Steffisburg’s village church was first mentioned in a document in 1224; however, archaeological excavations indicate that an earlier Christian place of worship was built on the same site as early as the 7th or 8th century. This long history offers a window onto very different subjects: sacred architecture, art and craftsmanship, as well as nature and leisure along the Zulg.
Church and Höchhus: two architectural histories
The present-day village church was built in 1681 by Abraham Dünz I as a Protestant preaching hall with a lengthwise layout. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, many concerts are held in the church. Architectural history and musical use thus come together in the same place of worship.
The Grosse Höchhus adds a rural manor house to this picture. Its present form dates to 1526; it is one of the few surviving manor houses of that period in the Canton of Bern. The Canton of Bern’s building inventory lists it as a late-medieval manor of national importance. In the house’s restaurant, restored remains of a 19th-century pottery kiln can be seen beneath a glass floor.
Art and pottery
The “zur alten Töpferei” museum opened in summer 2023 within the municipality of Steffisburg. Majolica works take centre stage there. The Hans & Marlis Suter Collection comprises 20th-century Swiss art, with a focus on the Thun region and the Canton of Bern. Temporary exhibitions from the collection are held from time to time in the Höchhus attic; they include paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. If you are planning to visit one of these exhibitions, check the dates before your trip.
The Kunsthaus Steffisburg association also organises cultural events and activities in public spaces in Steffisburg. The cultural programme thus ranges from the history of a single building to art and events in public spaces.
The Zulg and nature in Steffisburg
The Zulg is a mountain river that flows through the centre of Steffisburg and joins the Aare at Heimberg. It is also a valuable recreational area. Wild orchids grow in Steffisburg in forests, along paths and even within built-up areas. A survey across the entire municipality recorded seven species at more than 60 sites; the number of sites may change over time. The wild orchids found in Steffisburg are protected throughout Switzerland.
Swimming pool, barbecue area and trails
Badi Steffisburg is located at the outlet of the narrow Zulg Valley and operates seasonally. It has spacious areas for visitors of all ages and a 52-metre water slide, inaugurated in 1986. Check in advance whether Badi is open during your travel dates. There is ample bicycle and car parking nearby; public transport stops are about a five-minute walk away.
The Zulgboden barbecue area lies beside the Zulg and is an official grilling and picnic spot with tables, seating and toilet facilities. Access by motor vehicle is not permitted; parking is available on both sides of the Gummsteg footbridge. These conditions clearly distinguish a visit to the barbecue area from a trip to the swimming pool.
The “Abenteuer Zulggraben” route starts near the Steffisburg/Post bus stop. It follows the stream upstream along a winding stretch of the Zulg through a beautiful mixed forest and runs entirely along signposted hiking trails.
Another activity is a guided boat trip on the Aare: it starts in Steffisburg Schwäbis and travels from Thun to Bern. Participants can jump into the refreshing water along the way; water conditions and safety restrictions may vary. Check the availability of the trip before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Uetendorf, Oberhofen Am Thunersee, Uebeschi, Tschingel Ob Gunten, Blumenstein, Forst bei Längenbühl, Sigriswil, Buchholterberg.
Return to the main travel overview: Thun.
