Discover Toffen: Classic Cars, Local History and a Gravel Cycling Route

Toffen offers several points of interest for a stay: local history, classic vehicles and the Gürbetal gravel cycling loop. There is also the annual Chabishoblete and a seasonal group meal at the Gutenbrünnen organic farm. This allows you to plan your trip around a specific focus, such as history, a tour or regional cuisine.

Local History and Classic Car Gallery

The settlement of Toffen dates back to Roman times, and possibly even earlier; the first written records are from 1148. Numerous houses dating from 1700 to 1900 have been preserved, including some in period style. The town’s history was shaped for a long time by the lords of the castle and manor. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Schloss Toffen was expanded into a Baroque castle under Johann Georg von Werdt and Georg Samuel von Werdt.

The Toffen Classic Car Gallery displays vintage vehicles and also serves as a marketplace for classic two- and four-wheeled vehicles. It opened on 14 April 1984 as Europe’s first classic car gallery. Over the course of its history, it has held more than 100 auctions, including in Toffen, Lörrach, Zurich, Gstaad, Lucerne and Zug, as well as at other external locations.

Gürbetal Gravel Cycling Loop

The 11th Gürbetal gravel cycling loop is 34.74 kilometres long, with a stated duration of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It is mostly flat, follows the Gürbe to Toffen and passes the Gürbebadi Toffen. One section, as far as Wattenwil, follows official Cycle Route 74. Along the way, the route offers views of the Stockhorn and Gantrisch ranges. The distance, stated duration and route give you specific points of reference for planning.

Chabishoblete and Dining at the Organic Farm

At the annual Chabishoblete Toffen, private individuals can make their own sauerkraut under expert guidance. According to the organisers, the event attracts more than 3,000 people each year; attendance may vary from one edition to another. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the dates in advance.

From June to November, the Gutenbrünnen organic farm offers a three-course meal by reservation for small groups of four to twelve people. Guests can enjoy organic produce from the farm and take in views across the Gürbetal and of the Bernese Alps. The offering combines a group meal with a view of the surrounding landscape.

Getting There and Gantrisch Nature Park

From Toffen, various PostBus routes continue via Riggisberg to Gantrisch Nature Park. At Toffen railway station, nine parking spaces are available in the BLS P+Rail car park, including one accessible space. There is also a Mobility car-sharing location at the station. Check current parking and service availability before you travel.

Gantrisch Nature Park offers more than 30 guided tours and excursions focusing on nature, culture and history. It covers 405 square kilometres and 19 municipalities, and was certified as a Regional Nature Park by the federal government in 2012. Large areas of forest and idyllic villages characterise the park, which is sheltered by the striking Gantrisch range. The protection of biological diversity, including rare animals and plants, is also a particular priority there.

Discover more destinations: Belp, Rüeggisberg, Riggisberg, Gelterfingen, Uttigen, Kirchdorf, Kehrsatz, Burgistein.

For the main travel overview: Seftigen.