Trachselwald: Castle, zither and Emmental trails

Castle history, zither music and hiking trails shape Trachselwald in different ways. The village is situated on a terrace above the Grüene, a tributary of the Emme. The municipality’s elevation differences also give the area a distinct landscape: it extends from its lowest point in Hopfere, at 660 metres above sea level, to Rafrütti near Lüderenalp, at 1,200 metres above sea level.

Castle and village history

Trachselwald Castle is considered a fortress dating from the 13th century. The keep can be visited freely at your own risk; check the access conditions before travelling. The castle houses the “Paths to Freedom” exhibition in the former detention prison. It explores the history of the Anabaptists, the events of the Peasants’ War and the persecution of the Anabaptists. Admission to the exhibition is free. As admission conditions may change, it is advisable to check before your visit. French and English translations of the exhibition are available online via QR codes.

The village also reveals traces of different periods. Trachselwald is listed in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Protected Sites of National Importance (ISOS). Trachselwald Church acquired its present appearance during a comprehensive renovation in 1686; an interior ceiling painting dates from that time. These sites offer different points of interest: the castle with its history and exhibition, and the church with its preserved design.

Zither culture and the Simon Gfeller Museum

The Swiss Zither Cultural Centre is considered the only museum in Switzerland whose collection features every type of zither played in the country, from the earliest examples to the present day. Since 2003, the centre has been housed in the rooms of the Amtsschaffnerei, built in 1614. With around 110 instruments, it documents more than 200 years of development and culture; printed music, patents, images and detailed accessories complement the collection. Public Sunday tours include a concert. Check the current tour date before travelling.

The Simon Gfeller Museum is dedicated to the writer’s books and plays, as well as parts of his estate. These include letters, verses, sayings, manuscripts, diaries, drafts and notes, along with watercolours and pastels, song drafts, letters from friends, congratulatory messages, tributes, documents and photographs. Seasonal opening times apply: from May to 31 October, the museum is open Sundays and weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00. From 1 November to 30 April, visits and tours are available by request. Check the details before your visit. Readings by authors and other events take place at “Kultur ir Chäsi”; consult the current programme when planning your visit.

Hiking trails and cycling routes

Several tours offer different points of interest. Along the Emmental Ghost and Murder Stories Trail, visitors can listen to 20 of the more than 70 stories written to date as audio stories. Audio content and access may change, so check the latest information. The “Mammoth Hunt in Heimisbach” hiking trail leads from Trachselwald to Kramershaus and continues towards Zollbrück as far as Geilisguet. Check the latest information on the route before setting out.

The approximately eight-kilometre Anabaptist Trail, “In the Footsteps of the Sumiswald Anabaptists”, passes Trachselwald Castle. The castle can also be reached by hiking trails from Grünenmatt railway station and Sumiswald-Grünen railway station. The “Around Simon Gfeller’s Heimisbach” route is designated as a hiking route and follows only signposted paths in the hiking trail category. Along the way, it offers changing views of the rolling hills of the Emmental, the Jura and the Alps; visibility depends on the weather. As trail markings may change, check the information before your hike.

There are also specific points of reference for cycling tours: Trachselwald Castle is on cycle route 94. The “Lüdere Bike” route passes through Heimisbach on its way to the castle. The “Heimisbach Circular Tour / Trachselwald Castle” hiking route crosses typical hilly Emmental terrain. This makes it possible to plan hiking and cycling tours as different parts of your stay without conflating their respective routes.

Seasonal activities and regional cuisine

The public barbecue area at Schwarzenegg can be used for grilling and relaxing during the sunnier seasons. Its seasonal availability may change; check before your visit. Schools and groups can register for their preferred time at the Gyselguet ski lift. A small kiosk offers refreshments; opening and service hours vary by season and should be checked in advance.

The Chrummholzbad inn serves regional and seasonal specialities. Menus and opening hours may change, so check in advance. If you are looking for a hotel in Trachselwald, you can first decide whether local history, zither culture, hiking or a cycling tour will shape your stay. The visits you plan and their dates will give your trip a clear focus.

Discover more destinations: Trachselwald, Rüegsbach, Dürrenroth, Huttwil, Wyssachen, Eriswil, Sumiswald, Lützelflüh, Walterswil.

Return to the regional travel overview: Bern.