Bumbach-Loipe

In the highest part of the Emmental Valley, between the Hohgant, Schybegütsch and Schrattenfluh massifs, this circular trail snakes its way along the Emme to Kemmeriboden and back again. The first section is easier, but the second stretch is undulating: a challenge even for seasoned cross-country skiers.

The roughly ten-kilometre trail begins directly by the Bumbach, Skilift bus stop. It leaves the houses behind and climbs across open terrain. Meadows and pastures dominate the landscape, with the forest occasionally closing in on the trail. After the first longer ascent, the highest point of the circuit is reached near Grätli at just under 1,000 m. By this point, the route has gained a good proportion of its total elevation gain of around 200 metres.

The trail continues to Kemmeribodenbad, reached at roughly the halfway point. Restaurant Kemmeriboden Bad stands slightly off the trail. The circuit then turns back towards Bumbach. The second half is likewise characterised by an alternation of broad meadows and short sections of forest, with the return ascent spread along the route. Towards the end, the trail passes Gasthof Alpenrose and runs through Bumbach. After just under three hours, the circuit closes back at the Bumbach, Skilift bus stop.