Naturbrücke Räbloch
3537 Eggiwil, Switzerland, Eggiwil
Wunderschöne Naturbrücke. Parken +/- 20 Minuten Fußweg. Nur für Menschen ohne Höhenangst und mit festen Wanderschuhen und guter Kondition
Ein wunderschöner Ort – sehr friedlich und ruhig. Für Menschen mit Höhenangst ist es möglicherweise ungeeignet, da der Abstieg vom Parkplatz durch den Wald sehr steil und mit einem erheblichen Gefälle verbunden ist. Die natürliche Brücke ist äußerst beeindruckend und liegt ziemlich hoch über der Schlucht. Der Fußweg vom Parkplatz dauert etwa 15–20 Minuten.
Eine wirklich fantastische Aussicht! Obwohl der Abstieg mit Geländern gesichert ist, empfehle ich dennoch sehr griffiges Schuhwerk – vor allem bei nassem Untergrund kann es an manchen Stellen sehr rutschig werden.
The gorge was formed beneath glacial ice. Even during the last Ice Age, the Räbloch, unlike the rest of the Emmental region, was covered in ice. The Emme Glacier extended as far as the northern end of the Siehen Plateau near the Chnubel. During the Ice Ages, ice flows and water naturally followed the tectonically predetermined fissures, widening and deepening them. According to current understanding, the truly gorge-like sections of the Räbloch, meaning the deepest 40 to 70 meters, were formed beneath the glacial ice. The natural bridge originated from the lateral splitting and sliding of a conglomerate rock formation, which ultimately became wedged between the two gorge walls. "He who is not afraid to cross over and let his eye plunge into the abyss is already among the braver people and no longer needs to fear purgatory..." (E.A. Türler 1887) Today, a well-maintained hiking trail leads from the Steinmösli nature reserve (parking lot and bus stop EGGIWIL Räbloch) to the natural bridge (one way approx. 20 min.) and from there onwards towards Pfaffenmoos.
Visiting the Räbloch natural bridge in winter can be quite dangerous, depending on the trail conditions. In some cases, a visit must be avoided for safety reasons. For example, during my visit, access from the east side was practically impossible due to icing, while the west side was well-secured and practically ice-free, making it just about manageable with normal hiking gear. It's truly impressive what masses of ice winter can conjure up there, and combined with the sheer scale, the depth, and the imposing appearance, the visit becomes a unique natural experience.
A small natural bridge offers a view of the impressive gorge carved by the Emme River. From the "Hochmoor & Räbloch" parking area, a steep hiking trail leads down into the gorge. The descent involves a 117-meter drop. Sturdy footwear is recommended! Allow 45 minutes for the round trip.