Forst bei Längenbühl can be explored through several specific themes: the drumlin landscape and Lake Dittlig, Roman finds, Dittlig Mill and local leisure activities. The landscape is particularly distinctive: elliptical hills and lakes such as Lake Dittlig date back to processes from the last Ice Age. Routes and places add further, varied points of interest.
Lake Dittlig and the Drumlin Landscape
The municipality of Forst-Längenbühl is home to a landscape of a kind unique in Switzerland: the so-called drumlin landscape. Drumlins are elliptical hills formed by the Aare Glacier during the last Ice Age. In the hollows beside them, blocks of dead ice left behind melted over the course of centuries. This created marshy ground or lakes such as Lake Dittlig. The hills and the bodies of water in the hollows are therefore part of a shared landscape history.
Lake Dittlig is a local recreational area and is highly valued by the residents of Forst-Längenbühl. A walk around the lake is a local leisure activity. Swimming is also permitted, but at your own risk: entering and leaving the water is allowed only at the existing bathing area, and there is no lifeguard supervision. If you choose the lake for swimming, take these conditions into account when planning your visit.
Routes through the Municipality
Two routes have different connections to the area: the Herzroute trail network passes directly through Forst-Längenbühl. The Way of St. James runs along the Gürbe between Amsoldingen and Romont and through part of Forst-Längenbühl. The descriptions therefore distinguish between a route that passes directly through the town and a longer route that touches part of the municipality.
The Mill, Bread and Local History
Grain, flour and bread are at the heart of the visitor experience at Dittlig Mill. Grain has been milled there for more than two centuries. From the late 18th century well into the 19th century, the oldest part of the building housed both a mill and a bakery. Its history therefore brings together two stages of production: milling grain and baking bread. Cultural events are also held regularly at Dittlig Mill. If you are visiting for a particular program, it is worth checking the dates.
Another historic landmark is house no. 45b, the small castle in Längenbühl. The provisional 2012 edition of the inventory lists it as a monument of regional importance.
Roman Finds
Roman traces have also been documented at several find sites. In 1926, Roman foundation walls came to light in Steinried in the municipality of Forst. Remains of a Roman estate with a bathing complex were discovered in Seihenried. A bronze coin bearing the image of Emperor Trajan was also found there. The finds provide different evidence from the Roman period: structural remains at one site, and traces of an estate and a coin find at the other.
Animal Park, Playground and Mini Golf
Erlebnisland Grizzlybär brings together several leisure activities. The animal park is home to more than 100 animals from more than ten species. The large outdoor playground includes a play tower, a slide, swings and a zip line. There is also an 18-hole mini golf course overlooking Lake Dittlig. The activities offer different experiences: encounters with animals, play equipment or a round of mini golf with a view. You can choose which of these themes you would like to focus on during your visit.
Meeting Place and Barbecue Area
A meeting place with a barbecue area is open to both residents and visitors. Facilities include a fire pit with firewood, a pétanque court, a bocce court and a table tennis table. Toilets and water are available in the multipurpose hall. The site therefore offers both a place to take a break by the fire and opportunities to play. If you are looking for a range of activities during your stay, you will find a different selection here than on a walk or a visit to the historic mill.
Discover more destinations: Aeschlen Ob Gunten, Tschingel Ob Gunten, Uebeschi, Amsoldingen, Uetendorf, Schwanden Ob Sigriswil, Steffisburg, Blumenstein.
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