Emmental

Excursions – The city of Bern lies just west of the beautiful and hilly Emmental region. The verdant hills form the foothills of the Bernese Alps and are encircled by the River Emme. Train travel through the valley is peaceful, convenient and scenic. Make time for a stop at the Emmental Shoe Dairy to purchase the valley's trademark Emmentaler cheese (the Swiss cheese with the holes).

Whether you're on a day trip or a few days' holiday, you certainly won't be bored in the Emmental region. Hiking, snow shoe walking, Nordic walks, panning for gold, golf, cycling, riding, pottery - something to satisfy virtually every desire.

Emmentaler AOC

More Cheese – The king of Swiss cheese. This celebrated cheese takes its name from the valley (“Tal”) of the river Emme in the canton of Bern, where production of the cheese can be traced back to the 13th century.

The king of Swiss cheese

This celebrated cheese takes its name from the valley (“Tal”) of the river Emme in the canton of Bern, where production of the cheese can be traced back to the 13th century. Emmentaler AOC is made from fresh untreated milk from cows fed on grass and hay but not silage. It takes about 12 litres of milk to make one kilo of cheese. The use of any additives is prohibited, as is the use of genetically modified ingredients.

Cowbells and meringues

Autumnal walks in Switzerland – Mountain route from Langnau to Eggiwil offering splendid views of the rolling scenery of the Emmental valley

The wide, rolling countryside of the Emmental valley forms the natural setting for a mountain walk from Langnau over to Eggiwil.

Trans Swiss Trail Emmental

More Hiking Suggestions – The "Trans Swiss Trail" is the first long distance hiking trail fully developed for tourism which traverses Switzerland from North to South.

The "Trans Swiss Trail" is the first long distance hiking trail fully developed for tourism which traverses Switzerland from North to South. The section through the Emmental valley does not lead across high mountains, but through a landscape with gently rolling hills, magnificent farms and flower-bedecked meadows. Overnight stays and breakfast, luggage transport and hiking maps are included in the package.