Radelfingen between Church Art and Aare Floodplains
Accommodation in Radelfingen
Traces of Gothic frescoes, Late Gothic carvings and a periodically flooded floodplain forest along the Aare give Radelfingen an unusually diverse character. The municipality is located in the canton of Bern in Switzerland and combines historical evidence with hiking trails, viewpoints and the Aare river rafting route.
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Photo: Dietrich Michael Weidmann via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Culture
At the heart of the town’s history is the Reformed Church of Radelfingen, which dates back to the 12th century. Its rectangular choir, which is not set off from the nave, dates from the Late Gothic period. Traces of Gothic frescoes from the second third of the 9th century have been preserved in the church; the paintings in the choir, on the other hand, are thought to date from the late 15th century. The ceiling in the nave features Late Gothic flat carvings dating from 1420 to 1500.
Following a renovation that lasted from 1958 to 1965, the church was placed under the protection of the Swiss Confederation. It is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00 and is accessible to wheelchair users via a ramp.
The town’s older history also goes back a long way. Around 1400, Radelfingen belonged to the medieval County of Oltigen. Oltigen Castle was completely destroyed during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1410; the County of Oltigen was subsequently sold to the city of Bern. A significant Roman road is thought to have led from the Seeland region via Aarberg through Radelfingen to Frieswil and Wohlen; a watchtower presumably stood on the site of today’s church tower.
Nature
Radelfingen has hiking trails and offers intact landscapes for local recreation. From viewpoints in the town, there are views across the Seeland region, the Jura and the Alps. The Mülau-Radelfingenau nature reserve is a special natural area, encompassing a section of the Aare in the municipality of Radelfingen.
The centrepiece of the protected area is a periodically flooded floodplain forest. Beavers can shape their habitat freely in this floodplain forest; it also provides a habitat for beavers and European tree frogs.
Water
Active paddling is required on the Aare river rafting route because of the slow current. After Niederried, the route passes through a quiet reed area, past the Radelfingen sports field and then on to Aarberg. The section of the Aare from Niederried power station to Aarberg power station is approximately 5.5 kilometres long.
About one kilometre farther along this section is the footbridge between Niederried and Radelfingen. There is a popular swimming spot at the bridge.
Local Life
An early connection to the surrounding area is also documented: in 1906, Switzerland’s first postbus route ran from Bern via Wohlen to Detligen. Today, a market is held every Thursday from 08:00 to 11:00 in Detligen opposite the Sternen inn.
A hotel is one possible form of accommodation for a stay in Radelfingen. The trip can likewise be combined with other types of accommodation. Personal preferences regarding the daily rhythm, length of stay and character of the visit can set the framework. Depending on the planning, accommodation can therefore be given different weight.
More destinations
More places within the same destination:
To the higher-level destination overview: Aarberg.
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