Stage 03 Bern, 25.2 Km (72.5 Km)

Highlight of the day: Great finish with Egon in Bern. That's why the hike was worth it.

Actually, it's a pity that I have to leave Anja's beautiful house so early, but my destination today is still over 25 km away.

Another wonderful day of hiking and I try to gain some altitude quickly. When I reach the highest point, Anja calls me and tells me that I forgot my hiking poles. I was surprised because I hadn't even noticed it myself, even though it was quite steep uphill. So I had no choice but to go back down. But dear Anja comes to meet me by car and brings me the poles.

Afterwards, I hike an easier route and follow the road towards Hindelbank. Wherever possible, I take small detours so I don't have to walk on the busy road.

My 'hiking shoes' are actually more suitable for asphalt than for rocky paths: They are On shoes, which are more intended for the office or the car. But when I wanted to hike the Way of Switzerland a few months ago with an acquaintance, I noticed when we started walking that I had forgotten my hiking shoes. So I had no choice but to take my super comfortable and lightweight shoes for the hike. I was surprised at how comfortable and safe I could hike in these shoes. Since then, I have been calling them 'my hiking shoes'.

Hindelbank is known for its prison for women. It is called JVA, which stands for Justice Penal Institution. From the hiking trail, the prison is clearly visible and I think of the prisoners who are not allowed to enjoy the freedom like me.

The nearby restaurant is unfortunately closed. The host tells me that before Corona, he used to sell 60 lunches there every day. There are 2 huge truck parking lots in front of the restaurant, currently completely deserted. So I have to continue hiking hungry. Only in Moosseedorf do I find a Coop restaurant in a shopping center, where you have a wide selection in self-service. After that, I return to the hiking route and follow my path to Zollikofen. There I visit a Migros market to buy something small. Bananas are especially good as a quick source of energy.

Shortly afterwards, I reach the town sign of Bern. But there are still several kilometers to the train station, where I have an appointment with Egon at 4 p.m. Soon there is the opportunity to descend to the Aare river and follow the beautiful path along the Aare. Only on the way back will I follow the Aare again from Aarberg to Solothurn. Will I make it by then? My optimism and confidence say YES.

Finally, I have to climb a steep staircase to leave the Aare Valley. A woman comes towards me and we have a short conversation. I always enjoy such encounters and I am sure that there are many more of them when you hike alone.

At 4 p.m., I reach the train station and Egon, who was at the hairdresser's, arrives shortly after. Together, we have a nice evening with an aperitif and a delicious dinner. As the Bernese Carnival starts at the same time, various masks later come, making music and performing Schnitzelbänke.

At 9 p.m., I take the train back to Sursee, where Brigitte picks me up. Now it will be almost 3 weeks until I return to Bern by train on March 23rd to continue my tour.

Link to the hike on Komoot.