Zimmerwald brings together a notable episode in history and trails that take in the landscape and agriculture. It is also home to historic buildings with a wide variety of details. You can get to know the village through its conference history or combine your stay with a hike on the Längenberg.

Conference History and Architecture

On 5 September 1915, among others, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and Leon Trotsky met on the Längenberg at what became known as the Zimmerwald Conference. Their aim was to organise an international peace campaign and bring together socialist groups with different orientations. The date and names give the historical topic a concrete context; the conference also brought together different political currents in a shared undertaking.

The buildings, too, reflect different periods. Zimmerwald Church was built between 1697 and 1699. Its three chancel windows feature stained glass by Aloys Balmer dating from 1905. The construction and window art thus belong to different centuries—two concrete points of reference for a closer look at the church.

Another historic building is the Ofenhaus-Stöckli, built in 1651 in the hamlet of Niederhäusern near Zimmerwald. Particularly striking are the richly painted timber-frame infill panels with spiral tendrils. They are complemented by heraldic lions bearing symbols of the baking trade. The ornaments and trade emblems give the façade its distinctive motifs. Since autumn 2014, the Ofenhaus-Stöckli has been available to rent as a holiday apartment through the Ferien im Baudenkmal foundation. Check current availability before booking.

Hiking Trails on the Längenberg

The informative Längenberg Farmers’ Trail runs from Zimmerwald Church past the observatory and the Allmidhölzli barbecue area to Obermuhlern and back to the church. Ten panels cover forest management, arable farming, cattle rearing and landscape conservation. They also trace the journey of agricultural products from field to shop shelf. The trail thus combines a specific route with topics relating to agriculture and the landscape. The walk takes about one and a half to two hours and is also suitable for small children. The Längenberg Farmers’ Trail also has a barbecue area with lovely views of the mountains. The route passes the observatory; the Zimmerwald Observatory is not open to the public.

Another easy route runs from Zimmerwald Church via Lisiberg, Chüliwilwald and Undere Wald to Englisberg. It is estimated to take about one and a half hours. The 973-metre-high Lisiberg offers views across the Längenberg towards the Gantrisch range and the Bernese High Alps. The two stated walking times are close: the Farmers’ Trail is estimated at about one and a half to two hours, while the route via Lisiberg takes about one and a half hours. When choosing, the different routes and themes may therefore be the deciding factors.

Getting There and Accommodation

Zimmerwald Church can be reached by PostBus from Wabern, Kehrsatz, Köniz or Riggisberg. As services may change, check the current timetable before travelling.

The Ofenhaus-Stöckli in Niederhäusern near Zimmerwald is a specific accommodation option, available as a holiday apartment through the Ferien im Baudenkmal foundation. It has been available to rent since autumn 2014; check availability separately for your chosen dates. This lets you combine your accommodation search with the architectural and hiking themes of your stay, without turning the two routes into a fixed day-trip itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Kirchlindach, Ostermundigen, Bern, Köniz, Lengnau, Muri Bei Bern, Stettlen, Le Fuet

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