At the Chefeli, parts of the exterior plaster survived the village fire of 1714; they are over 400 years old. Such traces offer a tangible point of reference for Seftigen’s village history, alongside a former holding cell, archaeological finds and a long-standing political significance.
Traces at the Chefeli and in the village’s history
The Chefeli was built in 1612 and used as a holding cell until the 1920s. It was professionally restored in 2013. Graffiti on the walls from several centuries bear witness to its former use. Its construction date, function and these surviving traces tell different chapters of the same building’s story, without being confined to a single period.
Seftigen’s local history also reaches far beyond a single building: from 1388 to 1798, the village was the centre of one of the rural courts of Bern. Seftigen was first mentioned in written records under the name “Seftinges”. Individual finds from excavations at Rebzelg in the early 1990s show that Romans and Alemanni settled in the village. Here, evidence of early settlement meets a later political role.
Moraines, hills and views
Seftigen lies at 578 metres above sea level on the southern edge of the GĂĽrbetal. Bergwald lies to the north and Widerhub to the south. The surrounding area is considered a gently hilly landscape shaped by Ice Age moraines, with hills, hollows, farmland, small woods and hamlets. The landscape includes views across the GĂĽrbetal, Belpberg and the Bernese Alps.
Small lakes can also be included in a day’s hike: on the hike from Amsoldingen to Seftigen, the Amsoldingersee, Uebeschisee and Dittligsee lie along the way. Nearby, the twin beeches of Gurzelen are described as a living natural monument. The two trees are 40 metres tall and have grown together at a height of nine metres.
Another contrast in the landscape can be found in the direction of Gantrisch Nature Park: nearby, there are more challenging alpine experiences than in Seftigen’s gently hilly moraine landscape. This can help you choose suitable excursions without requiring a particular route.
On foot or by gravel bike
The moderately difficult “Twin Beeches Gurzelen Walk” circular trail is 7.2 kilometres long. It starts at Seftigen railway station, crosses a moraine hill and passes through forests to Gurzelen and back. The starting point, type of trail and destination of the loop are all clearly specified. Another hike runs from Kiesen to Seftigen, where you can take the train back.
For gravel biking, the “11 Gürbetal gravel loop” offers a different kind of route: it is mostly flat and runs largely on gravel and unpaved paths through the Gürbetal. The “Belp – Wattenwil – Belp” option follows a gravel section to Seftigen and then returns through the Gürbetal. The named hiking trail is described as moderately difficult and as crossing hills and passing through forests, while the gravel loop is characterised by its mostly flat profile and surface. Route details may change; check the route before setting out.
Agriculture and getting there
A visit to the barn is offered at Dählers Black Angus Farm in Seftigen. It provides an insight into farming, the origins of milk, meat and eggs, and food production. If you plan to visit, check the arrangements in advance.
Tickets, passes and leisure offers are available at Seftigen railway station. The station also has a BLS P+Rail facility with five parking spaces, including one accessible parking space. Station services and parking capacity may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Gerzensee, Belp, Wattenwil, Riggisberg, Gelterfingen, Burgistein, Toffen, Niedermuhlern, RĂĽeggisberg, Kirchdorf, Uttigen, RĂĽti Bei Riggisberg, Kehrsatz.
Back to the main travel overview: Bern.
