Madiswil brings together the long history of the irrigation meadows with historic trails, religious art and an annual autumn event. When planning your trip, the first question is a simple one: Should the Rüebenchilbi determine your dates, or are you mainly interested in the cultural landscape, local history and hikes?
Rüebenchilbi in October
The Rüebenchilbi takes place every year on the last weekend of October, from Friday to Sunday. Its traditional programme includes a fair market on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. You can plan your stay around that weekend without relying solely on the recurring date rule.
Irrigation meadows: landscape and communal tradition
The irrigation meadows preserve the cooperative cultural practice of watering and fertilising meadows, once widespread in the Swiss Plateau. This practice can be traced back to the 9th century. Madiswil is one of the places in the Oberaargau irrigation-meadow landscape. In 1983, the irrigation meadows were included in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance as BLN site 1312. The landscape can therefore be understood as both natural and cultural heritage: alongside the meadows, a communally organised form of land management is at its heart.
Historic trails, hikes and cycling tours
The Linksmähder Path is a historic circular walk through Madiswil. Along the route, information panels explain the various sites. Guided tours can be arranged for groups; agree on a date before you arrive.
The specially developed 16er-Linden cycling routes lead to four lime trees in Gutenburg, Kleindietwil, Leimiswil and Madiswil. They combine cycling with nature and history: the lime trees, planted in 1988 as a living memorial to the regiment, are at the centre of the routes. The routes are suitable for all cyclists.
In and around Madiswil, walks and hikes range from easy circular routes to more challenging tours. One option is the approximately 8.5-kilometre, moderately difficult hike from Melchnau via Hochwacht to Madiswil. Take the bus from Langenthal to Melchnau to start, then return by train from Madiswil to Langenthal. Check the timetables for your travel date. From the Hochwacht observation tower, you can enjoy views of the hills of the Oberaargau and Emmental, as well as the Napf region, the Aare Valley, the Jura heights and the Alps.
Another hike, “An Idyllic Hike Through the Swiss Plateau,” follows pastures and a forest path into the village of Madiswil. Trail conditions can vary by season.
Church and literary local history
The Reformed church was built in 1779, following six earlier church buildings. Its furnishings include a walnut pulpit and a marble baptismal font. Distinctive stained-glass windows depict 16 scenes and symbols, from the Creation to the Evangelists; they were designed by glass painter Max Brunner.
The Old Village Forge offers another glimpse of local history: Madiswil master blacksmith and honorary citizen Jakob Käser (1884–1969) lived, worked and wrote poetry there. He wrote stories and poems in a distinctive Oberaargau dialect. Books written there include “Oberaargauerlüt” and “Fyrobe” — a blend of craftsmanship, dialect and literature.
Accommodation and seasonal dining
The Landgasthof Bären is located in a historic half-timbered building and has eleven hotel rooms. Its wine cellar dates from 1646 and is used for aperitifs or tastings served with food. The inn serves seasonal dishes, prepared mostly with fresh local produce.
You can therefore choose your travel dates to suit a festival weekend, a hike or your interest in local history, and plan your accommodation separately.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Obersteckholz, Lotzwil, Melchnau, Gondiswil, Langenthal, Bannwil, Auswil, Rohrbachgraben
For the main travel overview: Aarwangen.
