The Heidenweg connects St. Peter’s Island with the Jolimont near Erlach as a natural bridge. Together with the beach, the old town and the vineyard trails, it makes this a place with a variety of nature and cultural experiences. If you are looking for a hotel, this range of options can help you tailor your stay in Erlach to your travel interests.
Nature trails and lakeside activities
The Heidenweg is a protected nature area. Reeds and shrubs along the path provide a habitat for numerous birds. At the start of the Heidenweg in Erlach is one of the starting points for the six-kilometre Island Trail, which runs between Erlach and St. Peter’s Island. Eleven interactive stations share information about the island’s flora and fauna, as well as its cultural history and that of the surrounding area.
The beach has a large lawn for relaxing, playing and barbecuing, as well as a playground and a beach volleyball court. Stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats can be rented right there. As rental options and beach facilities may change, it is advisable to check what is currently available before your visit.
Explore the history
The Hasenburg leisure trail is web-based and accessed through an internet browser. It combines interactive stations with digital features and leads to the remains of a medieval noble castle and an Iron Age burial ground. Participation is free and non-binding. If you are more interested in viticulture than archaeological sites, the Räbluskurve vineyard trail is another option: nine signs with QR codes lead through Erlach and the vineyards on the Jolimont.
The Tüfelsburdi consists of three large granite erratic boulders from Val de Bagnes in Valais. There is a fire pit with a table and benches. The Tüfelsburdi, also known as the Devil’s Burden, is believed to have been a site of ritual activity since at least the Neolithic period. Excavations in 1848 uncovered fragments of Celtic pottery, clay sculptures and charcoal remains.
The Erlach Museum houses historically valuable objects, pictures, photographs and artefacts related to the various activities of former residents. Visits to the museum must be arranged in advance; please check the details beforehand.
A standard guided tour of Erlach lasts one hour. It includes a 20-minute walk through the old town and 20 minutes in the grounds outside the castle, including the castle garden. A public guided tour of Cerlier, or Erlach, is offered once a month and starts at 11 a.m. at the Cerlier landing stage. The registration deadline is Thursday evening before the tour. Check your preferred date and registration details in advance.
Photo spot and Grand Tour
Erlach has a Grand Tour of Switzerland photo spot with views of the castle, the old town and St. Peter’s Island. It is on Stage 7, which runs from Neuchâtel behind the Jolimont, via Gampelen and the Vully, to Bern. The photo spot is only accessible on foot. Public parking is available in the old town and at the Seestrandweg car park next to Restaurant Du Port; from there, the walk takes about twelve minutes.
Vineyards, festivals and the bakehouse
The area around Erlach and St. Peter’s Island has molasse soils. The vineyards benefit from the lake’s heat-storage effect and the microclimatic advantages of terracing. A special wine highlight is Läsetsunntige: this wine festival for children and adults takes place every year in September or October over two weekends. Check the dates for your intended travel year.
The bakehouse in the old town is open on the first Saturday of every month from April to September. Visitors can bring their own baked goods and drinks. At the “Baking in the Bakehouse” activity, they can help heat the wood-fired oven or cut and serve pizza. As opening hours and participation options may change, it is advisable to check in advance.
For the overview of the wider trip: Erlach.
