Biel to Taubenloch

Today was an easy hike with members of the research group. An easily accessible hike,  because it is close to work, there are no technical difficulties, and it is really short.

We were initially aiming to start from Frinvillier, but their train was delayed, so we started from Biel at around 8:40. We passed a lot of time strolling leisurely through Bern and looking at the river. There are some interesting waterworks, the Swatch museum and a playground on the way. After we turned left, following the river, we arrived at the somewhat hidden passage to the Taubenloch gorges. 

The path is gently climbing next to the alternatingly churning rapids and nearly still lagoons. The cliffs are imposing, and are sometimes topped with road bridges. The path is always secured with a railing. At some point on the trail, we came across a rock with some rough steps hewn into it. (Eyeballed at T4 difficulty maybe I'll follow them some other time to see where they end up - perhaps some climbing spot?) Still later, we see a sign for the Biel zoo, and then we come across a hydroelectric factory which is apparently open to visitors on the last day of every month. Later on, it opens up and levels off slightly, while the river stream widens and there is an easily accessible beach. Finally, we arrive at the 'restaurant des gorges', whence the normal path is officially closed (not noted on the Swisstopo app), because the railing next to the aquaduct is broken. We nevertheless follow it carefully to end up in Frinvillier.

All in all, a great easy hike, that has also many interesting detours for kids.