Experiences, eating and drinking along the way

The legendary “Tales of the Gantrisch” e-bike route has so much to offer! Discover fascinating sites steeped in the legends of the region, purchase regional products at a farm or village shop and enjoy the hospitality of a traditional country inn or restaurant. We’ll tell you exactly where it’s worth making a stop along the route.

  • Fact

    Many restaurants and cafés are closed on Sundays and Mondays or have irregular opening hours. So that you don't have to cycle next door on an empty stomach, we recommend that you check the opening hours in advance on the establishments' websites.

Welcome locations

Riggisberg, Post

You can reach the welcome location at the “Riggisberg, Post” bus stop with the S-Bahn urban train and Postauto bus in about 30 minutes from Bern. By the way, you can easily rent an e-bike from Gantrisch Bike & Sport on the other side of the road, near the bus stop. Just a few minutes of pedalling will take you to the Schlossgarten Riggisberg castle garden, where you will find the first legendary site with the legend of “Der Rabbentaler” (The inhabitant of the Rabben valley). Then, continue cycling clockwise along Veloroute 99 on the “Tales of the Gantrisch” cycling route towards Wattenwil.

Location

Burgistein, Bahnhof

You can reach the welcome location at Burgistein train station with the S-Bahn urban train in about 30 minutes from Bern and in about 15 minutes from Thun. Anyone who doesn’t already have an e-bike with them or hasn’t rented one in Bern can rent a bike of their choice from the local bike shop, Stebi’s Check Point GmbH. This is the starting point for the “Tales of the Gantrisch” Cycling Route. Simply head clockwise on secondary Route 74 towards the legendary site of Wattenwil.

Location

Schwarzenburg, Bahnhof

You can reach the welcome location at Schwarzenburg train station with the S-Bahn urban train in about 30 minutes from Bern. Another option is to travel from Fribourg by bus. Would you like to rent an e-bike? If so, reserve whichever bike you choose from the Bikewander shop in Schwarzenburg. Continue along Veloroute 62 to the legendary site in Hinterfultigen.

Location

Experiences

Wattenwil: Chatz u Muus (Cat and mouse)

How did the distinctive rock formation “Chatz u Muus” on the Walalp ridge above Wattenwil get its name? The legend at the site in Wattenwil provides an answer to this question. You can either scan the QR code and listen to the legend narrated by local residents or find the written legend in its hiding place in the wooden post and read it yourself.

Location

Rüschegg: Hausierer (Pedlars)

The area around Rüschegg was marked by hunger and poverty during the first half of the 19th century. One way to escape this misery was to become a pedlar. They travelled with their goods from Rüschegg all over the canton of Bern. Listen to or read the legend of Chrigeli Christen, thought to be the region’s first pedlar, at the legendary site in Rüschegg.

Location

Riffenmatt: Der Fadenknäuel (The ball of thread)

You can see the Horbühl pass with its dense forests from the legendary site in Riffenmatt. What deep secrets do you think are hidden in those dark, leafy forests? Legend has it that several villagers from Riffenmatt captured two dwarves and locked them up in the village to make them disclose a well-guarded dwarf secret. You can find out whether they succeeded or not at the legendary site in Riffenmatt.

Location

Hinterfultigen: Der brennende Mann (The burning man)

Would you forgive someone who shamelessly exploited their position of power? From the 15th century onwards, during the reign of the bailiffs, conditions in the region around Hinterfultigen were sometimes unjust. Listen to or read the legend of “The burning man” at the legendary site in Hinterfultigen.

Rüeggisberg: Der kopflose Mönch (The headless monk)

You can look out over the ruins of a monastery at the legendary site in Rüeggisberg. French monks of the Cluniac Order once lived here in the 12th century, bringing foreign customs and morals with them. The clash of different cultures was fertile ground for the eerie legend of “The headless monk”. Look forward to a listening and reading adventure at the Rüeggisberg legendary site and don’t forget to take a souvenir photo with the headless monk.

Location

Riggisberg: Der Rabbentaler (The inhabitant of the Rabben valley)

The castle in Riggisberg is marked by a sense of orderliness and attention to detail today, but that was not always the case. According to legend, Abraham von Erlach once lived in this ornate castle as its lord and threw pompous parties. Use your smartphone to listen to the legend of “The inhabitant of the Rabben valley”, which is narrated by actual residents of the region. You can also read the legend on the board, which is stored in the legend box on site.

