Kallnach: Village Culture, Roman Times and Forest

Kallnach is one of the longest street villages in Switzerland and lies at the foot of a moraine formed by the Rhône Glacier. To the northwest of the village stretches the Great Moos, which is now used for agriculture and also serves as a local recreation area. The village’s history, paths through the forest and open countryside offer different points of reference for planning your trip.

Forest and Paths Around Kallnach

Since 2010, the Aspiwald has included a 1.9-hectare island of old-growth and deadwood. Old trees are deliberately left standing and lying there to decay naturally. This provides a habitat for species that depend on old-growth and deadwood. A hiking trail and a cycling route pass directly by the old-growth and deadwood island in Aspiwäldli. Here, you can observe the forest’s natural decay and biodiversity at close range.

Those who would like to learn more about the local forest can explore a digital forest trail created by the Kallnach Burgergemeinde. It shares information about the diversity of the forest and local woodland. Two themed sections follow a route that starts and ends at the Burgerschopf. The Burgerschopf is the Burgergemeinde’s works depot at Haseneggenweg 18. Combining a themed trail with a fixed start and end point offers a practical reference for planning.

A permanent cultural trail leads through Kallnach and introduces visitors to 49 drawings by Theodor von Lerber. The pictures depict rural architectural heritage and the family stories of local residents. Alongside nature, the trail draws attention to the built environment and the stories associated with it.

Historic Buildings and Local History

In the village centre, the church, the rectory and the Pfrundscheune, known as the Schürstube, form a historic group of buildings. The current church bears the date 1607. It is open to everyone at all times and offers a place for quiet reflection and meditation. The Schürstube displays large-scale pictures of the old choir windows, which date from 1627. Two bells that were once in use hang beside the church. One bears the date 1487; the other was cast in Bern by Abraham Gerber in 1691.

Another striking part of the village’s history is the former grain mill at Mühlegasse 14. Its oldest structural elements date from 1640. The metal waterwheel, built in 1895, is 7.5 metres in diameter and has 54 paddles; it is one of the largest functioning waterwheels in Switzerland. The mill rooms have been preserved in their original condition, and some of the machines can still be used to grind flour. Today, the rooms are used mainly for cultural purposes. MOULIN KALLNACH is known as a venue for cultural events and art exhibitions, and offers space for workshops and courses of all kinds.

Roman Traces and Archaeological Finds

Roman times can also be traced at several sites in Kallnach. Remains of a Roman road linking Aventicum and Petinesca were found in Aspi. Following excavations in 1989, the site was identified as a Roman rest stop, customs post or horse-changing station. These possibilities are deliberately left open in the surviving accounts. Several Roman buildings known since the 19th century in the present-day village centre were part of a large estate complex.

A late antique building on Bergweg was constructed at the end of the 3rd century and used until the early 5th century. At least one of the five rooms examined had painted wall plaster and glazed windows—an unusually high standard of finish for late antiquity. These details bring the archaeological history to life, while the village’s story extends beyond any one period.

On the ridge of Challnechwald is one of the larger known groups of Early Iron Age burial mounds in Switzerland. The mounds date from around 800 to 450 BC; the four most prominent were excavated as early as the 1870s. A 2,500-year-old gold earring was also unearthed during rescue excavations in Challnechwald. Together with the Roman finds, this site offers another perspective on the municipality’s long history.

Discover more destinations: Seedorf, Rapperswil, Lyss, Radelfingen, Schüpfen, Aarberg.

Go to the parent travel overview: Aarberg.