The best walks and hikes around Melchnau
4.7
(143)
951
hikers
18
hikes
Hiking around Melchnau, a municipality in the Oberaargau district of the canton of Bern, Switzerland, offers diverse landscapes. The region features rolling farmlands, serene pine forests, and gentle hills. Hikers can explore a "hill world" between the Langete and Rot rivers, characterized by varied woodlands and panoramic viewpoints. The terrain includes unique wet meadows in the Rot valley and historical sites like the Grünenberg and Langenstein castle ruins.
Best hiking trails around Melchnau
- The most popular hiking route is Grünenberg Ruins Melchnau – Rest area loop from Melchnau, a 3.8 miles (6.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 44 minutes to complete. This easy route explores the area around the historic Grünenberg castle ruins.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Pura Café – Huttwil railway station loop from Reisiswil, a difficult 11.3 miles (18.3 km) path. This longer trail offers extensive views across the Swiss Midlands and through varied forest sections.
- Local hikers also love the Gasthof Bürgisweyerbad – Bürgisweier loop from Melchnau, a 4.7 miles (7.6 km) trail leading through forested areas and open landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 10 minutes.
- Hiking around Melchnau is defined by rolling farmlands, tranquil pine forests, and historical castle ruins. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging, longer routes.
- The routes in Melchnau are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 130 reviews. More than 900 hikers have used komoot to explore Melchnau's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
4.5
(13)
53
hikers
6.18km
01:44
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
12
hikers
18.3km
05:06
330m
330m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
hikers
7.62km
02:10
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
5
hikers
5.74km
01:39
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
5.23km
01:27
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The toilet is located next to the main building.
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Huttwil is approximately 16 km from Langenthal, 16 km from Sumiswald, and 25 km from Sursee via cantonal roads. Huttwil is located far from highways, which reduces the town's attractiveness as a location. The nearest highway exits are relatively far away: Sursee (25 km), Dagmersellen (20 km), Niederbipp (25 km), and Kirchberg (25 km). The major German-speaking Swiss cities of Bern, Lucerne, Zurich, and Basel are all approximately the same distance away; the journey time to Lucerne and Bern is approximately 45 minutes, and to Basel and Zurich approximately 60 minutes. Huttwil train station today Huttwil train station today The railway has a long tradition in Huttwil. For decades, the Vereinigte Huttwil-Bahnen (VHB) had its headquarters in Huttwil. These railway lines are now operated by BLS AG. Huttwil is a station on the Langenthal–Willisau–Wolhusen–Lucerne railway line. Until 2006, Huttwil was a terminus of the Bern S-Bahn. Since then, this line from Bern has only operated as far as Sumiswald station, with the final section to Huttwil (approximately 12 km) served by buses. This cut Huttwil off from the Bern S-Bahn line and from direct connections to the federal capital. Instead, the connection from Langenthal via Huttwil and Wolhusen is directly connected to the cantonal capital of Lucerne. Since the introduction of the Lucerne S-Bahn (December 12, 2004), the S6 has run hourly directly to Lucerne. Since 2009, the private cooperative Museumsbahn Emmental has operated a charter and excursion service, partly with historic rolling stock, on the line between Huttwil and Sumiswald, which has since been closed. In addition, the line is used for testing and certification runs of new rolling stock and new components by various companies and railway companies. After a construction period of two and a half years, BLS opened the modernized Huttwil station with an official inauguration ceremony. The station, which was in need of renovation and dates back to the late 1950s, has been transformed into an attractive station. BLS has invested a total of around 50 million Swiss francs in the station modernization.[9]
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Nice place to take a break for a walk
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But be careful, you will make yourself very unpopular in Huttwil if you come with Dorf. little town, will be much better received.
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NB! You walk a lot in open areas, without shelter. Better not when it's very hot! Other than that, a nice walk!
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There are various catering options in Huttwil.
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The Christmas market in December is particularly worth a visit. The village has a small beautiful and old core. Incidentally, the Flyer e-bikes are produced in Huttwil.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Melchnau?
There are nearly 20 hiking trails around Melchnau, offering a variety of experiences. These include easy loops through farmlands and forests, as well as more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in Melchnau?
Yes, Melchnau offers several easy trails perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Grünenberg Ruins Melchnau – Rest area loop from Melchnau is an easy 6.2 km route that explores the historic castle ruins. Many paths are easily accessible and suitable for all skill levels.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Melchnau?
Hiking in Melchnau offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling farmlands, serene pine forests, and gentle hills. You'll encounter the 'Hügelwelt' (hill world) between the Langete and Rot rivers, featuring mysterious forests and expansive panoramic viewpoints. The Rot valley also boasts unique wet meadows where you might spot storks and kingfishers.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to explore on the trails?
Absolutely. A major historical highlight is the complex of three ruined castles—Grünenberg, Schnabelburg, and Langenstein—situated on a hill above Melchnau. You can explore the ruins of Grünenberg Ruins Melchnau and Langenstein. The Grünenberg Ruins Melchnau – Rest area loop from Melchnau is a great way to visit this area.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Melchnau?
Yes, many of the trails around Melchnau are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Grünenberg Ruins Melchnau – Rest area loop from Melchnau and the Hiking loop from Melchnau, which offers a pleasant 5.7 km circuit.
What are the best viewpoints in the Melchnau area?
For exceptional panoramic views, the Hohwacht tower is a must-visit. On clear days, it offers a view stretching across the Alpine chain from Säntis to Berra and the Jura from Lägern to Noirmont. The Melchnau-Huttwil trail also provides magnificent views of the Central Alps and across the Midlands to the Jura.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Melchnau?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 130 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil forests to open farmlands, the well-maintained paths, and the historical charm of the castle ruins.
Are there any natural attractions or unique features to see?
Beyond the rolling hills and forests, the Rot valley features unique wet meadows, known as Wässermatten, where you can observe diverse birdlife. You can also find interesting natural monuments like the Mummentaler Weiher Nature Reserve and an Ancient oak in the wider region.
Are there options for longer, more challenging hikes?
Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Pura Café – Huttwil railway station loop from Reisiswil offer a difficult 18.3 km path with significant elevation changes, providing extensive views and varied forest sections.
Are there places to rest or picnic along the trails?
Many routes in Melchnau include inviting resting places. For example, the path to Hohwacht has multiple spots to take a break. The Melchnau-Langenthal trail also features a picnic spot with tables, benches, and a barbecue area at Rastplatz Pauli, perfect for a break.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Melchnau?
Melchnau's charming landscape is enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Spring and early autumn are particularly pleasant, offering mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Spring brings blooming meadows and the chance to spot wildlife in the wet meadows, while autumn showcases beautiful fall foliage in the forests.
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