Discover Oberhünigen

Oberhünigen is a small municipality in the Bern-Mittelland administrative district of the canton of Bern, Switzerland. On 31 December 2022, it had 320 inhabitants. It lies at an altitude of 852 metres on the north-western slope of the Kurzenberg, in the Bärbächli valley area and high above the Chise valley depression.

Aebersold and Toppwald

At 1,190 metres above sea level, Aebersold is Oberhünigen’s highest point and also a recreational area. The Toppwald, covering 360 hectares, borders it directly. This distinguishes two notable landmarks: Aebersold is the highest point and recreational area, while Toppwald is the adjoining forest. You will also see both names when finding your way along the municipality’s hiking trails.

Hiking trails and Tanzplatz

Several hiking trails make it possible to explore the municipality of Oberhünigen. One specifically named route runs from Zäziwil to Bowil via Appenberg, Oberhünigen, Aebersold and Ringgis. This lets you distinguish the general network of trails for exploring the municipality from this set route through named places. When planning this hike, check the route conditions and local trail signs.

Tanzplatz lies almost exactly in the middle of the Toppwald. In front of a hut managed by the Schwand state forestry operation, there is a picnic table; there is also a fire pit for barbecuing. Its location in the middle of the forest and these named facilities make Tanzplatz an easy-to-identify spot when finding your way around the Toppwald.

Local history and former baths

The history of both the forest and the municipality includes several distinct chapters. Toppwald once belonged to Wyl Castle and passed to the Canton of Bern after the bailiwicks were dissolved in 1800. Oberhünigen was initially part of the Hünigen lordship, then came under the Wil lordship, and in 1406 came under Bernese rule. The two dates refer to different events: 1406 concerns the change of lordship over Oberhünigen, while 1800 marks the transfer of Toppwald to the Canton of Bern.

Oberhünigen is a farming village; former baths are also part of its local history. Wildeney-Bad was one of two baths in Oberhünigen. Schwendlen-Bad was destroyed by fire in 1947 and was not rebuilt. These two names refer to different chapters of local history: Wildeney-Bad concerns the former number of baths, while Schwendlen-Bad is associated with the year of the fire and the fact that it was not rebuilt.

Getting there and farm shop

Oberhünigen has no public transport connection of its own, but is within reach of the railway stations in Zäziwil and Konolfingen. Check the latest connections before travelling, as transport services may change.

The Grunderhof farm shop offers a varied selection of farm products to browse and buy on site. The range may change. If you want to shop there for a particular product, check the current selection in advance.

Discover more destinations: Oberdiessbach, Grosshöchstetten, Worb, Wichtrach, Zäziwil, Konolfingen, Oberthal, Walkringen.

Go to the main travel overview: Konolfingen.