Discover Heimisbach: culture, hiking and hotels

Heimisbach combines the history of writer Simon Gfeller with hiking trails, a storytelling route and a cycling route. This gives you different themes to consider when planning your trip: literary history, route layouts and places to rest. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider whether culture, hiking or cycling will shape your time in Heimisbach.

Simon Gfeller’s legacy in Heimisbach

The name Heimisbach dates back to 1 January 1968: the Dürrgraben valley community was given this name, after Simon Gfeller’s first book. The connection with the writer is also reflected in the Simon Gfeller Memorial Room. It is located in the former Thal schoolhouse and displays the writer’s books and plays, as well as items from his estate.

Items from the estate on display include letters, manuscripts and diaries, as well as paintings and photographs. Those interested in literary history will find several different perspectives here: published works and plays sit alongside personal and artistic materials from the estate.

Kultur ir Chäsi offers another cultural dimension. Markus Staub presents literature, art and culture there as stories in words, images and sound.

Hiking routes with different layouts

The “Rund um Heimisbach” circular hike follows in the footsteps of Emmental writer Simon Gfeller around Heimisbach. The route includes the former Thal schoolhouse and its memorial room. At Hämlismatt, the trail climbs through the forest; at Rötlisberg, it joins the official hiking trail. In this way, the description combines literary context with specific points along the route.

The “Rund um Simon Gfellers Heimisbach” route crosses the ridges around the former Dürrgraben. It follows exclusively signposted hiking trails. The Emmental Ghost and Murder Stories Trail offers a different focus: its Heimisbach section is titled “Mammoth Hunt in Heimisbach.” The hiking trail runs from Trachselwald to Kramershaus and then towards Zollbrück as far as Geilisguet. The options described therefore differ in their routes and themes.

Cycling route and places to rest

For cycling, the “Lüdere Bike” route is described as 25 kilometres long, with 820 metres of elevation gain. In the Binzgrabe, the paved road follows the Binzbach downhill to Heimisbach. Seasonal conditions may affect whether it can be used. Its length and elevation gain give you specific details for planning; no difficulty rating is implied.

Places to rest are also among the facilities described. The Nülli rest area offers a chance to take a break during a hike and has a small barbecue area. The access route goes via Heimisbach, Thal and Latärnegrabe, then continues via Holzsagi and Chnubel to Nülli. As local roads or paths may change, check the route before setting out.

The public Schwarzenegg barbecue area offers a place to grill and rest and is open to everyone. Nülli is described as a rest area for use during a hike; Schwarzenegg is a public barbecue area. These distinctions help you choose the place to rest that best suits your planned stay.

Heimisbach in the Emmental

The municipality of Trachselwald, which includes Heimisbach, lies in the heart of the Emmental. Its landscape is hilly, and it is about 15 minutes from the regional centres of Burgdorf and Langnau. This context adds a regional perspective to the local themes without treating the different hiking and cultural offerings as interchangeable.

Whether you are most interested in Simon Gfeller’s literary legacy, the different hiking routes or the cycling route, Heimisbach offers several specific starting points for planning your stay.

For the general travel overview: Trachselwald.