Fraubrunnen: Monastery History, Culture and Nature

Former monastery buildings, a mill and inns continue to shape the centre of Fraubrunnen today. The monastery was founded by Cistercian nuns in the mid-13th century and secularised in 1528 during the Reformation. Its history can also be seen at Fraubrunnen Castle: the largely preserved roof structure above the south wing of the monastery complex is one of the most impressive of its kind in the Canton of Bern. The castle also has extensive gardens, which continue to invite visitors to relax.

Monastery history and cultural life

Architectural history and contemporary cultural life meet around Fraubrunnen Castle. Schlosskeller Fraubrunnen is an events venue that has been run by an association for almost 50 years. The association promotes cultural life in the region and provides the legal and financial framework for three different cultural offerings. This reveals another aspect of local life alongside the historic monastery complex.

Grafenried Church, in the area around Fraubrunnen, also tells the story of the region. It was remodelled in the Baroque style between 1745 and 1747 and houses significant furnishings from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Historically, it also served as a place of worship for the people of Fraubrunnen. The walk from Grafenried to Fraubrunnen Castle connects the church hill with the castle complex. A short detour follows the bush-lined Bärebach stream and crosses the railway line served today by the Bern–Solothurn Regional Transport network (RBS).

North of Fraubrunnen, at the turn-off to Büren zum Hof, a war memorial commemorates two events: the Battle of the Guglers in 1375 and the skirmish against the French in 1798. Two three-metre-high granite stelae, kerbstones framed by limestone and a mighty lime tree define the site. The place thus brings together a distinct landscape setting and these two historical remembrances.

Fraubrunnenmoos and the surrounding area

Since the 1990s, targeted efforts have been made in Fraubrunnenmoos to promote habitats for the endangered northern lapwing and other species. A restoration project created new bodies of water, ruderal areas and a protective fence in 2016. The marsh meets the requirements for a nationally important amphibian spawning area; the relevant boundary has since been recognised by the federal government. Before visiting, check the boundary and the applicable visitor rules.

Badi Fraubrunnen is located in Fraubrunnen-Moos. The kiosk serves drinks, ice cream, hot snacks and various sweets; the selection may vary by season. In this part of Fraubrunnen, natural and recreational areas sit alongside a specific food and drink offering. The natural surroundings of the town as a whole provide a local recreation area.

The broad Emme plain around Fraubrunnen is ideal for cycling. The wider area also includes the restored Emmental valley, extensive forests and farmland in gently hilly terrain. It offers different options, including road cycling, touring by bicycle, mountain biking and hiking. One longer option with a clearly stated distance is a stage of the Basel Way pilgrimage route: it runs from Fraubrunnen to Bern and is 24.5 kilometres long.

Which highlights suit your trip?

The themes offer different ways to shape your stay: the castle and town centre showcase the monastery’s history, the walk leads from Grafenried to the castle complex, and Fraubrunnenmoos brings the promoted habitats into focus. For outdoor activities, options range from cycling on the Emme plain to the 24.5-kilometre pilgrimage stage towards Bern.

Discover more destinations: Deisswil near Münchenbuchsee, Urtenen-Schönbühl, Münchenbuchsee, Trachselwald, Frutigen, Courtelary, Büren, Schwarzenburg.

View the overview of destinations: Bern.