Konolfingen: Village History, Literature and Views

Konolfingen is in the Canton of Bern, geographically still in the Kiesental valley. Situated at an altitude of around 660 metres, the municipality is often called the “Gateway to the Emmental”. Here, you can plan a stay around village history, church art, a literature trail and landscapes, with leisure activities ranging from the swimming pool to the pump track.

Village History and Church Art

The Alter Bären Village Museum presents the history of Konolfingen and its surroundings in a historic building. The attic regularly hosts theatre performances, concerts and readings; check the current programme before your visit. Special guided tours for groups, clubs and schools must be arranged in advance. The museum is not wheelchair accessible.

The village trail links present-day places with their history: 52 panels show each location with explanatory text. QR codes along the trail illustrate what the places looked like in the past. As you go, you’ll encounter both today’s surroundings and views of how they used to look.

Konolfingen Church is a well-preserved example of 1930s architecture, shaped by the New Building movement and the Bauhaus. The Reformed church features Art Nouveau windows by Burkhard Mangold. The Dürrenmatt window was unveiled on 18 May 2008 and developed from an ink drawing. Above the church portal, a mural by Fritz Ryser from 1942 depicts a scene on Easter morning, with an angel beside the rolled-away tombstone. The church is open during the day to anyone seeking peace and reflection. Access may vary during services or other church events.

Literature Trail and the History of Hünigen

The start and finish of the Emmental Literature Trail are at Kreuzplatz in Konolfingen. The long circular route is 6.8 kilometres and includes around 160 metres of ascent and descent. These two figures provide different points of reference for planning the circuit.

The settlement of Villa Hünigen was mentioned as early as the 12th century in a document by Pope Eugene III in connection with the small monastery at Röthenbach. The present-day Schloss Hünigen building was constructed in the mid-16th century using stones from the earlier castle, which had burned down. The estate in the Emmental includes a large castle park, mature trees and rose gardens. Rudolf von Tavel, the Bernese dialect poet, stayed with his aunt at Schloss Hünigen and wrote two of his 14 novels there.

Schloss Hünigen is just a few steps from Stalden im Emmental railway station. The train journey from Konolfingen to Stalden im Emmental takes two minutes; check the current timetable before travelling. Konolfingen station also has a history: it opened in 1864 on the new railway line between Bern and Langnau. Soon afterwards, the line connected the town with Lucerne.

Views, Activities and Seasonal Offers

At Ballenbüel, two impressive, officially protected lime trees frame the viewpoint. From there, views stretch across the Aare Valley to the Chasseral, as well as to the Stockhorn and Niesen. The viewpoint is about an hour’s walk from Konolfingen station.

Konolfingen swimming pool has a 53-metre-long water slide. The regular season runs from early May to mid-September; dates may vary from year to year. Another way to get active is the paved pump track. Completed in April 2022, it is a recreational and training facility for bikers, skateboarders and scooter riders of all abilities. Rental equipment in Konolfingen includes dirt bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and helmets. Check whether rental equipment is available before your visit.

For longer cycling tours, the Herzschlaufe Langnau is the nearly 70-kilometre-long, fully signposted Veloland Route 499. It runs from the green hills around Eggiwil, past the castles in Konolfingen, to the remote highlands near Oberthal. The pump track and this signposted longer route offer different ways to enjoy cycling.

A carriage ride can also be combined with a raclette feast. Cheese and tasty accompaniments are available à discrétion; check availability before booking.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Aeschlen, Konolfingen, Herbligen, Wichtrach, Grosshöchstetten, Worb, Oberthal, Zäziwil, Oberdiessbach, Münsingen, Linden, Kiesen, Oberhünigen, Walkringen.

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