Konolfingen combines a glimpse of 1930s architecture with a village trail, cultural activities and a swimming pool. The municipality’s forest is also part of the area’s character. You can therefore choose different focuses for your stay: local history and culture, summer relaxation or time in nature.
Church, local history and culture
The Reformed Church of Konolfingen is a notable site for architecture enthusiasts. It was built in 1898, expanded and renovated in 1938/39, and expanded and renovated again in 2015. The church is considered one of the few surviving examples of 1930s architecture influenced by the New Building movement and the Bauhaus. The construction and renovation dates help place its different building phases in context.
The church is open during the day to anyone seeking peace and quiet. Access may vary during services or special events. If you plan to visit the church, take this possible restriction into account.
The present-day municipality was formed on New Year’s Eve 1932/1933 through the merger of the municipalities of Stalden and Gysenstein. Herolfingen, Ursellen and Konolfingen-Dorf were also included in the merger. Another way to explore local history is the Konolfingen village trail: QR codes show you what each location looked like in the past. The trail thus combines visits to the sites with a glimpse of their historical appearance.
The Alter Bären also has a cultural connection: the village museum offers special guided tours for groups, clubs and schools; prior arrangements may be necessary. Theatre performances, concerts and readings are regularly held in the attic of the Alter Bären. If you are interested in a tour or event, confirm any necessary arrangements or dates in advance.
The Reformed Parish of Konolfingen’s concert and cultural programme is published twice a year. Classical and folk concerts are usually held in the Reformed Church. As the programme may change, check the dates before your visit. This gives you two different ways to experience local culture: recurring events in the attic of the Alter Bären and concerts usually held in the church.
Swimming pool, forest and circular trail
Konolfingen swimming pool has pools for cooling off, a water slide and a spacious sunbathing lawn for relaxing in summer. A day at the pool therefore offers both water activities and space to rest. The pool operates seasonally: check whether it will be open during your stay before travelling.
The municipality’s forest is an important natural and recreational area. It can be used for walking, jogging, mushroom picking and hunting. These different activities give you options if you would like to spend time in nature during your stay. The forest is a distinct attraction alongside the area’s cultural offerings.
The circular trail of the emmental Literaturweg Friedrich DĂĽrrenmatt provides another clear point of reference: it starts and ends at Kreuzplatz in Konolfingen. Check the current signs before setting off. Konolfingen is often described locally as the gateway to the Emmental. Geographically, it is still in the Kiesental valley, at an elevation of around 660 metres. Konolfingen is a municipality in the Bern-Mittelland administrative district of the canton of Bern, Switzerland.
Planning your stay
For a focus on cultural history, the church, village trail and Alter Bären offer different points of interest; concerts and other events add to the picture, although specific dates may change. The swimming pool is a seasonal option for summer bathing, while the municipal forest offers other ways to spend time outdoors.
These differences can help you match your interests to the time of your trip: if you plan a day at the pool, check its seasonal opening; for a cultural event, check the current programme.
Discover more destinations: Worb, Grosshöchstetten, Oberhünigen, Oberdiessbach, Münsingen, Oberthal, Kiesen, Wichtrach.
See the main travel overview: Konolfingen.
