Eggiwil reveals two distinct sides of the Upper Emmental: green rolling hills with deep gorges, and an architectural heritage showcased along the House and Bridge Trail. When planning your visit, it is worth treating nature experiences and historic sites as separate areas of focus. This helps you decide whether to spend your time on trails through the landscape, on architectural history, or on both.
Gorges, hills and hiking trails
Räbloch is a natural formation in the Emme Gorge. The gorge was formed beneath glacial ice; its deepest gorge-like sections are 40 to 70 metres deep. From the Steinmösli nature reserve, a well-secured hiking trail leads to the natural bridge at Räbloch in about 20 minutes. As trail conditions can change, check them before your visit. If you would rather head for a viewpoint, you can hike up Wachthubel from various directions. From there, the view stretches across Switzerland’s Alpine panorama and the wide-ranging hills of the Emmental.
Hohlenfluh offers another perspective on the landscape, one more closely tied to the trail: a house and barns cling to the rocks high above the Bärbach beneath a natural Nagelfluh conglomerate overhang. Hohlenfluh lies along an unmarked footpath, which is used at your own risk. Check trail conditions before your visit.
Rämisgummen’s appeal changes with the seasons. After the snow melts, thousands of crocuses form a violet-and-white carpet of flowers. Depending on the weather, this natural spectacle can be seen for only a few days. The Rämisgummen alpine pasture extends between the upper reaches of the Emme and Ilfis rivers at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,300 metres and covers 130 hectares. It can be reached from Eggiwil by car or on foot; trail conditions may change.
Wooden bridges and architectural heritage
The Eggiwil House and Bridge Trail is a hiking route following the region’s residential and architectural heritage. It passes historic farmhouses and covered wooden bridges that testify to an early-developed carpentry tradition. Almost the entire route can also be cycled. You can explore the structures on foot or by bike for most of the way.
Buildings along the trail include the municipal building, a former schoolhouse dating from 1908, and the BaschihĂĽsi. This 1796 residence is known for its high-quality carpentry, preserved in its original, unaltered form. The Salzhaus dates from 1822 and later served as a post office and a place where salt was sold. Horben Bridge was built in 1834 and is one of the oldest arch bridges.
Eggiwil Church also offers tangible insights into architectural history. Hans Isenmann built it between 1630 and 1632, reportedly following plans by Daniel II Heinz, master builder of Bern Minster. Its features include 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 an 1868 baptismal font.
In Eggiwil, craftsmanship is also linked to the alphorn. Alphorns have been made at Bachmann’s Alphorn Workshop since 1925; the business is run by Walter Bachmann, the third generation of the family to do so. Groups of visitors are welcomed by prior arrangement and reservation. By appointment, the workshop introduces visitors to the art of alphorn making; a two-day course in traditional alphorn playing is also offered at the course venue in Eggiwil. Check course dates and availability before making plans.
More activities and getting here
For mountain biking, there are many farm access roads and forest tracks away from heavy traffic, in addition to the House and Bridge Trail. More challenging mountain bike routes can be found in the higher areas of Hohwacht, Blapbach, Rämisgummen, Pyffer and Wachthubel. Families will find another option along Schachenweg beside the Emme: it is particularly suitable for them and is used only by local residents. For a different kind of activity, Eggiwil has an 18-hole mini-golf course, the only felt-track course in the region.
The seasons also bring a range of events and activities. The Eggiwil market has been running for over 100 years and takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn. In NetschbĂĽhl, you can enjoy a day of skiing in winter weather and with fine views; the T-bar lift is about 1.5 kilometres long. The crocus bloom, market and winter sports offer different seasonal highlights, while the House and Bridge Trail lets you choose between hiking and cycling.
The PostAuto Schallenberg route 252 runs by bus from Escholzmatt via Marbach, Schangnau, Eggiwil and Röthenbach i. E. to Steffisburg and Thun. From Signau railway station, bus B271 runs towards Röthenbach in the Emmental to the Eggiwil, Dorf stop. Timetables can change, so check your connection before travelling. If you drive to start a hike from Eggiwil, you can park at the municipal building car park.
The differences are especially useful when deciding what to focus on: the House and Bridge Trail highlights buildings and carpentry, while Räbloch and Wachthubel offer gorge scenery and panoramic views. If you plan a seasonal nature experience, the short crocus-bloom period depends on snowmelt and the weather.
Discover more destinations: Langnau in the Emmental, Trubschachen, Oberfrittenbach, Schangnau, Lauperswil, Röthenbach in the Emmental, Zollbrück, Signau.
Go to the broader travel overview: Signau.
