Moossee

Moossee is a small lake in the canton of Bern, right beside Schönbühl and only a short ride from the Swiss capital. Its surface covers about 31 hectares, and the village of Moosseedorf sits on its southern shore and shares its name. It suits an easy day out for anyone who likes a lakeside walk, birdlife and a touch of prehistory.

What kind of lake is it?

Two basins make up the lake: the small Chli Moossee and the larger Grosser Moossee. The river Urtenen feeds the small one first and reaches the big one about 400 metres further on. A golf course lies on the eastern side, in Münchenbuchsee territory. Parts of the lake and its surroundings are protected as a nature reserve, which makes the shore a good spot for waterbirds and quiet observation.

What is there to see?

The main draw is the shoreline itself, with paths through reeds and woodland. Along the way you can see a display of a dugout canoe estimated at about 6,500 years old, a reminder that people have lived around this water for millennia.

The area's past runs deeper than the calm scenery suggests. On the south-eastern shore lie the Moosbühl I and II sites from the end of the Old Stone Age. Moosbühl I, found in 1860, produced roughly 70,000 flint artefacts and ranks among Switzerland's largest Magdalenian sites, dated to around 13,500 BC. In 1256–1257 the brothers Ulrich and Berchtold von Seedorf handed their holdings in Moosseedorf to the Knights Hospitaller of Münchenbuchsee, including the church, the lake and the stream. The moated castle stood about 100 metres north-east of the church.

How long is the walk around the lake?

The simplest loop begins in Moosseedorf and circles the water in about an hour; it is under 4 km and easy, so families manage it comfortably. You can also start in Schönbühl at the Seerose restaurant. A longer version of roughly two hours climbs through the Bübeloowald forest towards Wiggiswil, passes the reserve and ends at a lakeside restaurant.

How do I get there?

From Bern take a train to Moosseedorf or Schönbühl and walk to the shore. By car the drive from Bern takes a quarter of an hour or so. The lake lies at roughly 47.022 N, 7.480 E.

When should I visit?

The loop works all year. Spring and autumn are best for birds, summer suits a stroll with a stop at a shoreside restaurant, and clear winter days are just as pleasant. Bring binoculars and stay on marked paths, since parts of the shore belong to the reserve.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Moossee? The lake is mainly a nature and walking destination, and parts of the shore are protected. Check local rules with the municipality before swimming.

How long does the lakeside walk take? The short loop from Moosseedorf is about 3.9 km and takes around an hour. The longer route via the forest and Wiggiswil takes about two hours.

Where should I start? At Moosseedorf station or in Schönbühl near the Seerose restaurant; both reach the water quickly.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. The path is flat and easy, and the prehistoric canoe display gives the walk an extra point of interest.