Toffen combines a long local history with an unusual destination for classic car enthusiasts and a gravel route through the Gürbetal Valley. It is also connected to Gantrisch Nature Park. If you are considering Toffen as a travel destination, you can weigh up different interests: historical traces in the village, classic vehicles or time on your bike.
Getting there and getting around
From Toffen, various PostBus routes continue to Gantrisch Nature Park via Riggisberg. At Toffen railway station, nine spaces are available in the BLS P+Rail car park, including one accessible parking space. There is also a Mobility car-sharing location there. As parking and car-sharing availability can change, check these details again before you travel. This will help you plan your journey without assuming that a parking space or vehicle will be available.
Gravel biking through the Gürbetal Valley
The 11th Gürbetal gravel loop is 34.74 kilometres long, with a stated duration of two hours and 20 minutes. It is mostly flat, runs through the Gürbetal Valley and offers views of the Stockhorn and Gantrisch ranges. The route follows the Gürbe to Toffen, passes through the village by the Gürbebadi, and follows official cycle route 74 on a section to Wattenwil. The distance, stated riding time and elevation profile offer different points of reference for planning: the duration describes the route, while the views and course of the route give you another sense of the tour.
Traces of local history
The settlement of Toffen dates back to Roman times, and possibly even earlier. The first written records date from 1148. The village also reflects later architectural history: numerous houses from the period between 1700 and 1900 have been preserved, including some built in period style. For a long time, Toffen’s development was shaped by the lords of the castle and estate. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Johann Georg von Werdt and Georg Samuel von Werdt expanded Toffen Castle into a Baroque palace. The different periods thus range from the early history of the settlement to the influential castle architecture.
Classic cars and vintage vehicles
The Toffen Classic Car Gallery opened on 14 April 1984 as Europe’s first classic car gallery. It displays classic cars and is a marketplace for classic two- and four-wheeled vehicles. Its history also includes more than 100 auctions. These were held in Toffen, Lörrach, Zurich, Gstaad, Lucerne, Zug and other external locations. This list describes past auction venues; it is not a statement about a current events calendar. The gallery therefore offers a cultural focus of its own alongside the village’s older history and castle heritage.
A recurring event and Gantrisch Nature Park
At the Toffen Chabishoblete, members of the public can make their own sauerkraut under expert guidance. The organiser reports more than 3,000 visitors each year; the number may vary from one edition to another. If you would like to include the event in your stay, check the dates for the relevant edition.
Gantrisch Nature Park provides a broader regional setting. It covers 405 square kilometres and 19 municipalities, and was certified as a Regional Nature Park by the federal government in 2012. Extensive forests, picturesque villages and the striking Gantrisch range characterise the park. Special emphasis is also placed on protecting biodiversity, including rare animals and plants. The park offers more than 30 guided tours and excursions focused on nature, culture and history. The connection from Toffen to the nature park via Riggisberg thus complements the local attractions with a distinctive regional offering.
Discover more destinations: Kirchdorf, Gerzensee, Belp, Rüti Bei Riggisberg, Rüeggisberg, Uttigen, Kehrsatz, Burgistein
Return to the main travel overview: Seftigen.
