Schangnau: Hiking Trails, the Emme and Culture in the Emmental

Schangnau combines hiking and winter activities with a distinctive river landscape and a long local history. The Emme flows through the valley and leaves it through the Räbloch Gorge. Moraine remains and erratic boulders recall the former Emme Glacier. The Hohgant reaches 2,196 m and is also known as the “Crown of the Emmental.” The Buhüttli nature reserve in the municipality contains a raised bog of national importance, surrounded by terrain typical of raised bogs.

Hiking trails, river and landscape

More than 20 marked hiking trails lead through Schangnau, where you can observe a diverse range of plants and wildlife. Along the way, you can also discover richly decorated farmhouses and traditional crafts, including wheelwrighting and shingle-making. If you are looking for a specific hiking time: the winter hiking trail from Schangnau Dorf via Bumbach to Kemmeriboden is listed as taking 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Another destination along the way is the “Sagenhaftes Gezwitscher” adventure trail. Its 20 stops explore birdlife through games, discoveries and puzzles; the trail heads towards Schangnau and ends at the Schangnau Arche Farm. There, visitors can explore the farm, its animals and ProSpecieRara plants on a tour. The many mountain bike routes offer another way to experience the area on an active trip.

Visitors and locals swim, fish and canoe on the Emme. The options by the river are therefore quite different from the marked hiking trails: the focus here is on activities in and on the water. To start a hike in Schangnau, you can take bus route B 251 from Escholzmatt railway station towards Kemmeriboden to the Schangnau, Post stop. Check the timetable before travelling.

Winter in Bumbach

For winter sports, the Bumbach ski area has two lifts and more than 9 km of runs of varying difficulty for beginners and advanced skiers. A children's lift is designed for the youngest visitors to enjoy snow sports. Winter operations depend on snow and weather conditions.

Bumbach also has a 3 km night-skiing trail. It is lit daily from 18:00 to 21:00; operating hours may vary by season. The trail starts at Bumbach Schoolhouse. If you are planning a winter stay, you can consider the slopes and the trail as different options: for the trail, the stated lighting hours and starting point are particularly relevant to your plans.

Local history and buildings

Since the 19th century, the Schangnau Mill has been used as a sawmill and grain mill. Today it houses a residential community with cultural activities, a large event hall and workshops. The building thus combines its former use with cultural activities. Schangnau’s Reformed church was rebuilt in 1618.

Two covered wooden bridges are also among Schangnau’s buildings: the Mühle Bridge crosses the Emme, while the Alte Mühle Bridge crosses the Beutlerschwandgraben. Their locations over different waterways make them distinct stops for anyone interested in local buildings.

Alpine products and regional cuisine

During the summer months, Alpine cheese, Mutsch, raclette and goat’s cheese are produced on Alp Tannisboden. At the Alpine kiosk, hikers and mountain bikers can buy or enjoy cheese, dried meat, drinks and sweets; availability may depend on the Alpine season. An herbal course is also offered at the alp. Check whether a date has been announced before making plans.

The well-known specialities Anke-Züpfe, Merängge mit Nidle and Emmentaler are associated with the wider Emmental, not specifically with Schangnau. They complement the seasonal Alpine products, but have a broader regional connection.

Choose Schangnau as your destination

When planning your trip, you can first consider what matters most to you: marked hiking trails and wildlife watching, activities on the Emme, winter sports in Bumbach, or buildings and local history. The seasonal options differ considerably: Alpine cheese is produced in the summer months, while winter activities depend on snow and weather. Five inns are spread across the Schangnau area. If you are looking for a hotel, choose Schangnau as your destination and compare the specific details shown for each offer.

Discover more destinations: Eggiwil, Zollbrück, Trubschachen, Signau, Oberfrittenbach, Langnau Im Emmental, Lauperswil, Gohl.

Back to the main travel overview: Signau.