These hills in the Emmental region are known for meadows full of wild crocuses, usually blooming in early April.

The hike also has beautiful panoramic views of the idyllic countryside and many mountains, making it a good choice for spring even after the crocus has faded.

Our preferred route starts at a cookie factory, visits four large crocus fields, and ends at mountain cheese dairy. I’ve also included two loop options, which is better if you come by car, but only visit two of the crocus fields.

Note: It was rainy when we went, so the pics are not the best. But still we loved it. Go on a sunny day if you can.

WHEN TO GO: The crocus bloom as the snow melts, which is typically the beginning of April. But late snow storms can delay the bloom, cover early blooms, and make the trail difficult to walk. So check trail status before heading out.

Monitor Instagram: @MadeinBern #rämmisgummen @emmentalvalley 📍Rämisgummenhoger

Bergrestaurant Erika also posts crocus status

Route 65: Grenzpfad Napfbergland

We suggest Route 65: Grenzpfad Napfbergland. It’s a one way trail starting in Trubschachen, where you can visit the Kambly cookie factory (unlimited free samples!).

Then hike up to the crocus fields near Rämisgummen. Then descend to Marbach, where you can optionally visit a mountain cheese dairy before returning home. 

This route visits four large crocus fields, including our favorite field near the Wachthubel viewpoint.

Trail: 4h30 • 13.6km • 816m up 624m down

➡️ See trail map on SchweizMobil

Start: Trubschacen train station - from Lucerne 1h by car or train

End: Marbach LU, Bergkäserei bus stop - from Lucerne 1h05 by car, 1h25 by public transport

We started at the Trubschachen train station. Don't forget to stop at the Kambly cookie factory for free samples before heading out.

We ended in Schangnau and took the bus to the Escholzmatt train station, continuing from there by train back home.

We think hiking this direction is best because you have the mountains in view as you hike.

FLOWER FIELDS

The crocus fields in the middle of the trail, starting near Rämisgummen, ending at the Wachthubel viewpoint.

Here are locations of the main crocus fields (time from start on one-way trail).

🌸 Rämisgummenhoger (2h30) - slight detour above main trail

🌸 Hinter Rämisgummen (2h45) - large slope of crocus above small farm

🌸 Grosshorben (3h) - meadows above the farm near Bergegg

🌸 Wachthubel (3h25) - largest field as you ascend to Wachthubel viewpoint

HOW TO GET THERE

By public transport

Ride the train to Trubschachen to start the trail. From Lucerne 47 mins, Bern 36 mins, Zürich 1h40.

The trail ends at the Marbach LU, Bergkäserei bus stop. On weekends, the bus departs about once an hour, taking you to Escholzmatt, Bahnhof. Then ride a train to Luzern or Bern.

By car

I suggest parking at the end of the trail in Marbach (see parking). From Lucerne or Bern 1h, Zürich 1h35.

Then ride the bus + train to Trubsachen to start the hike (20 mins). This way, you don’t have to worry about catching the infrequent bus at the end of the hike. 

VARIATIONS

Long loop

If you are coming by car, you can park in Eggiwil. Hike up to Rämisgummen on the Trans Swiss Trail. Then loop back to your starting point.

Trail: 4h30 • 14.1km • 630m & down

➡️ See trail map on SchweizMobil

Short loop

If you have a car, you can drive up a mountain road and park at Berghaus Erika, which is very close to the crocus fields. In your GPS, drive via Trub and Geisshaldenalp. Don't drive on any private roads or those with signs prohibiting cars.

From the parking, I would head straight up to Rämisgummenhoger then down to Rämisgummen, where the longer trails also pass through.

Trail: 1h30 • 5.2 km loop • 195m up & down 

➡️ See trail map on SchweizMobil

⚠️There are only a few parking spots so it can fill up very early in the day on weekends. There are a few more spots along the road before you get to the restaurant.