Discover Röthenbach in the Emmental

Röthenbach in the Emmental can be explored through several distinct highlights: striking viewpoints, historic sites and hiking trails with their own starting points. For your travel planning, it helps to organise these highlights according to your planned stay.

Views and nature

The Stauffeneiche is a sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and around 600 years old. It stands at 1,100 m above sea level on the hiking trail from Heimenschwand to Röthenbach. From the oak, the view stretches from the Hohgant to the Sigriswilergrat, and from the Schreckhorn to the Blümlisalp. Its tree species, age and elevation give this destination a distinctive character; the view spans several prominent landscape features.

The Chuderhüsi Tower has 195 steps. You can reach it via a hiking trail from Chuderhüsi or from the Pisten- & Wanderstübli by the ski lift in Gauchern in about ten minutes. This time estimate applies to these two starting points. A lookout tower was built in 1998 to mark the 850th anniversary of Röthenbach. From there, the panoramic view takes in the Bernese and Valais Alps, the Pre-Alps, the Jura, the Central Plateau, and the hills and valleys of the Emmental.

Churches and local history

The Würzbrunnen Church is first mentioned in 1148. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; check the opening hours again before you arrive. Tours can be arranged through the parish contact. As contact details can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before planning a tour.

After it was built, a church in Röthenbach became the property of the Cluniac monastery of Rüeggisberg. Two monks lived in the small monastery in Röthenbach. The historic Sahlenweidli was built in 1762 near the municipal boundary with Eggiwil and extensively renovated in 1873. It has neither electricity nor sanitary facilities.

Hiking and cycling

The “Signal” on Naters is a triangulation point and a relic of the 1903 national survey (LV03). From the Schallenberg Pass, you can reach it via a high-altitude hike in around 45 minutes. The walk to the Chuderhüsi Tower from the starting points mentioned takes about ten minutes; the estimates refer to different routes and starting points, providing a specific comparison for planning your day.

A hiking route between Röthenbach and Signau follows a former pilgrimage trail. It passes the Würzbrunnen Chapel, the scenic Chuderüsi and the Chapfwald. The Thun–Langnau stage of the Herzroute runs through the municipality of Röthenbach. The upper Emmental also has numerous hiking and cycling routes through varied terrain, with viewpoints, equipped barbecue areas and places of interest.

On some services, you can change to the BLS hiking bus on line 271 to Chuderhüsi at Röthenbach i. E., Dorf. If you would like to use this connection, check the timetable for your outing. The different destinations and route details offer useful pointers for planning your stay around hiking, views or local history.

Discover more destinations: Langnau in the Emmental, Rüderswil, Eggiwil, Oberfrittenbach, Lauperswil, Gohl, Schangnau, Zollbrück

For the higher-level travel overview: Signau.