A castle site that remained undiscovered for almost 800 years and a pottery tradition that can still be seen in the townscape give Heimberg two special trails of discovery. These are complemented by the Museum of the Old Pottery, a local recreation area and various sports facilities.

Castle Site and Circular Hike

Heimberg Castle remained undiscovered for almost 800 years before it was discovered in 2018 and subsequently investigated. Today, the castle site is freely accessible. You can reach it via a forest track following the hiking trail markers; the site can also be explored on a circular hike starting at Heimberg railway station. Two information boards at the castle site provide an overview of the complex and its history. A bench invites you to sit and linger.

Heimberg and Its Pottery Tradition

Around 1850, Heimberg had 80 pottery workshops. This earned the town the title of “Pottery Village”, which Heimberg still bears today. In 1878, potters from the Heimberg-Steffisburg region achieved great success at the World’s Fair in Paris with Thun majolica tableware. Heimberg is also considered the birthplace of Heimberg ceramics; their production can still be traced in the town’s buildings today. The town also holds a special place as an early settlement of home workers: Heimberg is considered the region’s most structurally developed early settlement of home workers.

Museum of the Old Pottery

The Museum of the Old Pottery holds its exhibitions in the former Steinmann pottery workshop at Bernstrasse 238 in Heimberg. The focus is on majolica works and a continually expanding collection of works by former potters from the Heimberg-Steffisburg area. The current exhibition brings together ceramics by more than 25 master potters. You can visit the stops along the museum trail in any order; they do not build on one another in terms of content. This means you can also explore the museum trail one stop at a time.

A bus stop and a railway station are located close to the museum. It is about a five-minute walk from the Lädeli. A private group tour can be booked; a pottery course can also be arranged through the museum. Regular pottery events and temporary exhibitions are planned. If you would like to plan a tour, course or event, enquire about possible dates in advance.

Local Recreation and Sports

Thungschneit is a local recreation area in Heimberg. For sports activities, the Heimberg Sports Centre supplements the programme with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, fitness facilities, group fitness and mini golf. As availability and seasonal operations may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

CIS Heimberg has four badminton courts with PVC flooring and LED lighting. They can be booked online around the clock. For tennis, there are five courts in an indoor hall and two in an air-supported dome; all are equipped with LED lighting. The indoor courts have carpet flooring with granules, while the courts in the air-supported dome have sand surfaces. CIS also offers tennis courses or private lessons for Bambinos, children, juniors, professionals and adults. Course details and facilities may change; for specific plans, it is worth making a current enquiry.

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