Belp offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: local history at the museum and historic buildings, swimming at Giessenbad, and the floodplain landscape of the Belp floodplains. If you are considering the town as a base for an overnight stay, you can plan around cultural history, swimming and nature according to your preferences.
Local history and historic buildings
The Belp Local Museum presents changing exhibitions on the history and present of Belp in the castle. Its collection includes objects, documents, photographs, artworks and publications on the historical development of the town and its population. The estate of the former Galactina & Biomalz AG is of significance beyond the region.
The Chefiturm was built in 1542 and served as a prison for the ruling authorities. It is one of the few surviving buildings of its kind in the Canton of Bern. Its construction date and former function give the tower a distinct historical character. The Reformed Church of Belp also combines history with specific works of art: the almost 1,000-year-old church building was originally dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul and houses significant 15th-century wall paintings.
The Old Castle of Belp dates from the 16th century. Its grounds include a castle park, a fountain and a pond with a notable stand of plane trees. The Belp Castle Gallery gives residents of Belp and the surrounding area, as well as other art enthusiasts, access to local artistic work. It also gives artists from Belp and the surrounding area the opportunity to exhibit their work in Belp.
The ruins of Hohburg Castle are another trace of the past. They lie on a rocky outcrop in the forest along the hiking trail from Belp railway station. This makes it possible to explore the town’s history not only through exhibitions and buildings, but also at a ruin site along a described hiking trail. Buildings, art and ruins offer different perspectives without needing to be combined into a fixed sightseeing itinerary.
Giessenbad: Pools and river swimming
Giessenbad Belp offers a range of swimming facilities. It has a 50-metre swimming pool with a pool lift, as well as a diving pool with 1- and 3-metre diving boards and a 5-metre diving tower. There is also a water playground with a paddling pool and a water playground for children called «Familienbedli». The pools, diving facilities and water-play area are distinct parts of the complex.
The Giesse, a natural stream, runs through the Giessenbad grounds; visitors can also swim in the refreshing Giesse. For a break, there is a restaurant or kiosk with 100 seats, as well as a smaller kiosk in the family pool area. As swimming operations may vary by season, check the current opening hours before your visit.
Nature in the Belp floodplains
The Belp floodplains are part of the cantonal nature reserve «Aare River Landscape Thun–Bern», established in 1977. The designated network of paths in the Belp floodplains lets walkers and sports enthusiasts enjoy nature in a diverse floodplain landscape. The natural area adds a distinct focus to the cultural and historical attractions: here, the floodplain landscape and outdoor activities take centre stage.
For travel planning: Bern Airport can be reached from Bern railway station via Belp in 33 minutes.
Discover more destinations: Gerzensee, RĂĽti Bei Riggisberg, Niedermuhlern, Kehrsatz, Toffen, Uttigen, RĂĽeggisberg, Wattenwil.
For the broader travel overview: Seftigen.
