Seftigen: Moraine Landscape and Village History

Seftigen between the Gürbetal and moraine hills

Seftigen lies at 578 metres above sea level on the southern edge of the Gürbetal. Bergwald lies north of the village, and Widerhub to the south. The surrounding area has the character of a glacially shaped moraine landscape: hills and hollows, farmland, small woods and hamlets define the scenery. There are also views across the Gürbetal, the Belpberg and the Bernese Alps. If you want to experience the landscape on foot, you’ll find trails through this varied setting around Seftigen.

Hiking and cycling around Seftigen

One specific hiking option is the “Twin Beeches Gurzelen Walk”. The moderate 7.2-kilometre circular route starts at Seftigen railway station and crosses a moraine hill before passing through woods to Gurzelen and back. Route details may change, so check them before setting out. Nearby, the twin beeches of Gurzelen are described as a living natural monument: two 40-metre-high trees have grown together at a height of nine metres.

Other hikes explore the landscape from different directions. One documented tour from Kiesen to Seftigen includes a return journey from Seftigen by train. Another hike from Amsoldingen to Seftigen passes the small lakes of Amsoldingersee, Uebeschisee and Dittligsee.

For a cycling tour, consider the “11 Gürbetal gravel loop”. It is mostly flat and runs largely on gravel and unpaved paths through the Gürbetal. The “Belp – Wattenwil – Belp” loop follows a gravel section to Seftigen and then returns through the Gürbetal. Hiking is defined above all by the moderate difficulty and the route’s length, while gravel biking is characterised primarily by the surface and route. If you’re looking for more challenging alpine experiences, nearby Gantrisch Nature Park offers a contrast to Seftigen’s gently rolling moraine landscape.

A village with layers of history

The Chefeli connects local history with a tangible landmark. Built in 1612, it was used as a detention facility until the 1920s. Graffiti on the walls dating back several centuries attest to this former use. Substantial parts of the facade plaster survived the village fire of 1714 and are more than 400 years old. The Chefeli was professionally restored in 2013.

The history of the village goes back much further: Seftigen was first mentioned in a document under the name “Seftinges”. Finds from excavations in Rebzelg in the early 1990s provide evidence that Romans and Alemanni settled in the village. From 1388 to 1798, Seftigen was also the centre of one of the Bernese regional courts. Together, the building, archaeological finds and court history tell of different eras, without reducing the village’s history to a single chapter.

Agriculture, wine and village life

Dählers Black Angus Farm in Seftigen offers visits to its barn. Visitors can learn about farming, where milk, meat and eggs come from, and food production. Check the visiting arrangements with the farm in advance. An article from 2024 also describes a 0.9-hectare vineyard in Seftigen dedicated exclusively to red wine production.

Events are also part of local life. The Seftigen and Surrounding Area Riding Club holds its patrol ride every year on the last weekend in October. If you plan to attend, check the venue and public access for the relevant year. The village tournament was held for the 49th time in 2025; its 50th edition was announced for 2026.

Railway station and practical information

Tickets, travel passes and leisure offers are available at Seftigen railway station. There is also a BLS P+Rail facility with five parking spaces, including one accessible space. As services and parking capacity may change, check the latest information before you travel. The station is also the starting point for the “Twin Beeches Gurzelen Walk” and the return point for a documented hike from Kiesen. You can include the station’s services in your plans if you want to combine a hike or train journey with your stay.

Discover more destinations: Gerzensee, Belp, Wattenwil, Kehrsatz, Riggisberg, Gelterfingen, Burgistein, Toffen, Niedermuhlern, Rüeggisberg, Kirchdorf, Uttigen, Rüti Bei Riggisberg.

Go to the main travel overview: Bern.