The top of Gantrisch

Why do I talk about the “top of Gantrisch”? The reason is that the toponym Gantrisch designates not only a region (the one located in front of the Pre-Alps straddling the cantons of Friborg and Bern), but also a summit of this region. Surprisingly, the top of Gantrisch is not the highest point of this range, but is at the summit of the Ochse. On the other hand, from the plain, the summit of Gantrisch displays a very particular and recognizable shape. This is probably why this name was given to the region.

The summit of Gantrisch, even though the routes shown on the map are indicated as mountain trails, requires a sure foot to be able to climb it. From Wasserscheide, we start by following a good path to the Obernünene chalet and alpine hut. From this point, the trail becomes narrower and increasingly steep. It ends up climbing east towards the Leiterepass.

From the pass, the marked path invites you to descend a little to take a path crossing the entire slope under the Gantrisch to reach the southwest ridge. However, it is preferable to follow a path running along the ridge coming from the pass and breaking away from it below the summit. This trail is not marked, but it is well enough frequented to be relatively easy to navigate. Only one or two short passages require the use of hands. In the crossing under the Gantrisch, a few ravines might frighten those who do not have a sure foot.

After the crossing, we reach the southwest ridge and the marked trail. Even though the trail is classified as a mountain trail, you should know that the use of hands is, here and there, necessary for balance. Cables help with progression but are often not necessary.

The Gantrisch is a magnificent viewpoint whose location is like the Stockhorn. Indeed, towards the north, no summits hide the view. We also have a very beautiful view of the Alps from which we can see Mont Blanc in the background.

For the return, I chose to go down towards Weissenburg. To do this, I crossed the ridge to reach the Morgetepass and descend along the Morgetebach. In doing so, we pass the spectacular Faal waterfalls. The only drawback is that you must follow the dusty road going up to Morgete for a long way. As a car passes from time to time, we end up breathing in a lot of dust.

Further down, after a corner in the road, we cross a spectacular footbridge to reach the other bank of the Morgetebach. From the other bank, a path equipped with ladders allows you to descend into the Buuschetal not far from the mouth of the Morgetebach. After crossing this torrent again, we follow a much flatter path to reach the ruins of the first Weissenburg spa. Continuing, we pass the ruins of the Weissenburg spa and follow the side of the valley to reach the train station.

In German Switzerland, we still see many restaurants brands advertising “Weissenburger Citro”. In fact, mineral water was captured and bottled. There were also various lemonades made from mineral water. Production ceased in 1988 after the production equipment was moved to Eglisau.

Route: Wasserscheide (Gurnigel) – Obernünene – Leiterepass – Gantrisch – Morgetepass – Morgete – Schöneboden – Weissenbugerbad – Weissenburg
Distance: 14.7 km
Altitude gain: 720m positive/1530m negative
Duration: 5h30