Bolligen connects the Worblen Valley with the Emmental and offers different options for planning your trip: the church and rectory take centre stage in the historic village centre, while hiking trails and the Bantiger offer more to discover. There is also an indoor swimming pool and insights into local history. This lets you choose what to focus on in Bolligen according to what you want your stay to be about – culture, activity or both.
Church and history in the village centre
Bolligen’s church is documented as early as 1180 and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The historic centre in the village includes a renovated 12th-century church and the rectory, built in 1581. The Gis bell, known as the “evening bell”, is also part of the church’s history: it dates from 1489. These dates offer a glimpse into the village’s long history, with more to discover than a single building.
Another historical trace leads to Geristein: from 1940, the former quarries were initially to be converted into a command bunker and later into a government bunker. The project was abandoned after parts of the ceilings came loose. A virtual tour of the K3 facility near Geristein is available on YouTube as part of the “festung-oberland.ch” project. The Bolligen local history room adds to these topics with extensive photographic documentation of the development of three municipalities over the past 100 years. By appointment, the local history room can also be opened to groups and individuals outside regular opening hours.
Hiking trails, cycling trips and Geristein
Bolligen has 33 kilometres of hiking trails. Options range from shorter nature walks to longer hikes. You can find various suggested routes on hiking maps issued by the Bolligen municipal administration. Cycling trips are also possible on many forest roads, and can be more or less challenging. Depending on the activity you choose, you can make movement and scenery different parts of your stay.
One route runs from Ferenberg via Chlosteralp, Laufenbad, Geristein and the Bantiger, returning to Ferenberg. A hike up the Bantiger also includes a ten-minute detour to the ruins of Geristein Castle and back. The ruins date from the 11th century. To reach the start of this hike, take the train to Bolligen, then the bus to the Hub stop near Krauchthal school. Check current departure times when planning your trip.
Panoramic views from the Bantiger
The Swisscom transmission tower on the Bantiger has an observation platform offering panoramic views in every direction. Four panoramic panels have been accessible to visitors since spring 2017. Together, they feature 430 labels that help identify towns, bodies of water, mountains and infrastructure. The view from the tower is complemented by specific names and landmarks.
Indoor swimming pool and connections to Bern
Another option is the Bolligen indoor swimming pool. The pool is 25 metres long, has four lanes and a water temperature of 28 degrees. Younger swimmers can enjoy a paddling pool with a frog slide; the water can also be heated further. The indoor pool also has a sauna. So, alongside walks, hikes and cycling trips, you can choose activities such as swimming and enjoying the warmth.
For travel to Bern, the S7 service operated by Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn takes 12 minutes from Bolligen to Bern railway station. Check the current timetable before setting off. This connection and the range of activities give you practical options for shaping your stay in Bolligen around local history, outdoor activities or a visit to the indoor pool.
Discover more destinations: Le Fuet, Kirchlindach, Lengnau, Gasel, Bern, Ostermundigen, Bern, Zimmerwald.
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