An approximately eight-kilometre Anabaptist trail passes Trachselwald Castle. Anabaptist history is also the subject of the “Paths to Freedom” exhibition at the castle—a distinctive thread for discoveries that connect the landscape with local history.
The Castle and Anabaptist History
Trachselwald Castle is considered a fortress dating from the 13th century in the municipality of Trachselwald. The keep is open for visitors to explore at their own risk; admission to the castle exhibition is free. Check the current access conditions before your visit.
The “Paths to Freedom” exhibition is housed in the former remand prison. It covers the history of the Anabaptists, events of the Peasants’ War and the persecution of Anabaptists. French and English translations are available online via QR codes. Alongside the site itself, the exhibition focuses on historical topics also explored by the Anabaptist trail.
Hiking trails connect the castle with Grünenmatt and Sumiswald-Grünen railway stations. It is also on cycle route 94. The “Lüdere Bike” route passes through Heimisbach on its way to the castle. Those interested in the Anabaptist trail “In the Footsteps of the Sumiswald Anabaptists” will find another route to the site: it is approximately eight kilometres long and passes the castle.
Music, Literature and Architectural History
Since 2003, the Swiss Zither Culture Centre has been housed in the rooms of the Amtsschaffnerei, built in 1614, in the village of Trachselwald. It is considered the only museum in Switzerland whose collection features every type of zither played in the country, from its beginnings to the present day. Around 110 instruments document more than 200 years of development and cultural history; printed music, patent documents, pictures and finely detailed accessories complete the collection. Public Sunday tours include a concert. Check the current event date before planning your visit.
The Simon Gfeller Museum displays the writer’s books and plays, as well as parts of his estate. These include letters, poems, sayings, manuscripts, diaries, drafts and notes, watercolours and pastels, song drafts, letters from friends, greetings, tributes, documents and photographs. From May to 31 October, the museum is open on Sundays and weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00. From 1 November to 30 April, tours and visits are available on request.
Trachselwald Church also tells a story of architectural history: its present-day appearance dates back to a complete renovation in 1686. The interior features a ceiling painting from that period. The village is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National Significance (ISOS).
Hills, Views and Themed Trails
The village of Trachselwald lies on a terrace above the Grüene, a tributary of the Emme. The municipality’s landscape stretches from its lowest point in the Hopfere, at 660 metres above sea level, to the Rafrütti near Lüderenalp, at 1,200 metres above sea level. These named high points give the landscape a tangible frame without pre-empting the experience of the individual trails.
On the Emmental Ghost and Murder Stories Trail, you can listen to 20 of the more than 70 stories written to date as audio stories. Audio content and access details may change; check them before your visit. The “Mammoth Hunt in Heimisbach” hiking trail leads from Trachselwald to Kramershaus and on towards Zollbrück as far as Geilisguet.
The “Around Simon Gfeller’s Heimisbach” route follows signposted hiking trails exclusively. It offers changing views of the Emmental’s rolling hills, the Jura and the Alps; visibility depends on the weather. The trails differ in their focus: some centre on stories to listen to, others on the route itself or the views. The approximately eight-kilometre Anabaptist trail adds a historical connection to the castle.
More Insights into Local Life
Author readings and other events take place at “Kultur ir Chäsi”. As programmes may change, it is worth checking the current events calendar. The Chrummholzbad inn serves regional and seasonal specialities; menus and opening arrangements may vary.
In sunny seasons, the public barbecue area on Schwarzenegg is a place to grill and relax. Schools and groups can book the Gyselguet ski lift for their preferred time; refreshments are available at the small kiosk. Operating days and offerings vary by season. These different places complement the castle, museums and trails with cultural, culinary and practical options for your stay.
Discover more destinations: RĂĽegsbach, DĂĽrrenroth, Huttwil, Wyssachen, Eriswil, Sumiswald, LĂĽtzelflĂĽh, Trachselwald, Walterswil.
See the regional travel overview: Bern.
