Konolfingen is in the canton of Bern and geographically still part of the Kiesental valley. The municipality, situated at an altitude of around 660 metres, is often called the “Gateway to the Emmental.” Its history can be traced through various landmarks: a historic house with local connections, a church featuring art and architecture from different periods, and a literary trail that starts and ends at Kreuzplatz in Konolfingen.
Local History at the Village Museum
In the historic Alter Bären house, the village museum showcases the history of Konolfingen and its surroundings. The attic regularly hosts theatre performances, concerts and readings. If you would like to attend an event, check the current programme in advance. The museum offers special guided tours for groups, associations and schools; these must be arranged in advance. The village museum is not wheelchair accessible.
The village trail also takes you back to earlier views of the area: 52 panels depict present-day locations, accompanied by explanatory text. QR codes along the trail show what each location looked like in the past. This lets you explore explanations of the surroundings today alongside historical views in two different formats.
Church Art and the Literary Trail
The Reformed Church of Konolfingen is a preserved example of 1930s architecture, shaped by the Neues Bauen and Bauhaus movements. It also features a range of artworks: the church has Art Nouveau windows by Burkhard Mangold. The DĂĽrrenmatt window was unveiled on 18 May 2008 and developed from an ink drawing. There is also a mural by Fritz Ryser, dating from 1942, above the church portal in Konolfingen. It depicts a scene on Easter morning: an angel stands beside the rolled-away gravestone.
The church is open during the day to anyone seeking peace and reflection. Services and other church activities may affect access. If you would like to take your time viewing the architecture or the art inside the church, it is worth considering when to visit.
For a longer literary excursion, the Emmental Literary Trail starts and ends at Kreuzplatz in Konolfingen. The main circular route is 6.8 kilometres long, with around 160 metres of ascent and descent. Together, the distance and elevation give you a clear idea of the route’s scope and can help you plan your day.
Viewpoints, Cycling and Seasonal Activities
At the Ballenbüel viewpoint, two stately lime trees, officially protected, frame the scene. The view extends across the Aare Valley to the Chasseral, as well as the Stockhorn and Niesen. The viewpoint is about an hour’s walk from Konolfingen railway station. This gives you a specific walking time to factor into your plans for the day.
Cycling enthusiasts will find a variety of options: Konolfingen has a tarmac pump track that serves as a recreational and training facility for bikers, skateboarders and scooter riders of all skill levels. The facility was completed in April 2022. For a longer route, the Herzschlaufe Langnau offers the fully signposted Veloland Route 499, which is just under 70 kilometres long. It leads from the green hills around Eggiwil, past the unexpected castles in Konolfingen, to the remote highlands near Oberthal.
Konolfingen swimming pool also offers a distinct seasonal attraction: one of its features is a 53-metre-long water slide. The regular season runs from early May to mid-September; dates may vary from year to year. Check the current season dates before your visit.
HĂĽnigen Castle: Traces of Different Eras
The settlement of Villa Hünigen was mentioned as early as the 12th century in a document issued by Pope Eugene III in connection with the small monastery of Röthenbach. The present-day Hünigen Castle was built in the mid-16th century using stones from the earlier castle, which had burned down. The place is also associated with the Bernese dialect poet Rudolf von Tavel: he stayed with his aunt at Hünigen Castle and wrote two of his 14 novels there.
Stalden im Emmental railway station is a useful point of reference when travelling to the castle: HĂĽnigen Castle is just a few steps from the station. The train journey from Konolfingen to Stalden im Emmental takes two minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Konolfingen, Aeschlen, Grosshöchstetten, Wichtrach, Worb, Oberthal, Zäziwil, Oberdiessbach, Münsingen, Linden, Kiesen, Oberhünigen, Walkringen, Herbligen.
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