On the Alpine Panorama Trail over the Moosegg to Münsingen

The Alpine Panorama Trail (SwitzerlandMobility Route 3) winds its way from Rorschach on Lake Constance to the eastern tip of Switzerland – to Geneva. Last summer, we took a close look at one of the 29 stages during our Napf circumnavigation: stage 14 from Lüderenalp to Napf. Why not build on that?

No sooner said than done. The Alpine Panorama Trail runs along the foothills of the Alps at altitudes between 500 and 1,400 metres above sea level. This not only guarantees a panoramic view of the Alps, but also a really long hiking season. An ideal route to “collect” the first kilometres of hiking trails of the season as early as March or to enjoy the fantastic Alpine panorama until late in autumn.

1st hiking day: alone in the open field

Not only the wonderful spring weather, but also the prospect of a delicious stopover inspired our spontaneous idea to complete a two-day hike on the Alpine Panorama Trail in the first half of March. The goal: to hike from Lüderenalp through the Emmental hilly landscape to the foot of the Belpberg – to Münsingen. But my euphoria was abruptly curbed when I consulted the timetable. “Why can’t I see a bus connection from Langnau to Lüderenalp?” The reason is simple: because this is a seasonal hiking bus service that only operates in the summer months.

Well, what a pity! Fortunately, there is an alternative bus connection from Langnau in the direction of “Obere Frittenbachgrabe”. This is as remote as it sounds. The bus does not run often and if there were no school in this side valley, then this bus connection would probably also be discontinued. We were the only passengers (apart from the school children) that day. And so we start the 15th stage of the Alpine Panorama Trail, contrary to the actual route, not directly on the Lüderenalp, but at Aeugstmatt in the Upper Frittenbachgrabe.

From here we first go uphill on a tarred road for about thirty minutes until we cross the Alpine Panorama Trail. Soon, the hiking trail leads us away from the road on gravel paths through the “Dürsrütiwald”. At first glance, this forest may not differ from other Emmental hilly forests – but it has written a piece of forest history in the past century.

After just under an hour’s walk, we reach the end of the hill range and see our destination for the day – the Moosegg – in front of us. But in between, there is a descent down to Emmenmatt, where the Ilfis and Emme rivers meet, and another ascent into the heights of the hilly landscape. But we make quick progress and reach the sun terrace of the Moosegg just in time for the “Zvieri”.

Key data of the hike Oberfrittenbach – Moosegg (Alpine Panorama Trail, stage 15)

Starting point	Bus stop Oberfrittenbach, Aeugstmatt (810 m above sea level)
Reachability	Accessible by public transport
Length	12.7 kilometers
Elevation gain	↗ 603 m 464 m ↘
Duration	3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Destination	Bus stop Moosegg, Hotel (960 m above sea level)
Catering	Refreshment stops in Emmenmatt (otherwise picnic)

Delicious pit stop on the Moosegg

To sit comfortably outside, however, it is still a bit too fresh. Instead, we move into our room and then enjoy our pre-reserved slot in the hotpot. Wonderful, I’ll tell you! In recent years, the Hotel Moosegg has made a name for itself far and wide, especially with its excellent cuisine. Managing director and chef Daniel Lehmann has earned 16 GaultMillau points and has been president of the international association of Jeunes Restaurateurs since 2019. Our expectations were correspondingly high – and were fulfilled “drum rolls”!

Cozy, newly renovated rooms with a view. A small, fine outdoor wellness area with sauna and hotpot (with appropriate pre-booking) as a welcome moment of relaxation after the hiking stage on the Alpine Panorama Trail. And the seasonal tasting menu from A to Z was a success (including a well-thought-out vegetarian version).

2nd hiking day: from the Emmental to the Aare Valley

The second day of hiking starts as the first ended: with an atmospheric view towards Schrattenfluh and Schibengütsch and a delicious breakfast. The high culinary standard of the Moosegg is not “only” limited to the gourmet menu in the evening, but is also reflected in the breakfast buffet. This is characterized by a careful selection of regional products and personal chef tips (such as the muesli combinations).

Strengthened and rested, we tackle the second hiking stage. This leads us over the wooded ridges of the Blasenflue up to the highest point of the tour at 1,118 metres above sea level. On this section of the trail there are still isolated remnants of snow. Unfortunately, the visibility is hazy on this day and the snow-capped Alps are hidden behind a layer of haze. Nevertheless, the view from the bubble flue is magnificent! It is also wonderful that, as on the previous day, we do not meet a soul.

On the following kilometres down to Grosshöchstetten, the view opens up towards the Stockhorn chain. A familiar look! Home is getting closer. The forest paths are varied and the tar content is kept within a tolerable range.

Only shortly after Grosshöchstetten is a bit of stamina required. Here, the hiking trail leads a good kilometre of an unattractive tarred road up to the “Zelg” farm. After that, however, there are again quite promising dirt roads for reconciliation, which lead high above Konolfingen via Tägertschi into the wide Aare valley down to Münsingen. Now all I have to do is cross the next hill in front of me – the Belpberg – and I would be “home”. But we’ll save this stage of the Alpine Panorama Trail for another time.

Key data of the hike Moosegg – Münsingen (Alpine Panorama Trail, stage 16)

Starting point	Bus stop Moosegg, Hotel (960 m above sea level)
Reachability	Accessible by public transport
Length	19.1 kilometres
Elevation gain	↗ 437 m 861 m ↘
Duration	4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Destination	Münsingen railway station (540 m above sea level)
Catering	Refreshment stops in Grosshöchstetten (otherwise picnic)

My conclusion: A successful start to the 2022 hiking season! Who would have thought that we would complete a two-day hike on the Alpine Panorama Trail before the official start of spring. But the beautiful weather wants to be used! With a stopover at the Hotel Moosegg, stages 15 and 16 of the Alpine Panorama Trail also offer the perfect combination of hiking and enjoyment. Accommodation prices at the Hotel Moosegg start at around CHF 180 per night including breakfast. We booked the “Moosegg Gourmet Evening” package for 540 CHF. In addition to the overnight stay with breakfast, this includes a welcome drink, an hour in the hotpot or sauna, an aperitif with sparkling wine and appetizers as well as the tasting menu (plus cheese). In my opinion, a package with an absolutely fair price-performance ratio.

The hike itself is not technically difficult and runs mostly on gravel paths (T1/T2). However, due to the distances (19 kilometers on the second day of hiking), a solid basic level of fitness is an advantage. Alternatively, I recommend the short, crisp ascent from Emmenmatt to Moosegg.