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Oberaargau

Quaint villages, idyllic lakes, and historic buildings – the Oberaargau region is worth getting to know. It offers all kinds of fun adventures and pretty destinations.

The picture captures a breathtaking view of the Wäckerschwend windpipe, where the golden sunlight breaks through the clouds and illuminates the lush green hills.

Only about 35 minutes by car from Bern lies the Oberaargau, which stretches all the way from the Napfbergland to the Jura. The lush green forests and rolling hills are characteristic for the diverse region. In addition to its beautiful landscapes, it has historic towns such as Wiedlisbach or Langenthal – which has been populated since 4,000 BC – that are definitely worth a visit.

A waterfall flows over a rock face into a wooded area, sunlight shining through the trees.
Oberaargau waterfall
© Bern Welcome
The picture shows a peaceful evening at Lake Burgäschi in Aeschi. People relax on the shore as the sun sets behind the trees and casts long shadows on the bright green grass. A sense of calm and serenity pervades this summer scene by the water.
Lake Burgäschi
© Tourismus Oberaargau
The picture shows an idyllic scene from the "Slow-Up" event in Emmental-Oberaargau: Cyclists of all ages enjoy a car-free road while a steam train leisurely passes them by. Rural serenity and a touch of nostalgia pervade the peaceful landscape.
Emmental Oberaargau Slow-up
© Emmental Tourismus
The photo shows two people in a colourful flower garden at Mattenhof in Melchnau, one carefully cutting flowers and the other watching with a warm smile. The natural surroundings and the quiet activity convey a sense of peace and joy. The exchange between the two seems to be characterised by contentment and a connection with nature as they devote themselves to tending the garden.
Exterior view of the Mattenhof Oberaargau agrotourism centre
© Agrotourismus Mattenhof, Weitergabe auf Anfrage
A man with a sunny smile sits on the riverbank in the centre of Langenthal while talking to a woman in bright yellow. With her back to the viewer, they share a seemingly cheerful and light-hearted conversation.
Langenthal city centre
© Bern Welcome
A man and a woman stand fascinated in front of a large aquarium in Langenthal, looking at the swimming fish and exchanging thoughts. It is a quiet moment of connection, both with nature and with each other.
Interior view of Aquarium Langenthal
© Bern Welcome

Discover

There’s a lot to do and discover in the Oberaargau, especially in the warmer months: adventure trails, cozy spots by the lake, and beautiful views will make your heart skip a beat and inspire old and young to explore and discover. If you prefer a more active experience, the best way to see the most beautiful spots in the region is on two wheels – for example by e-bike or scooter. 

Langenthal

The city of Langenthal is the centre of the Oberaargau. When walking around and exploring "Langatun" (the Celtic name of the city when it was first mentioned), you will soon come across the city’s trademark: the raised sidewalks. They were originally built to guide the "Langete" stream through the alleys during floods before a relief tunnel was built in 1992 to solve the flood problem. Langenthal offers a wide range of cultural activities, a vibrant weekly farmer's market, sporting and cultural events, and cozy restaurants and cafés.

The photo captures a lively evening in the town of Langenthal, where the last rays of sunlight hit the historic facades. People hurry through the streets, while cafés and shops radiate a warm, inviting light.
City of Langenthal
© Tourismus Oberaargau

Wangen an der Aare

The Aare river is not only an important part of this town’s name, but also of the town itself. The gentle flowing river attracts countless day tourists, hikers, and bike enthusiasts, especially in the warmer months. Whether you’re enjoying a nice picnic on its banks or a local beer in the "Aarebeizli" bistro – you’ll start to feel relaxed the moment you arrive. By the way: one of the town’s highlights is its landmark, the wooden bridge, which is over 650 years old.

The picture shows a picturesque wooden bridge spanning the calm waters in Wangen an der Aare. Surrounded by green landscapes and the gentle relief of the hills, the photo conveys a feeling of serenity and harmony.
Bridge Wangen an der Aare
© Tourismus Oberaargau

Wiedlisbach

In this town, explorers will almost feel transported back to the Middle Ages. When strolling through the historic part of Wiedlisbach, one thing becomes pretty obvious: this is where past and present meet. The charming village centre with its old tower has retained its original character and there are many cozy "Beizli” (bistros) that are perfect for a nice cup of coffee.

The picture shows a dreamy view of Wiedlisbach, embedded in lush nature. The view through the fresh green of the leaves to the traditional roofs and the striking tower conveys a sense of history and tranquillity, a picturesque place that invites you to linger.
View of Wiedlisbach
© Tourismus Oberaargau

Activities

A baroque country estate brimming with history and stories, a moor lake with idyllic swimming spots and an award-winning restaurant, a hike along the Mutzbach stream to a beautiful waterfall, or a journey to the land of wool in Huttwil – the region has all kinds of activities and experiences to offer.

OldCapitol

THE cultural venue in Oberaargau: for decades, the Capitol cinema was a meeting place for popcorn lovers and film enthusiasts. Since 2017, the OC has been a cultural venue for artists such as Patent Ochsner, Data Ante Portas, Peter Löhmann, Müslüm, Shakra, Kunz, Stiller Has, Rob Spence and many more. The stage for musicians, comedians and culture fans.

The picture shows a quiet street scene with historic buildings and lush green trees, creating a cosy and picturesque atmosphere in a small town.
Exterior view of the Old Capitol
© Old Capitol
Eine idyllische Flusslandschaft mit einer alten Steinbrücke. Zwei Personen auf einem Stand-Up Paddleboard genießen die friedliche Ruhe des Wassers, umgeben von üppigem Grün und blauem Himmel.

Cooling guaranteed

Natural swimming spots in Bern