Location

Restaurants and cafés

Restaurant Caroline, Rüschegg

The delicious ice-cream sundaes from Restaurant Caroline in Rüschegg are the perfect sweet addition to any cycling adventure. Or how about a handmade pizza and the chance to choose the ingredients yourself? This cosy garden restaurant satisfies any appetite with its home-style cuisine. You can also play mini-golf or pit-pat billiards here if you’re not too tired!

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Gasthof Löwen Riffenmatt

This sixth-generation family-run country inn is currently in the hands of Regula and Roger Aebischer. The dedicated hosts are members of the professional associations “Guild of Established Gastronomes” and “Cercles des Chefs de Cuisine Berne”. The friendly duo serves their guests seasonal delicacies with a great deal of passion. Whether it’s a feast, a refreshing drink or an overnight stay – you will be treated to the height of hospitality at Gasthof Löwen Riffenmatt.

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Hotel Restaurant Sternen Guggisberg

This traditional country inn with modern touches is known for its refined, light and harmonious cuisine. Enjoy seasonal specialities and dishes made from regional products on the garden terrace or the veranda. Spend a peaceful night at Hotel Restaurant Sternen in Guggisberg in a cosy room with a balcony and a view of the Alps.

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Hotel Restaurant Sonne, Schwarzenburg

Hotel Restaurant Sonne brings the culinary delights of southern Switzerland to the foothills of the Alps in Schwarzenburg. The dishes made from regional and seasonal ingredients are prepared and served with great attention to detail. How about spending a relaxing night in a comfortable hotel room in Schwarzenburg? Kiran Beeharry and the Sonne team are looking forward to your visit.

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Gasthof Bühl, Schwarzenburg

The speciality at Gasthof Bühl in Schwarzenburg is meat served on a hot stone. This country inn is ready to welcome you, whether for a quick coffee or a relaxed lunch special in a rural atmosphere. All the rooms at the inn have a balcony with a view of the surrounding mountains.

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Restaurant Sternen Oberbütschel

At Restaurant Sternen in Oberbütschel, tradition is combined with innovation and warm hospitality. International cuisine, such as Sri Lankan, is served here in addition to regional delicacies like homemade Rösti potato pancakes. A true delight for the palate.

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Restaurant Brunnen, Riggisberg

Restaurant Brunnen is located in the Riggisberg castle garden. An ideal meeting place, the restaurant invites you to linger and enjoy yourself in the parlour, the dining room, the von Steiger lounge or on the garden terrace. The rotating menu bears the “Goût Mieux” label of quality and offers tasty and balanced daily specials made from seasonal produce.

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Farm and village shops

Hofladen Pfandersmatt, Burgistein

With a rich history behind it, the Pfandersmatt farm has a 24-hour shop selling delicious fruit from its orchards, milk, eggs, meat, potatoes, honey and syrup from its own production. In addition to refreshing drinks, Alpine cheese and various baked goods, Gasparini ice cream is also on offer. Anyone who is interested can also take a look inside the barn or watch the milking process. Bänz and Mirjam Stalder Walde look forward to welcoming you to their farm.

Mühlihofladen farm shop, Rüschegg Gambach

Legendary “Züpfe” (braided bread) is sold here every Saturday, and fresh bread is available on Tuesdays from 4:00 pm. It definitely goes well with the homemade jam, dairy products from the Gambach cheese dairy, or farm-fresh sausages. The perfect place to pick up food for a picnic while cycling the “Tales of the Gantrisch” cycling route. Or how about taking home some handmade “Brezeli” biscuits or syrup as a souvenir?

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BIRENA organic shop, Schwarzenburg

The BIRENA organic shop is located in the middle of beautiful Schwarzenburg and offers a wide range of regional specialities and health foods, such as cheese, milk, flour, lentils and natural body care products. Some natural foods are sold in bulk at the BIRENA Bioladen. You can bring your own container to fill or request one on site.

