5 Top Highlights in the Emmental

Bernese-Midlands

The Emmental region is known for its rolling hills covered with pastures and meadows. These hills are often dotted with trees creating a setting. The traditional farmhouses, in Emmental are a standout feature showcasing their architecture.

The charming wooden houses, adorned with details, steep roofs and flower filled balconies add to the appeal of Emmental and reflect the areas rich architectural heritage. The combination of landscapes and traditional buildings gives Emmental its special allure and visual charm.

5 top Emmental sights

1. Emmental show cheese dairy

Emmental cheese storage

Emmental cheese storage

The Emmentaler show dairy in Affoltern is a place where guests can witness firsthand the production of Emmentaler AOP multiple times each day.

A standout feature is the chance to create your cheese and participate in the process. Detailed audiovisual explanations are provided in German, French, English, Italian and Spanish to ensure that all visitors grasp the allure of cheese making.

In addition to showcasing cheese making techniques the Emmental show dairy features exhibits and activities that enhance appreciation and excitement, for Emmental cheese.

2. Gotthelf Center

The Gotthelf Center can be found in the vicarage where Albert Bitzius resided as a priest and writer from 1831, to 1854 producing his literary works using the pen name Jeremias Gotthelf. Among his known novels are “Uli the Servant” “Anne Bäbi Jowäger” “Money and Spirit” and “The Cheese Factory in Vehfreude” with “The Black Spider” standing out as his renowned novella.

Established in 2012 the modern museum provides an insight into Gotthelfs life highlighting his roles as a clergyman, author, journalist, educator, school examiner and advocate for the underprivileged. Guests can discover his creativity. View valuable first editions, on display.

3. Trachselwald Castle

Trachselwald Castle

Trachselwald Castle

The Trachselwald Castle, a venerable fortress from the 13th century, rises majestically on a picturesque hill in the idyllic municipality of Trachselwald, very close to Sumiswald. Originally built as a defensive structure by the brave barons, the castle now has a new role as a living monument to the Peasants’ War and a nationally significant architectural gem.

Visitors can tour the castle free of charge and immerse themselves in times gone by. Fascinating insights into the life of the Anabaptists, the events of the Peasants’ War and the tragic persecution of the Anabaptists are revealed here. The history is brought to life in a small but impressive exhibition that takes visitors on an impressive journey with informative panels and interactive audio stations.

4. Gäggersteg – Gantrisch Nature Park

Gäggersteg

Gäggersteg

The Gäggersteg is an extraordinary wooden walkway that meanders picturesquely through the treetops of the Pfyffe forest reserve. This unique path leads visitors right through the storm wood with its imposing root plates and allows them to experience the natural reforestation in the reserve first-hand.

As you hike along the Gäggersteg, you can also enjoy impressive views of the majestic Gantrisch range. Along the accompanying family trail, there are also numerous opportunities to learn a lot about the forest and its diverse functions.

One particularly interesting topic is deadwood, which provides a new habitat for many organisms and animals and thus helps to promote biodiversity.

5. Trub – the most beautiful village in Switzerland

The picturesque village of Trub in the Upper Emmental was honored with the coveted award for Switzerland’s most beautiful village. With a total population of 1350 and a proud 140 farms, Trub epitomizes rural beauty and tradition. The renowned magazines “Schweizer Illustrierte”, “L’illustré” and “Il caffè” present this award, in which readers can nominate villages from all parts of the country.

Video MY EMMENTAL – The new Emmental song

MEIN EMMENTAL - Der neue Emmental-Song

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Video Emmental

Emmental in pictures – accompanied by the “Trueberbueb” song…

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Video Emmental – off to the real thing

The Emmental – the most beautiful region in Switzerland…

Emmental - auf zum Echten

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