Zollbrück grew up at a crossing over the Emme: on 28 October 1551, Bern granted residents of the Upper Emmental communities permission to build a bridge there. The later toll bridge gave rise to the present-day village. If you choose Zollbrück as your destination, you will find a range of trail themes: cultural stories along the Emme circular trail, nature and agriculture on the farm trail, and a hike to Wartenstein Castle ruins.
From permission to build a bridge to today’s crossing
The Zollbrück bridge was swept away in the 1837 flood. A replacement was opened in August 1840. The Zollbrück bridge burned down in 1947; since then, a concrete bridge has connected the two parts of the municipality. Several phases of bridge-building have thus shaped the history of the place—from the crossing over the Emme to its present-day connection.
The Emme leisure trail: a circular route with cultural stops
The Emme leisure trail is a circular route from Zollbrück railway station along the Emme to Rüderswil, then back to Zollbrück via Wartenstein Castle ruins and Lauperswil. At 18 virtual stops, you can find information and background stories on topics including the gold rush, medieval paths, castles and churches. The trail combines a riverside route with a range of cultural and historical themes.
You can walk the leisure trail at any time without a reservation or advance booking; weather conditions may affect accessibility. The section along the Emme is flat and follows a well-maintained hiking trail. This description refers to that section.
Nature and agriculture on the farm trail
The Emmental farm trail runs between Ramsei and Zollbrück. Along the approximately 7.3-kilometre route, interactive quiz stations provide information about nature, animals, plants, biodiversity and Swiss agriculture. The start and finish are at either Ramsei or Zollbrück railway station. There is also a barbecue area along the way where you can take a break. Unlike the Emme leisure trail, the focus here is less on local and castle history and more on agriculture and nature.
Walk to Wartenstein Castle ruins
From Zollbrück, you can reach Wartenstein Castle ruins via Lauperswil or Blindenbach on a hike of about an hour, with some fairly steep sections. The ruins are only accessible on foot. In the former castle courtyard, there are benches, tables and a fire pit that visitors are welcome to use; check their current condition before your visit.
A regional touch on the Moosegg
The nearby Moosegg is a viewpoint at an altitude of 950 metres, with views of the Alpine range and the Emmental. Open-air theatre performances take place there during the summer months, including plays with strong ties to the Emmental. Hiking trails to and from Blasenfluh, Emmenmatt and Zollbrück also meet on the Moosegg. The local food and drink offerings feature products from local producers, known as “Ämmitaler Ruschtig”.
Choose your accommodation based on your travel plans
When looking for a holiday apartment in Zollbrück, you could start by considering which experiences you want to shape your stay: the circular trail with its virtual cultural stops, the farm trail and its quiz topics, or the hike to the ruins. Each offers a different focus and can help you choose a location that suits your travel interests.
Discover more destinations: Eggiwil, Schangnau, Oberfrittenbach, Signau, Gohl, Trubschachen, Röthenbach Im Emmental, Rüderswil
Go to the main travel overview: Signau.