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  • Tipp

    Purchase some legendary “Sagentee” in the BIRENA Bioladen, which is inspired by the “Tales of the Gantrisch” Cycling Route and made from local organic herbs. Or how about some fabulous muesli from the Dittlig mill?

Üse Dorfmärit village shop, Rüeggisberg

This grocery shop is a great place to buy regional and seasonal products. Located in the middle of Rüeggisberg, the Üse Dorfmärit offers everything e-bike fans need for a snack along the “Tales of the Gantrisch” cycling route, from baked goods to dairy products and vegetables. Every Wednesday there are homemade doughnuts, while Friday is fruitcake day and on Saturday there are delectable custard slices.

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  • Tipp

    Stop at the Üse Dorfmärit village shop to buy some fabulous muesli from the Dittlig mill and just happens to be inspired by the legendary “Tales of the Gantrisch” e-bike route cycling route.

Bergkäserei Oberbütschel REK AG, Rüeggisberg

At the Bergkäserei Oberbütschel REK Alpine cheese dairy, you will be tempted by the finest Gantrisch Alpine cheese, cheese from the Stafel alp, Klosterkäse (monastery cheese), Bütschelegger cheese, Emmental AOP as well as various Mutschli, Ziger and fondue cheeses, butter and yoghurt. The master cheesemakers and their team process milk from 46 suppliers into regional cheese and milk specialities in the two Emmental cheese dairies in the Rüeggisberg municipality.

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Eggladen shop at Schlossgarten Riggisberg

The Eggladen shop sells products that have been lovingly made by hand in the various workshops and studios in the Schlossgarten Riggisberg castle garden. The production sites can be visited upon arrangement. From handblown glass and woven items to tea, spices and art cards, you will find unique and high-quality products in the Eggladen shop. Don’t have any more room on your e-bike? No problem! Purchases can also be conveniently delivered to your home.

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Accommodations

Erlebnis Hofmatt, Wattenwil

After pedalling for hours, how about spending a relaxing and cosy evening in this accommodation “Erlebnis Hofmatt”? If you book in advance, you can also enjoy a dinner made from regional products. After a restful night, you will be greeted by a hearty breakfast the next morning. The Künzi family is looking forward to your visit.

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Gasthof Löwen Riffenmatt

This sixth-generation family-run country inn is currently in the hands of Regula and Roger Aebischer. The dedicated hosts are members of the professional associations “Guild of Established Gastronomes” and “Cercles des Chefs de Cuisine Berne”. The friendly duo serves their guests seasonal delicacies with a great deal of passion. Whether it’s a feast, a refreshing drink or an overnight stay – you will be treated to the height of hospitality at Gasthof Löwen Riffenmatt.

Hotel Restaurant Sternen Guggisberg

This traditional country inn with modern touches is known for its refined, light and harmonious cuisine. Enjoy seasonal specialities and dishes made from regional products on the garden terrace or the veranda. Spend a peaceful night at Hotel Restaurant Sternen in Guggisberg in a cosy room with a balcony and a view of the Alps.

More info

Hotel Restaurant Sonne, Schwarzenburg

Hotel Restaurant Sonne brings the culinary delights of southern Switzerland to the foothills of the Alps in Schwarzenburg. The dishes made from regional and seasonal ingredients are prepared and served with great attention to detail. How about spending a relaxing night in a comfortable hotel room in Schwarzenburg? Kiran Beeharry and the Sonne team are looking forward to your visit.

More info

Gasthof Bühl, Schwarzenburg

The speciality at Gasthof Bühl in Schwarzenburg is meat served on a hot stone. This country inn is ready to welcome you, whether for a quick coffee or a relaxed lunch special in a rural atmosphere. All the rooms at the inn have a balcony with a view of the surrounding mountains.

More info

Breitenackern organic farm, Hinterfultigen

You can spend the night here in the romantic garden house or even in the barn, if you prefer. The Messerli family’s farm is not directly on the “Tales of the Gantrisch” cycling route, but it offers a wonderful view, tranquillity and abundant nature. Once it’s dark, don’t forget to take a look at the splendid starry sky. The next morning, a carefully prepared breakfast with products directly from the farm and the region will be waiting for you.

