrain and largely follows paved roads. The route is suitable for pushchairs without difficulty. The circular route around Lercheberg is somewhat shorter, at about one hour and 15 minutes, but mostly follows unpaved tracks and is not suitable for pushchairs. These two hikes therefore differ not only in walking time, but also in surface and suitability for pushchairs. Check local conditions before setting out.

Anyone wishing to head to Wichtrach’s highest point can follow a suggested hike to the point at an elevation of 794 metres. Allow about two and a half hours; the route mostly follows unpaved tracks and is not suitable for pushchairs. Seasonal changes may affect conditions. «Durch zwei Gräben» passes through Gansgraben and Leusegraben and takes about an hour and a half. This trail is suitable only for experienced walkers and «scramblers». The circular hike from Thalgut follows unpaved tracks to Kirchdorf and returns to Thalgut via Hinder Jaberg; it also takes about an hour and a half.

There are more than 20 marked hiking trails around Wichtrach, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. This selection complements the specific suggestions described here. The walking times given are approximate, so compare the surface and stated requirements as well, rather than relying on duration alone.

Nature and viewpoints

Wolfetal Nature Reserve includes a large pond, gravel areas, groups of bushes and trees, a hedge and two strips of meadow. It is home to a population of midwife toads; the rare red-backed shrike is regularly seen there. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Check the reserve’s access conditions before visiting.

Fläckeplatz is another local destination: it is a barbecue and bathing spot. Check bathing conditions on site. At Fusionsplatz, between the Oberwichtrach residential area and Stadelfeld near the railway station, two benches sit beneath a shady tree. The spot offers views of the Alps and the Jura and has been there since 2004.

Church, gravel-pit history and other destinations

At the foot of Lerchenberg, the church stands out for its tall, slender tower. At 46 metres, it is one of the tallest in the canton. The church was built at its present location in 1474 and is also open to visitors from outside the area.

At the Eiche viewpoint, a memorial stone commemorates the land consolidation carried out from 1969 to 1979. Another way to explore local history is the themed trail run by the Landschaft und Kies Foundation, which explains the history of the gravel pit. Check access conditions for this trail before setting out. Groups can visit the vintage car collection at Bernstrasse 8 by prior arrangement.

For sports enthusiasts, the Aaretal Sports Centre is another destination. It is one of the few heated indoor ice rinks in Switzerland. If you are travelling by public transport, the walk from Wichtrach railway station to the sports centre takes about 15 minutes.

Discover more destinations: Worb, Walkringen, Zäziwil, Konolfingen, Linden, Oberdiessbach, Münsingen, Oberhünigen

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Konolfingen.