Langnau in Emmental combines village culture and landscape. The traditional municipality stretches along the Ilfis River and is surrounded by gentle hills, forests and meadows. The first documented references date back to the 13th century. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider whether you would prefer to devote your stay to historic buildings and exhibitions or to walks and cycling tours.
Cultural history in the museum and the village
The Chüechlihus Regional Museum offers insights into Emmental’s cultural heritage in an interactive permanent exhibition. The building was constructed around 1526. Guided tours and workshops are offered in German, French and English; they last about one or one and a half hours and are suitable for groups of up to 20 people. As well as exploring independently, visitors can choose guided tours and hands-on activities.
The village tour also draws attention to Langnau’s architectural history. The brochure “Houses and Stories” introduces more than 60 historic buildings in Langnau’s village centre and explains the area’s architectural development, various styles and technical architectural terms. The village tour is suitable for schools and groups. Those with a particular interest in literature and art can visit the wall along the Ernst Eggimann Trail, which features quotations by Ernst Eggimann and poetry panels. The concrete wall is decorated with graffiti art by Langnau artist Michael Beutler.
Themed trails between forests and farmhouses
The Langnau Forest Nature Trail uses more than 60 information panels to introduce visitors to the lives of trees, shrubs and animals in the SchĂĽtzengraben. Forest management and uses are also among the topics covered. The well-marked trail is easy and comfortable to walk and takes about 1.5 hours. It starts and ends at Ă„ntelipark, where there is a large playground for children.
The “House & Farm” themed trail begins in the upper Gohlgraben at the “Obeningohl” farmstead. The ensemble comprises two farmhouses, a granary, a small farmhouse and a pretty garden with boxwood beds. All the buildings date from the 17th century. In the assessment of the cantonal heritage conservation office, they are among the protected historic buildings that must be preserved intact because of their outstanding architectural quality or distinctive characteristics. The trail highlights the cultural and historical significance of local farmhouses, granaries and small farmhouses.
Walks, a hike and a cycling tour
Langnau’s varied landscape is ideal for walks and cycling tours. A scenic circular hike in the upper Emmental leads from Langnau via Hochwacht and back to the starting point. It is 11.4 kilometres long, with an elevation gain and loss of 397 metres each. For cyclists, the “Herzschlaufe Napf | 399” cycling tour includes one section from Willisau to Langnau and another from Langnau to Entlebuch.
There are several options for planning your stay: an interactive exhibition and village architecture, forest themes and walks, or a hike with a specified route length and elevation gain. You can tailor your holiday apartment search to whichever aspects of Langnau are most important for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bärau, Schangnau, Eggiwil, Zollbrück, Oberfrittenbach, Gohl, Rüderswil, Röthenbach in Emmental.
Go to the main travel overview: Signau.
