Heimberg: Pottery History and Castle Site

Heimberg combines a long pottery-making tradition with a castle site and a range of leisure activities. When choosing your destination, you might consider whether you would mainly like to discover traditional crafts, go hiking or enjoy sports facilities.

Pottery History and Museum

Around 1850, there were 80 potteries in Heimberg. This tradition gave the town the title of Pottery Village, which it still bears today. Heimberg is considered the birthplace of Heimberg pottery; its production can still be traced in the local buildings. Heimberg is also described as the region’s most structurally intact early cottage-industry settlement. In 1878, potters from the Heimberg-Steffisburg region achieved great success at the World’s Fair in Paris with Thun majolica tableware.

The Museum of the Old Pottery displays majolica works and a growing collection of works by former potters from the Heimberg-Steffisburg area. Its exhibitions are held in the premises of the former Steinmann pottery at Bernstrasse 238 in Heimberg. The current exhibition brings together ceramics by more than 25 master potters; the selection may change for future exhibitions.

You can visit the stops along the museum trail in any order, as they are not connected by theme. A private group tour can be booked through the museum; a pottery class can also be arranged there. Pottery events and temporary exhibitions are held regularly, offering a chance to experience this traditional craft. If you are planning for a specific date, it is worth checking the latest exhibition and event listings.

There is a bus stop and a train station close to the museum. From the Lädeli, it is about a five-minute walk to the museum.

Castle Site and Outdoor Recreation

Heimberg Castle remained undiscovered for almost 800 years before it was discovered in 2018 and subsequently studied. The castle site is freely accessible and can be reached via a forest road following the hiking trail markers. You can also visit it on a circular hike starting from Heimberg railway station.

Two information panels at the castle site provide an overview of the complex and its history; a bench invites you to linger. The Thungschneit area is another local outdoor recreation spot in Heimberg.

Sports Facilities in Heimberg

The CIS Heimberg has four badminton courts with PVC flooring and LED lighting. The courts can be booked online around the clock. As facility details and booking procedures may change, check the latest information when planning a visit.

For tennis, there are five indoor courts and two courts in an air-supported dome; both groups of courts have LED lighting. The indoor courts have carpet flooring with granules, while the courts in the air-supported dome have clay surfaces. The seasonal court setup may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before making plans. The CIS Heimberg also offers tennis courses and private lessons for Bambinos, children, juniors, professionals and adults; the programme may also change.

The Heimberg Sports Centre adds an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, fitness facilities, group fitness and mini golf to the range of sports activities. Availability and seasonal opening may vary. If any of these facilities are important to your stay, check what is currently available in advance.

Discover more destinations: Eriz, Wachseldorn, Buchholterberg, Steffisburg, Hilterfingen, Heiligenschwendi, Forst bei Längenbühl, Uetendorf

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