Münchenbuchsee combines a rich history with leisure activities, some of which are seasonal. The Knights Hospitaller monastery, the history of the castle, and the birthplace of Paul Klee provide cultural highlights; the sports centre, golf park, and opportunities for outdoor exercise round out the picture. When planning your visit, it is worth first choosing what interests you most: exploring historic sites and collections, or focusing on activities such as swimming, ice skating, and golf.
From the Knights Hospitaller Monastery to Pestalozzi and Paul Klee
Münchenbuchsee Castle dates back to a Knights Hospitaller monastery founded in 1180 by Kuno von Buchsee. It was the first Knights Hospitaller monastery in Switzerland and included a hospital for the poor, pilgrims, and the dying. In 1210, the Knights Hospitaller established a pilgrim hostel, an infirmary, a large kitchen, and two ovens in the buildings behind the church. These historic milestones illustrate the monastery's various functions: accommodation and care were just as much a part of it as its religious history.
The choir of Münchenbuchsee Church contains stained-glass windows created between 1280 and 1330. The choir of an existing church was extended between 1300 and 1330, giving it its present form. Around 1600, a bailiff's castle was built at Münchenbuchsee Castle. In 1804, Heinrich Pestalozzi moved into the former bailiff's castle with teachers and students; the first teacher-training college in Münchenbuchsee opened in 1833. Paul Klee was later born on 18 December 1879 in the upper schoolhouse in Münchenbuchsee. Placing the town's history in chronological order reveals a progression from the monastery through the history of the castle and education to a renowned artist.
Toys and local history
The Münchenbuchsee Toy Museum opened on 5 August 2021 in a former cheese dairy. Its collection is displayed across an exhibition area of 150 m². The items listed include toy shops, dolls' kitchens and dollhouses, Schildkröt dolls, Elastolin figures, animal models, and tin toys. The collection thus ranges from dolls and toy shops to figures and models.
The Alt Buchsee Collection offers a different view of the past: it comprises several thousand old photographs and postcards, historical reconstructions, plans, transcriptions from the council minutes of the Council of Bern, books, pictures, and old magazines. Guided tours and research sessions for groups or individual visitors are available by prior arrangement. If you would like to plan a visit, book in advance and confirm the arrangements in good time.
Leisure by season and interest
Hirzi Sports Centre offers swimming in summer, and ice skating and ice hockey in winter. It also has tennis and beach volleyball facilities. The outdoor pool features a three-lane RACER-SLIDE with bends, jumps, and timing for racing down the slides. The non-swimmer pool has the Ottilie snake slide. Access conditions for the facilities may change, so check them before your visit.
Restaurant Hirzi is also described as seasonal: refreshments are available during summer visits to the swimming pool; during public skating in winter, food and drinks are offered to help visitors warm up and recharge. Menus and service arrangements may change. For a meal in connection with cultural events, the restaurant at the Bären Buchsi also serves food and drinks before and after events.
Moossee Golf Park is a modern 18-hole facility located in the municipalities of Moosseedorf, Münchenbuchsee, and Wiggiswil. Its facilities include 18-, 9-, and 6-hole courses. The driving range has 83 hitting bays, 37 of them covered. The golf park opened in 2003.
For a different experience, KrimiSpass Swiss in Münchenbuchsee offers an interactive crime adventure centred on a mysterious murder case. It can be started at any time of day or night. Participation is free; you will need an internet-enabled smartphone, paper, writing materials, and weather-appropriate clothing. Since the participation requirements may change, check the current guidelines before starting. For outdoor exercise, you can jog in Bäreriedwald or go for a walk in a local recreation area in Münchenbuchsee.
Discover more destinations: Deisswil Bei Münchenbuchsee, Urtenen-Schönbühl.
Go to the main travel overview: Fraubrunnen.
