Grenzpfad Napfbergland, Stage 1/6

The mostly flat hike across meadows and through old coniferous forests offers beautiful views of the Jura and the Napf region. The former St. Urban monastery complex, castle ruins, and the ancient water meadows bear witness to a centuries-old settlement history.

The 25-kilometre hike begins at Langenthal railway station and soon leaves the town behind. Open fields and meadows alternate with shady stretches of forest along well-marked hiking trails throughout. The first section descends gently to Sankt Urban before the route heads back into the hills. The many short counter-climbs add up to around 700 metres of ascent, giving this long stage its endurance-testing character.

Beyond Sankt Urban, the trail undulates steadily through sparsely populated countryside. The forests repeatedly open out onto pastures, isolated farms and small hamlets. About two-thirds of the way along, the Babeliplatz barbecue site lies directly on the route and makes a suitable place for a break. The trail then continues via Schwendi to Gondiswil and follows the Fribach for a short distance. Shortly before Ettishäusern, the hike reaches its highest point at around 720 metres. The final section descends through more farmland to Huttwil. After just over six and a half hours, the hike ends at the railway station.