There are a few beautiful mountain lakes in the area around Binn that are worth visiting. Some are quite popular, such as the Mässersee, and others are rarely visited, such as the Fleschsee. It should be noted that there is no marked trail leading to the Fleschsee, so one must look for footprints on the ground to find the way there. The Halsesee, on the other hand, is reasonably popular. This is probably because it is a little off the path leading to the Albrunpass.
For those who do not want to make a trip forth and back to the Halsesee, there is a trail that starts near the lake and climbs through the pasture and under a rock face. This trail is marked on the map but can sometimes be hard to find on the ground, as green alder bushes hide it in places. This trail was built by the army to allow troops to reach the Albrunpass. During the last war, the army built a small hut near the pass. This hut was then used by the border guards (since they are part of the army). Later, the hut was bought in 1969 by the Delémont section of the Swiss Alpine Club, which enlarged and renovated it to make it the Binntalhütte that we know today. The above-mentioned trail is marked in yellow, and this marking leads to the Binntalhütte.
From Fäld, one can follow the left bank of the Binna, which allows one to pass by the beautiful mayens of Figgerscha. The climb along the Binna is wild and is interrupted by ravines. Crossing some of these can be a problem at the beginning of the season, when the snow from the avalanches covers the streams. At Furggmatta, the climb to the lake begins. Even though it is quite steep, the climb is short and one soon reaches the Halsesee.
The yellow marking begins immediately on the west side of the lake. This means that one does not follow the trail as it is marked on the map. It is only higher up that one finds the trail. At the arrival on a small plateau, the marking invites one to go to the right through some rock outcrops. If one wants to make a loop and go down, one must follow the trail to a small wooden hut. Just after the hut, you must cross a small stream, and the path is not always easy to find. Further on, you must find your way through a marshy area before you can descend to the Albrunpass trail.
On the way back along the beautiful mule trail, you will not fail to notice a very white substance on the ground near Chiestafel. This is lime that was produced on site and used to plaster the ground floors of traditional houses.
Route: Fäld (Binn) – Figgerscha – Furggmatta – Halsesee – Balme – Chiestafel – Freichi – Heiwmeder – Fäld
Distance: 13.3km
Elevation gain: 760m
Duration: 4h30
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