Since the trains were no longer running between the Reuchenette and Bienne at that time, we thought that perhaps it would be advantageous to follow the Suze and cross the Gorges du Taubenloch. Indeed, this part of the valley is spectacular. The only shadow on the picture is the enormous cement works near the Reuchenette. Nevertheless, the path for pedestrians is arranged in such a way that it is not unduly disturbed by the environment.
Near Rondchâtel, we pass a warehouse in front of which we had seen barrels filled with curious balls the size of pétanque balls. These are steel balls used in cement mills.
Rondchâtel owes its name to a castle built on the remains of a Roman fort which stood on the hill overlooking the gorges. A legend about the former lord of the castle provides an explanation for the name of Taubenloch, since it was here that a local girl jumped into Suze to avoid the lord’s torments. The name Taubenloch (the dove’s hole) comes from this legend.
After Rondchâtel, follow the newly constructed path for cyclists which allows them to avoid the busy road. Because of the work on the semi-motorway of Biel, the pedestrian path is diverted to the cycling route. It is highly probable that this will remain the case in the future.
In Frinvillier, you pass an old fish farm before entering the gorges trail. The gorges are quite wide at first, but narrow as you approach their mouth. Just before reaching the first districts of Bienne, the trail runs between two vertical walls above the Suze.
At the mouth of the gorge, you can take a bus to reach the train station. But it is advantageous to follow the banks of the Suze because the environment is very friendly. As you do so, you pass the curious Swatch building, which has a tortuous wooden frame structure.
Route: Reuchenette-Péry – Rondchâtel – Frinvillier – Taubenloch Gorges – Schüssinsel – Bienne
Distance: 9.5Km
Altitude gain: 55m
Duration: 2h20
Previous Post
Next Post
