Discover Konolfingen

Konolfingen is a municipality in the Bern-Mittelland administrative district in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. Geographically, the town is still in the Kiesental valley, at an altitude of around 660 metres. Locally, Konolfingen is often referred to as the gateway to the Emmental. Local history, architecture, cultural offerings and outdoor activities provide a range of ways to enjoy a stay here.

Local History and Architecture

The present-day municipality was formed on New Year's Eve 1932/1933 through the merger of the municipalities of Stalden and Gysenstein; Herolfingen, Ursellen and Konolfingen-Dorf were part of this merger. Alongside the history of individual buildings, the creation of the present-day municipality offers another perspective.

The Reformed Church of Konolfingen was built in 1898, extended and renovated in 1938/39, and extended and renovated again in 2015. It is considered one of the few surviving examples of 1930s architecture influenced by Neues Bauen and the Bauhaus. The dated construction phases and the architectural context complement each other: one describes the building's development, while the other relates it to an architectural movement. During the day, the church is open to anyone seeking peace and quiet or a moment for reflection. Access may vary during services or special events.

The Konolfingen Village Trail offers another way to explore local history. Using a QR code, it shows what the location looked like in the past. The focus is on comparing a place over time: what you see at each location is set against an earlier view.

Culture and Events

The Alter Bären Village Museum offers special guided tours for groups, clubs and schools. Arrangements may need to be made in advance. Theatre performances, concerts and readings are regularly held in the attic of the Alter Bären; the programme may change. If you would like to include a tour or event in your stay, check in advance about arrangements or current dates.

The Reformed Parish of Konolfingen's concert and cultural programme is also published twice a year; the programme may change. Classical or folk concerts usually take place in the Reformed Church of Konolfingen. The venue helps you plan: theatre, concerts and readings are on the programme in the attic, while the concerts mentioned above are usually held in the church. Check the latest dates before planning a specific visit.

Outdoor Recreation

Konolfingen swimming pool has pools where you can cool off, as well as a water slide. A spacious sunbathing lawn invites you to relax in summer. As opening hours depend on the season, check the seasonal schedule before your trip. This makes the swimming pool an option for a summer stay without assuming it will be open year-round.

The forest in the municipality is an important natural and recreational area. Activities there include walking, jogging, mushroom picking and hunting. Another specific route option is the circular trail of the emmental literary trail dedicated to Friedrich Dürrenmatt: it starts and ends at Kreuzplatz in Konolfingen. Check the current trail signs before setting off.

Whether you are interested in local history, architecture, cultural events or time outdoors, the offerings described here cater to different interests. When planning your stay, you can combine historic sites and events with seasonal outdoor activities, while taking account of the relevant access and scheduling arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Oberdiessbach, Wichtrach, Linden, Aeschlen, Münsingen, Herbligen, Oberhünigen, Zäziwil.

Return to the main travel overview: Konolfingen.