Castle history, zither culture and hiking trails offer different ways to focus a trip to Trachselwald. When looking for a holiday apartment in Trachselwald, you can first consider whether you would prefer to explore the castle and cultural attractions or one of the hikes described here.
Castle history and the village centre
Trachselwald Castle was built by barons in the 12th and 13th centuries. The complex served defensive purposes and was also used as a prison until the 20th century. Today, the exhibition Paths to Freedom is housed in the former remand prison of the Trachselwald administrative district. The keep opposite the exhibition can be visited to see the prison from the Middle Ages and modern era. The keep is freely accessible at your own risk. From the village, you can reach the castle via a marked hiking trail in about ten minutes; trail conditions may change.
The exhibition is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the end of October 2026. Check the opening information before your visit, especially if you plan to come after the end of October. Several information panels and audio stations in the castle provide information about the Peasants’ War and the persecution of Anabaptists. The village of Trachselwald is also listed in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of National Importance (ISOS).
The church also tells a story of renovations and historic furnishings: its current appearance dates back to a complete renovation in 1686. The interior ceiling paintings are from this period; the church also contains May’s gravestone.
Zither and Simon Gfeller
The former land clerk’s office now houses the Swiss Zither Cultural Centre. It is the only museum in Switzerland whose collection features all the types of zither played in Switzerland. Visitors can play the instruments themselves. Temporary exhibitions, cultural events and concerts are held regularly. Public tours on Sundays are accompanied by a concert; as programme details vary seasonally, check the dates before your visit.
Another cultural connection is Simon Gfeller. The Simon Gfeller Museum displays books and plays from his literary works, as well as part of his estate, including letters, manuscripts, diaries, drafts and photographs. Gfeller attended school in the old schoolhouse in Thal from 1875 to 1884; a memorial room has been there since 1970. The hike Around Simon Gfeller’s Heimisbachalso explores this literary connection.
Hikes with different points of interest
The Anabaptist Trail combines nature and historic sites. It is around eight kilometres long and leads from Sumiswald via Haretegg to Trachselwald Castle, then back to Sumiswald. Along the way are ten historic sites, each with an information board. The route is therefore a practical way to combine a circular walk with historical stops, without treating it as a sightseeing tour alone.
The hiking trail Mammoth Hunt in Heimisbachleads from Trachselwald to Kramershaus and onwards towards ZollbrĂĽck as far as Geilisguet. The bus stop listed for this hiking trail is Heimisbach, Wagnershaus; check the current timetable before travelling. Trail conditions may change.
A longer option is the hike Around Simon Gfeller’s Heimisbach, covering 19.7 kilometres, with 718 metres of ascent and 719 metres of descent. It starts at Grünenmatt station, heads towards Trachselwald and follows a minor road directly to the entrance to the village. The high-level section offers views of forest-enclosed ravines and the rolling hills of the Emmental, and, when visibility is good, as far as the Jura and the Alps. Compared with the Anabaptist Trail’s roughly eight kilometres, this hike covers considerably more distance and includes the stated elevation gains and losses; these figures help put the two hiking options into perspective but do not, by themselves, indicate how long the walk will take.
Regional trails and seasonal highlights
The Emmental Beer Trail starts in Sumiswald, passes through scenic hilly countryside by Trachselwald Castle and continues to GrĂĽnenmatt. There are five stops along the way, offering regional beers and suitable food. Emmental products also include traditional Bernese sausages, pasta, cheese from village dairies and fresh Emmental bee honey. For Emmental regional products, 80 per cent of the ingredients come from the Emmental.
The Giselguet ski lift adds a winter option: a small group operates it and also grooms the piste. This brings cultural visits, hiking trails and a local winter sports option together, without making them into a set itinerary for every stay.
Discover other destinations: Heimisbach, Sumiswald, Walterswil, LĂĽtzelflĂĽh, DĂĽrrenroth, Eriswil, RĂĽegsbach, Huttwil.
For the main travel overview: Trachselwald.
