More than 20 marked hiking trails and a 3 km night cross-country ski trail in Bumbach illustrate the range of activities in Schangnau. There is also the Emme, a raised bog of national importance, and cultural sites such as Schangnau Mill. This lets you choose different focuses for your trip—from observing nature to exploring local history.
Hiking, Water and Landscapes
Schangnau’s hiking trails offer the chance to discover richly decorated farmhouses and traditional crafts, including wheelwrighting and shingle-making. More than 20 trails are marked, where you can observe a diverse range of plant and animal life. The Hohgant reaches 2,196 m and is also known as the “Crown of the Emmental.” The Emme flows through Schangnau and leaves the valley through the Räbloch Gorge. Visitors and locals swim, fish and canoe on the Emme.
Traces of the landscape’s history are also evident: moraine deposits and erratic boulders bear witness to the former Emme Glacier. The Buhüttli nature reserve in the municipality of Schangnau includes a raised bog of national importance and its characteristic raised-bog surroundings. Those interested in geology and moorland landscapes will find a different way to experience the region here than on trails through the farming-shaped cultural landscape.
Activities for Every Season
The “Sagenhaftes Gezwitscher” adventure trail leads towards Schangnau, with 20 stations full of games, discoveries and puzzles about birdlife. One route ends at the Arche-Hof Schangnau. There, you can explore a farm with animals and ProSpecieRara plants on a tour.
There are various options in winter. With two lifts, the Bumbach ski lifts provide access to more than 9 km of pistes of varying difficulty for beginners and advanced skiers. The ski area includes a children’s lift, intended to let the youngest visitors enjoy snow sports safely. Winter operations depend on snow and weather conditions. For a walk, the winter hiking trail runs from Schangnau village via Bumbach to Kemmeriboden; its stated duration is 2 hours 45 minutes.
Another winter option is the 3 km night cross-country ski trail in Bumbach. It is lit daily from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; the trail starts by Bumbach schoolhouse. Lighting times may vary by season. Before your visit, check the current times and operating status of seasonal activities.
The Mill, Church and Bridges
Since the 19th century, Schangnau Mill has been used as a sawmill and grain mill. Today, it houses a residential community with a cultural programme, a large event hall and workshops. Here, you can distinguish the building’s former use from its current cultural role. Schangnau’s Reformed church was rebuilt in 1618.
Other structures include two covered wooden bridges: Mühlebrücke crosses the Emme, while Alte Mühlebrücke crosses the Beutlerschwandgraben. Together with the mill and church, they offer different points of connection for exploring the village’s architectural history.
Alpine Cheese and Choosing Where to Stay
During the summer months, Alpine cheese, as well as Mutsch, raclette and goat’s cheese, are produced on Alp Tannisboden. At the Alpine kiosk, hikers and bikers can buy or enjoy cheese, dried meat, drinks and sweets; availability may follow the Alpine season. An herbal course, among other things, is also offered on the alp. Check for possible dates for your travel period. Elsewhere in the wider Emmental region, Anke-Züpfe, Merängge mit Nidle and Emmentaler are among the well-known specialties.
The distribution of inns can also help guide your accommodation search: five inns are spread across the Schangnau area. Factor in their locations and compare them with the activities you plan during your stay. To start a hike in Schangnau, take bus route B 251 from Escholzmatt railway station in the direction of Kemmeriboden to the Schangnau, Post stop. Check the timetable for your travel day. Schangnau also has several barbecue areas, some with covered seating.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Eggiwil, Zollbrück, Trubschachen, Rüderswil, Oberfrittenbach, Langnau Im Emmental, Signau, Röthenbach Im Emmental.
Go to the main travel overview: Signau.
