Day trip: Emmental★★
Half an hour east of Bern begins the Emmental — the valley that gave its name to the world's most famous cheese. Gentle green hills, magnificent farms with characteristic hipped roofs, cows with bells, and the show dairy where you can taste the real Emmentaler.
★★ Emmentaler Show Dairy
In Affoltern im Emmental, you can watch live how the famous Emmentaler AOP is made: 1,200 liters of milk for a single 100-kg wheel, matured in huge cellars. The tasting (various maturation stages from mild to spicy) is a must. In the shop: Cheese directly from production — cheaper than anywhere else.
Schaukäsereistrasse 6, Affoltern i.E. 8 CHF (tour + tasting). Daily 9 am–6 pm (Nov–March until 5 pm). Cheese production: daily 9 am–12 pm.
★ Emmentaler Farms
The large Emmentaler farms with their sweeping roofs are among the most impressive secular buildings in Switzerland. Some offer overnight stays (sleeping in straw from 35 CHF/person with breakfast). The landscape is ideal for leisurely bike tours — hardly any inclines, lots of greenery, cows everywhere.
Getting There
Bern → Affoltern im Emmental: 35 minutes by S-Bahn (S4). A rental car is more comfortable for exploring the entire valley. The roads are quiet and scenic.
💡 Tipp
The Emmental is perfect for exploring by bike: Rent an e-bike at Burgdorf station (from 35 CHF/day), cycle through the hills to the show dairy, buy milk and cake at the farm along the way, and take the train back to Bern in the evening. A perfect day of indulgence.
