ViaBerna - stage 12 Aeschi - Saxeten

The start from Aeschi to Aeschiried already presents a panoramic view, close to the Niesen, the famous mountain pyramid on Lake Thun. After wonderful views of the Frutigland, a descending path soon branches off to the Suldbach and runs as a beautiful footpath along the river valley inward. In Suldweid you are in the middle of the Suldtal nature reserve. Through meadowland, you reach the mountain restaurant in Suld. The centuries-old storehouses, which stand under mighty maple trees, serve as cheese storage for the surrounding alpine pastures. Now the ascent begins through the wooded gorge of the Latrejebach. Soon a beautiful view opens up of the spraying Pochtenfall waterfall. Over pastures, you reach the huts of Schlieri. Small waterfalls also delight on the way to Mittelberg. The Latreje Alp beneath the rugged rock bands of the Schwalmere and the green slopes of the Dreispitz is one of the largest alpine pastures in the Oberland. From Mittelberg, the path winds in tight switchbacks to the Renggli Pass between Schwalmere and Morgenberghorn. Surprisingly, the view opens through the green Saxeten valley out to Lake Brienz. Caution is advised on the descent over the uppermost slope. Afterwards, a path leads to the huts of Mittelberg. The further descent through the valley flank and over mountain pastures to Innerfeld and into the village of Saxeten forms the end of the hike. Certain sections require caution; hiking in rain, snow, or fog is not recommended.

The Suldtal is considered a secret tip for animal and plant observations. The nature reserve is home to many black grouse, occasionally capercaillie, the rock ptarmigan, and even the rare alpine rock wren. A pair of golden eagles hunts the area; chamois and roe deer are also about, as well as fox, badger, marten, raccoon, and lynx. The richness of orchids is diverse. Gentian is also present; paradise lily, grass lily, or Turk's cap lily form entire fields, and the rare alpine columbine can also be found. Edelweiss, alpine sow-thistle, and alpine rose are also native.

About 80 meters, the Latrejebach falls over a vertical rock face at the Pochtenfall into the valley. The natural spectacle is a popular excursion destination.

The path over the Renggli Pass was probably already used in pre-Roman times. Because an alpine festival once took place at the pass summit, the crossing is also called Tanzbödelipass.

The village of Saxeten lies 1,130 meters above sea level, nestled between Bällenhöchst, Sulegg, Schwalmere, and Morgenberghorn. Population-wise, Saxeten is one of the smallest municipalities in the Bernese Oberland.