Langenthal is considered a small town in the heart of the Swiss Plateau and the centre of the Bernese Oberaargau. Architectural heritage, archaeological traces, museums and art sit alongside nature experiences and outdoor activities. You can therefore choose different focuses when planning your trip: from a guided city tour to wildlife watching or a hike along the Langete.

Town History and Architectural Heritage

Langenthal was first mentioned in a document in 861. Historical town tours take you through the town centre and introduce you to buildings steeped in history. They last 1 to 1.5 hours and are offered in German, French and English. You can choose the language and time frame for your tour accordingly.

A Wakker Prize tour offers a distinctive perspective on Langenthal’s architectural heritage. At various buildings, the tour explains the reasons for the Wakker Prize awarded in 2019: the careful approach to building traditions and the planning process used for construction projects. The tour thus connects individual buildings with the criteria that were decisive for the award.

The town theatre also plays an important role in the city’s cultural life. It has a history spanning more than 100 years and is considered Langenthal’s largest cultural institution, with a reputation extending beyond the region. The Langenthal Museum displays archaeological and geological finds from the Oberaargau alongside the development of Langenthal: its exhibition themes range from the medieval village to the regional centre. The Langenthal Art Museum presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, with a focus on current Swiss art. Events and educational programmes for people of all ages accompany the exhibitions.

Archaeology and Special Collections

Unterhard served as a burial ground for centuries. The Archaeological Service of the Canton of Bern documented two Iron Age burial mounds and a total of 123 graves dating from the Early Iron Age, the Roman period and the Early Middle Ages. The restored burial mounds can be visited; check the specific conditions on site before your visit.

The Jo Vonlanthen Formula 1 Museum offers a very different kind of collection. Across more than 1,845 square metres, it displays racing cars, Formula 1 cars and classic cars. If you are interested in motorsport, you can find various types of vehicles under one roof. The aquarium in Langenthal, by contrast, focuses on the underwater world: this visitor attraction features four large tanks and displays koi, sturgeon, catfish, rays and colourful Amazonian fish. As access should be checked before travelling and collection details may change, it is advisable to consult the latest visitor information.

Wildlife and Outdoor Routes

At Schorenweiher, you can observe native and exotic birds, ducks, geese, fish and other animals in their natural surroundings along well-maintained paths. The pond is also a good starting point for hikes and walks. Langenthal Animal Park is home to around 80 animals in spacious, loosely arranged enclosures. From paths that are mostly free of dust, you can observe fallow deer, sika deer, red deer, wild boar, pygmy goats and ponies. If you would like to feed the animals, use the park’s pre-packaged animal feed; check this visitor rule on site.

For a hike, consider the “Picturesque Landscapes of the Swiss Plateau” route. It starts in Langenthal and leads directly to the Langete. Its first section follows the river through the Wässermatten, a distinctive cultural landscape featuring irrigation channels, hedgerows and impressive individual trees. This route therefore showcases both the river landscape and the features of the Wässermatten shaped by human activity. Langenthal can be reached by train for this hike; check current connections before travelling.

Observatory and Seasonal Options

The Langenthal School Observatory offers 90-minute guided tours for school classes, Ferienpass children, companies, associations and private groups. Check tour availability before booking. In addition, when the sky is clear, the observatory is open to the public every Tuesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m., from October to the end of March. The weather is therefore a key factor for visits during this period; check the details before travelling.

Ice skating is also available as a seasonal option: public skating at the Schoren Ice Rink is scheduled to begin on Sunday, 4 October 2026, for the 2026/27 season. Check the latest dates before your visit. Langenthal is also close to the main west–east and north–south routes and is well connected by transport.

Discover more destinations: Leimiswil, Gondiswil, Rohrbach, Lotzwil, Melchnau, Aarwangen, Rohrbachgraben, Obersteckholz.

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