Eggiwil: Hiking, Wooden Bridges and Emmental Culture

Eggiwil lies in the upper Emmental. Green hills, deep gorges and ravines shape the landscape. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Eggiwil, hiking, architectural heritage and nature can be the focus of your time here. Options range from walks past historic wooden bridges to more challenging routes at higher elevations.

Hiking and Experiencing the Landscape

The Eggiwil Heritage and Bridges Trail is a hiking route exploring local residential and architectural heritage. It passes historic farmhouses and covered wooden bridges that bear witness to an early-developed carpentry tradition. Almost the entire route can also be cycled. If you would prefer a different route, you can hike up the Wachthubel from various directions. From there, the view stretches across the extensive hills of the Emmental to the panorama of the Swiss Alps.

A distinctive natural formation is the Räbloch in the Emme Gorge. The gorge formed beneath glacial ice; its deepest gorge-like sections are 40 to 70 metres deep. A well-maintained hiking trail leads from the Steinmösli nature reserve to the natural bridge in the Räbloch in about 20 minutes. This is an approximate time, and trail conditions may change; check them before your visit.

The Rämisgummen Alp also brings together landscape and activity: it extends between the upper reaches of the Emme and Ilfis rivers at an elevation of 1,200 to 1,300 metres and covers 130 hectares. It can be reached from Eggiwil by car or on foot; route conditions may change. After the snow melts, crocuses cover the Rämisgummen in violet and white. Depending on the weather, this natural spectacle can be seen for only a few days.

Wooden Bridges, Houses and Craftsmanship

Along the Heritage and Bridges Trail, you can view individual buildings and structures in their different roles and historical periods. The municipal building is a former schoolhouse dating from 1908. The Baschihüsi, a residential building from 1796, is notable for its high-quality carpentry, preserved in its original condition. The Salzhaus was built as a residential building in 1822; its rooms later served as a post office and a place where salt was sold. The Horben Bridge dates from 1834 and is one of the oldest arch bridges.

Eggiwil Church also tells the story of local architecture: Hans Isenmann built it between 1630 and 1632, reportedly following plans by Daniel II Heinz, master builder of Bern Minster. Inside are a simple pulpit by Kaspar Zaugg with a richly inlaid canopy, stained-glass windows by Albin Schweri (1931), Leo Steck (1953) and Fred Stauffer (1967), and a baptismal font dating from 1868. At Hohlenfluh, a house and stables nestle against the rocks high above the Bärbach, beneath a natural overhang of conglomerate rock.

Alphorn making is another traditional craft. The Bachmann family business, just above Eggiwil, has been making alphorns since 1925 and is now run by Walter Bachmann, the third generation of the family. By appointment, the alphorn workshop introduces visitors to the art of alphorn making. Groups are welcomed by prior arrangement and reservation. There is also a two-day course in traditional alphorn playing at the course venue in Eggiwil; if interested, check current course dates and availability directly.

Cycling and Winter Activities

The Schachenweg along the Emme is particularly suitable for families and is used only by local residents. In addition, many farm access roads and forestry tracks offer opportunities for cycling away from heavy traffic. The higher elevations of Hohwacht, Blapbach, Rämisgummen, Pyffer and Wachthubel have more challenging cycling routes for those who want them. The options described therefore vary in both location and difficulty, without implying that all routes are of the same level.

In winter conditions, Netschbühl may be an option for a day of skiing; the T-bar lift is about 1.5 kilometres long. Eggiwil also has an 18-hole miniature golf course, described as the region’s only felt course. On hot summer days, people picnic on the banks of the Emme. The weirs and natural pools of the Emme offer opportunities for water activities and nature experiences; water conditions can vary.

Getting There and Local Traditions

You can reach Eggiwil by public transport using, among other options, two bus services. The PostBus Schallenberg route 252 runs from Escholzmatt via Marbach, Schangnau, Eggiwil and Röthenbach i. E. to Steffisburg and Thun. From Signau railway station, bus B271 runs towards Röthenbach im Emmental and stops at Eggiwil, Dorf. As timetables can change, check your connection before departure. For all hiking routes starting from Eggiwil, you can park your car in the municipal building car park.

The Eggiwiler-Märit has been held for over 100 years and takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn. Typical Emmental inns are a distinctive feature of the village. On the Eggiwil–Schangnau ridge hike, inns along the way invite you to enjoy «Merängge mit Nidle». This makes it possible to combine architectural heritage, outdoor activity and a regional speciality on one trip.

Discover more destinations: Gohl, Langnau in the Emmental, Lauperswil, Zollbrück, Rüderswil, Oberfrittenbach, Schangnau, Signau

Go to the main travel overview: Signau.