In Gohl, theme trails meet striking landscapes and historic farmhouses. For your planning, it is particularly worth looking at two trails with different focuses: the Gohlgraben Tour is designed for bicycles, with or without electric assistance; “House & Farm” leads through green meadows and focuses on traditional architecture. You can then choose whether you would rather explore stops covering landscapes, history and local topics, or focus on farmhouses and their surroundings.

Gohlgraben: Landscapes and Themes at Twelve Stops

The Gohlgraben Tour is a theme trail with twelve stops for bicycles, with or without electric assistance. The Gohlgraben is one of the deeply incised valleys in the Napf region; the landscape is characterised by isolated farmsteads. Along the way, a medieval castle site and a glacial erratic are among the places and features covered. Geology and water are also themes of the tour. Three stops focus on cheese, wood and livestock farming—industries that remain important to this day. Visitors also learn about hornussen, one of the popular local sports. Views extend to the hills of the Emmental and the Alps.

This means the tour offers several perspectives on the Gohlgraben, rather than focusing solely on the landscape. The stops also cover nature and local life and economic activity. If you are planning a cycling tour, the twelve stops provide a clear guide to the themes along the way; however, this number does not indicate a duration or route length.

“House & Farm” and the Obeningohl Farmstead

The “House & Farm” theme trail begins in the upper Gohlgraben at the “Obeningohl” farmstead. It focuses on the cultural and historical significance of local farmhouses, granaries and small houses known as Stöckli. The farmstead itself consists of two farmhouses, a granary, a Stöckli and a garden with boxwood beds. The buildings date from the 17th century. The trail thus brings together a specific historic farmstead and the broader theme of rural architecture.

The trail runs mostly through green meadows and descends gradually. It is also suitable for less experienced hikers. This sets it apart from the cycling-oriented Gohlgraben Tour: “House & Farm” focuses on walking and farmhouse culture, while the Gohlgraben Tour focuses on its twelve themed stops and cycling. The information about the trails can help you choose the right activity without combining them into a single route.

Things to Do in and Around Gohl

Camping Mettlen is located in Gohl, in peaceful and beautiful surroundings amid the natural landscape of the Emmental. Various walks and cycling tours are available from there, and there is a bus stop right by the campsite. If you plan to take the bus, check the timetable in advance. Langnau im Emmental is about 6 km from Camping Mettlen. It has an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, a local history museum, an ice rink, a fitness centre and shopping facilities.

For a meal, Restaurant Jägerhus in Gohl serves hearty cuisine. Bluttenried is one of the local residents’ association’s barbecue areas. These options add two different aspects to your stay alongside the theme trails: a meal at a restaurant and a place for barbecuing associated with the local residents’ association.

Gohl’s history can also be traced through specific places: the Barons of Spitzenberg built their ancestral castle on the Spitzenegg in Gohl. Together with the buildings at Obeningohl, this offers another glimpse into the village’s history alongside the landscape and economic themes of the Gohlgraben Tour.

Discover more destinations: Signau, Langnau Im Emmental, Rüderswil, Schangnau, Röthenbach Im Emmental, Eggiwil, Lauperswil, Zollbrück.

Back to the main travel guide: Signau.