Oberaargau stretches from the first ridge of the Jura down into the Aare Valley and back up to Ahorn, a foothill of the Napf. As the easternmost tip of the Canton of Bern, the region borders Solothurn, Aargau and Lucerne. Villages, valleys, hills, forests and meadows shape the landscape. Walks, hikes and cycling tours lead to all kinds of discoveries: from waterways and viewpoints to museums and cultural landscapes.
Hiking Trails through Hills and Aare Landscapes
The Amiet-Hesse Trail can be explored independently and is signposted; this cultural hiking trail opened in 2016. The shorter option leads from Riedtwil through the Hohle to Oschwand. The longer hike passes through the Mutzgraben and over Juchten, Rotenhaus and Luftröhre to Oschwand. This lets you choose a route based on its course, without assuming a walking time that is not specified here.
The first information panel along the trails is within walking distance of the public transport stop in Riedtwil. Buses run to Riedtwil from Herzogenbuchsee or Wynigen; there are also parking spaces and a clean toilet there. To reach the Mutzbachfall Adventure Trail by public transport, take the train to Wynigen, then bus route B54 to the Bahnhof Riedtwil stop, where the route begins. Check connections and trail conditions before setting out.
The Mutzbachfall Adventure Trail follows a forest path and several small bridges to the 14-metre-high waterfall. If you want to focus on the Aare landscape, the Veloland routes No. 5, the Mittelland Route, and No. 8, the Aare Route, pass through Wangen an der Aare. The HirsrĂĽti circular hike near Rohrbach follows field and meadow paths through the hilly landscape; wooded sections alternate with open fields. In good visibility, the view extends to the Jura heights and the Alps.
Lake Burgäschi: Circular Trail, Swimming Spots and History
The lakeside path at Lake Burgäschi passes through a small alder forest and over wooden boardwalks. Allow about half an hour to walk around the lake. As a large part of the area is a nature reserve, swimming is permitted only on the northeast shore, at the lido or the public swimming area. Check conditions before swimming.
Along the shore, an information trail links panels about history, nature and culture. The archaeological site by the lake is part of a group of 111 sites in six European countries that were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Nature is also a focus: at least 20 Emerald Network species threatened across Europe live in the Oberaargau Emerald Area. Target species include the southern damselfly and the yellow-bellied toad; their habitats are intended to be preserved over the long term.
Museums and Cultural Landscape
At the Langenthal Museum, local history and natural history come together: the collection includes archaeological and geological finds from Oberaargau. The museum presents the history of Langenthal and its surroundings, as well as the region’s geography and geology; special exhibitions are held on the ground floor. Aarwangen Castle hosts exhibitions devoted to the history of the castle and the economic history of Oberaargau. The castle’s history provides the backdrop for the puzzles in its escape rooms. As availability for this bookable activity may vary, it is advisable to confirm before making plans.
Another trace of regional history can be found in the water meadows of the Langeten, Oenz and Rot river valleys. They are the last remnants of a communal meadow irrigation and fertilisation system once widespread across the Swiss Plateau, and were added to the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance in 1983. The Salzbütte Museum in Huttwil documents the region’s history and local heritage through documents and objects. Its “Huttwil Railways” exhibition features railway models in 0 and H0 gauges, including models from collector Walter Hermann; check the current exhibition status before visiting.
Annual Festivals and the Right Holiday Apartment
Events can also shape the focus of a trip. The Langenthal Street Festival takes place annually over a weekend in June, with performances by local bands at more than ten locations and street food. In Wangen an der Aare, the street festival features artists from around the world on a Sunday in August. The Huttwil Christmas Market takes place at the end of November in the historic centre: more than 100 wooden stalls offer food and regional crafts. Exact event dates and programmes may vary from year to year; check the dates before your trip.
When looking for a holiday apartment in Oberaargau, it helps to first choose the outings you want to shape your trip: hiking trails, nature at Lake Burgäschi, culture in museums and castles, or a seasonal festival. These examples take you to different places in the region.
Discover more destinations: Frutigen, Laupen, MĂĽnster, Konolfingen, Trachselwald, Obersimmental, Emmental, Aarwangen
Return to the main travel overview: Bern.
