Kerzers: Nature, Vegetable Trail and Railway History

Kerzers offers nature experiences, trails through the Seeland and a distinctive railway history. If you are looking for a hotel in Kerzers, these different aspects of the town can help you shape your travel plans: Would you like to discover animals and tropical habitats, explore vegetables and the cultural landscape along the way, or learn about the railway crossing and local history?

Nature and wildlife at the Papiliorama

Several domes at the Papiliorama recreate a tropical climate. More than 60 butterfly species from all continents live in a tropical environment there. The Nocturama has a different focus: here, you can observe nocturnal animals such as night monkeys, sloths, aardvarks and lowland streaked tenrecs. Butterflies and nocturnal animals therefore offer different ways to encounter wildlife.

The Papiliorama also includes the Jungle Trek. It leads through a real rainforest and across a seven-metre-high bridge through the treetops. The facilities also include a small petting zoo and a large nature and water playground. The Papiliorama Foundation aims to immerse visitors in this habitat and raise awareness of the plight of tropical forests and biodiversity. If these topics interest you, you will find different perspectives here on tropical habitats and their inhabitants.

The Vegetable Trail and trails through the Seeland

The Vegetable Trail starts at Kerzers railway station. The suggested routes cover 25 and 45 kilometres; railway stations along the way let you choose your walking distance freely. This allows you to factor the route length into your plans without having to treat both suggested routes as equivalent. The trail follows well-marked paths through fields with little traffic. Information boards describe the different vegetable crops in the Seeland, and along the way you can discover more than 60 different types of vegetables.

Another option is the “The Swiss vegetable land” hike: it leads from Kerzers railway station along the Biberna stream to Gempenach and can be reached by train and bus via Kerzers/Chiètres railway station. The “Kerzers Circular Hike” has a different character; its description takes you through forests and villages and along quiet field paths. For this circular hike, public transport access by train and bus via Kerzers railway station is listed. Route descriptions and transport connections can change, so check the latest information before setting out.

The Kerzerslauf also connects the town with its surroundings: its 15-kilometre route runs through the forest, along the lakeshore and through a nature reserve, as well as through Kerzers and the surrounding villages. The route description combines different landscapes with the town and its surroundings; course details may change.

If you are looking for a glimpse of cultivation and harvesting rather than a longer route, consider “Pflück dis Glück”, a pick-your-own garden in Kerzers. Visitors can feed free-range chickens and collect eggs directly from the nests. You can also pick berries, freshly laid eggs and flowers yourself. The grounds include large berry, vegetable and fruit plantations, as well as a herb, flower and rose garden. For refreshments or to take away, there is “Burehofglace” from the Märithüsli and freshly picked strawberries.

The railway crossing and its history

Kerzers is home to Switzerland’s only standard-gauge railway crossing. The Lyss–Payerne and Bern–Neuchâtel railway lines cross here; the two main railway routes meet at an acute angle of 30 degrees. The museum signal box at the station was built and commissioned in 1901. Its well-preserved historic building illustrates railway operations; during guided tours, you can operate the signal mechanisms yourself. Check the tour booking conditions in advance.

The structures around the station are also part of this history. The signal box was placed under federal protection in 2003, and the station ensemble has been included in the inventory of regional railway stations of national importance. The pedestrian footbridge is a delicate steel structure dating from 1901. The exterior of the museum signal box is open to the public; check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Local history and other interests

Another historical trace leads to the parish church, which stands in the centre of an elevated, ring-shaped churchyard. Its core is medieval, and the choir dates from 1512. The church was built on a pre-Christian place of worship. The Roman period is also part of the town’s history: Kerzers was then situated on the important road from Aventicum to Salodurum. Kerzers adopted the Reformation in 1530.

The Kerzers swimming pool offers another reason to visit: it is accessible to people with reduced mobility. As access conditions may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting. Culture and socialising are another aspect of the town; the Gerbestock cultural cellar is a meeting place for the region. Depending on your interests, you can explore Kerzers through its nature, trails, railway structures, local history or culture.

Discover more destinations: Bas-Vully, Ried Bei Kerzers, Charmey, Haut-Vully, Misery-Courtion, Greng, Wallenried, Muntelier.

For the overarching travel overview: See/Lac.