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B&B Bären Rüeggisberg

The B&B Bären Rüeggisberg is located in the middle of the village. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the Gantrisch mountain range from the balconies of the rooms at this charming bed & breakfast. Relive the adventures from your day of cycling while enjoying a refreshing drink, a cold platter or homemade soup. A complete meal can also be ordered on request. After a restful night, you can look forward to a hearty breakfast buffet the next morning.

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Bed and Breakfast im Schloss, Riggisberg

Stay overnight like the lord of the castle once did in one of the four beautiful rooms of the Bed and Breakfast at Riggisberg Castle. In addition to a legendary view, you will be treated to a breakfast made from regional ingredients. The Schlossgarten Riggisberg offers unique accommodation options, including a double room, a spacious family room, and even a romantic room with a four-poster bed.

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Bike shops

Stebi’s Check Point, Seftigen

The Stebi’s Check Point family business places a high priority on providing personalised advice. From the sale of bicycles, gear and accessories to repairs and the rental of e-bikes, dealing with this family-run business lets you benefit from their many years of experience in the cycling industry. The shop is located near the Burgistein train station. Rent an e-bike here and start the legendary “Tales of the Gantrisch” cycling route at the welcome location in Burgistein.

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Hadorn Velos Motos, Wattenwil

Would you like to rent, test or buy an e-bike? The Hadorn Velos Motos family business in Wattenwil, which has been operating since 1904, sells new and second-hand bicycles and related accessories, and also rents out e-bikes for test rides. If a problem arises with your e-bike, the passionate repair team will be happy to help you – and you can rest assured that your two-wheeler is in the best of hands.

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Bikewander, Schwarzenburg

Bikewander wants to share the bike love around. To do this, family Bikewander with their hiking guide André Hostettler rents out e-bikes and offers guided hiking, biking and cycling tours in Gantrisch Nature Park. Would you like to start the “Tales of the Gantrisch” e-bike route at the welcome location in Schwarzenburg and rent an e-bike on site? If so, then Bikewander is the right place for you.

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Gantrisch Bike & Sport, Riggisberg

Gantrisch Bike & Sport in Riggisberg is an authentic specialist sports and bike retailer in the heart of Gantrisch Nature Park. You can rent an e-bike here, and Simon Zahnd and his team offer immediate help in case of a breakdown. A passion for cycling is lived out at this specialist bike shop, and you will always receive friendly, professional advice.

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BBQ and picnic areas

Grundmoos fire pit

A simple fire pit with running water awaits you in Grundmoos, above Wattenwil. A barbecue grill is provided, but the fire pit is not covered in case of rain. Buy local products at a farm or village shop and stop off here for a refreshing break.

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Rütiplötsch Rüschegg fire pit

The Rütiplötsch fire pit is located in Rüschegg, just below the Rütiplötsch bridge where the Biberze and Schwarzwasser rivers meet. Access to the water is somewhat difficult, but the fire pit is in the middle of a cool, leafy forest. Perfect for a break on a hot day, don’t you agree?

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Guggershörnli fire pit

The climb up the wooden steps to the Guggershörnli lookout point is well worth the effort. The Guggershörnli fire pit offers expansive views over large parts of Gantrisch Nature Park and all the way from the Alps to Lake Biel. The inviting seating area is ideal for a relaxing stopover with a panoramic view.

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Flüeli grill and BBQ area

A true barbecue oasis awaits you beside the Dorfbach stream in Schwarzenburg. The Flüeli grill and BBQ area offers comfortable seating and fire pits including grills. A stop at this idyllic spot is always worthwhile.

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Thanwald fire pit

The Thanwald fire pit is located near the legendary site at the Rüeggisberg monastery ruins. Enjoy the magnificent view here, and make good use of the barbecue grill and wood provided. The log cabin also offers shelter from the rain or cool shade when the sun is hot.

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Tavel memorial with a view

The Tavel memorial pays homage to Bernese-German poet Rudolf von Tavel. It’s also the perfect vantage point to enjoy the view of the legendary Alpine panorama and Lake Thun, making a short detour to this plaque memorial worthwhile at any time.

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Riggisberg Castle Garden

There is a pond in front of Riggisberg Castle with comfortable benches that invite you to linger for a bit. It is a wonderful place to relax.

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Any more questions?

Practical information

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