Wyssachen: Hiking, Puzzles and Church Architecture

Wyssachen lies approximately 20 kilometres south of Langenthal, on the stream of the same name in a side valley of the Langete. You can choose from several different activities when planning your trip: three circular routes in the village, a murder mystery adventure to play on foot, and the Napf Loop, which is divided into three daily stages. The layout of the settlement and the church also give the destination a cultural and geographical framework.

Circular routes in three distances

The three Helsana trails offer circular routes for jogging, power walking, hiking or walking. The start and finish are in the village of Wyssachen. The routes are 3.73, 7.78 and 11.47 kilometres long. You can therefore choose between them based on their stated distances: the shortest is 3.73 kilometres, the longest 11.47 kilometres, and the 7.78-kilometre route lies between them. The options cover different types of exercise, from walking to jogging.

The Helsana trails pass through Wyssachen’s unique hilly landscape. The landscape is therefore part of what defines these routes, alongside the distance of each loop. If you are choosing between the circular routes and KrimiSpass, you can also consider different planning details: the trails are described in kilometres, while the approximate duration of the investigation is given for the mystery adventure.

KrimiSpass as an adventure on foot

KrimiSpass in Wyssachen is an adventure you can play on foot and is available year-round, around the clock. Allow about three hours for the investigation. Participation is free, and no reservation or advance registration is required. KrimiSpass is therefore a different way to spend time in Wyssachen than doing a loop on one of the Helsana trails: the focus is on the investigation, which you can allow approximately three hours to complete.

The information about duration and participation gives the outing a clear structure: you can set aside about three hours for the adventure, while the Helsana trails are described by their route lengths. Both experiences can be enjoyed on foot, but they differ in whether the focus is on solving an investigation or following a circular route.

The Napf Loop in three stages

For cyclists, the Napf Loop is a 155-kilometre discovery route around the Napf. It runs over three daily stages and is signposted in both directions. Its total distance and staged format set it apart from the Helsana trails. The route becomes more rustic as it approaches Wyssachen, where the Napf feels close by. This description refers to the Napf Loop and its route.

The three daily stages and signposting in both directions are two specific features of the route: the stages divide the 155 kilometres, while the signs take account of both directions of travel. Together with the landscape character described near Wyssachen, this offers a different perspective on the area from the short circular routes, which start and finish in the village.

Wyssachen’s landscape and location

Wyssachen is considered a dispersed settlement. The village consists of two parts, Dürrenbühl and Wyssachen. The named localities include Heimigen, Hägsbach, Mannshus, Roggegrat, Frauchige, Stäublere, Staule, Mösli and Schweinbrunnen. These place names add a finer level of detail to the settlement landscape, alongside its location by the stream of the same name and in a side valley of the Langete.

Wyssachen’s location in relation to Langenthal also helps to place it geographically: it lies approximately 20 kilometres to the south. Both its location in the valley and its dispersed settlement pattern help to define the place.

Church architecture and history

Wyssachen Church is a single-nave church with a recessed polygonal chancel, built in 1946 by Fritz Schärer. Its features include a stained-glass cycle by Leo Steck and additional stained-glass windows by Paul Zehnder. The building’s form, year of construction and artistic glazing offer different ways to explore its architecture: the basic form describes the structure, while the windows connect the names of two artists with the interior.

The area around Eriswil and Wyssachen is described as scenically appealing and has a significant history. It was among the oldest monastic estates in the Oberaargau, namely the property of St. Gallen Abbey around the Meierhof and Kelnhof in Rohrbach. This historical connection concerns the area around both villages and adds a regional context to the local impressions.

Discover more destinations: Rüegsbach, Lützelflüh, Huttwil, Dürrenroth, Trachselwald, Sumiswald, Walterswil, Eriswil.

Return to the main travel overview: Trachselwald.