Things To Do
in Langnau

Langnau im Emmental is a small Swiss town in the Bernese Oberland, known for cheese culture and green valleys. The town serves as a gateway to the Emmental region with rolling hills and traditional farms. It offers a quiet, authentic Swiss rural experience with easy access to outdoor activities and nearby cities.

Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, nature, and cultural heritage in a relaxed alpine setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Langnau
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty Swiss breakfast at a local café in Langnau, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets to absorb the town's picturesque scenery and unique architecture. Visit the local market to experience the flavors of the region and perhaps pick up some fresh produce.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, venture out to the nearby Emmental region to explore its rolling hills and lush landscapes. Whether hiking or biking, the fresh alpine air will invigorate you while you soak in panoramic views of the Swiss countryside. Stop at a traditional dairy farm to learn about the iconic Emmental cheese production and maybe even participate in a cheese tasting.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Langnau for a cozy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Swiss cuisine. Sample traditional dishes such as fondue or rosti while enjoying the warm and inviting atmosphere. After dinner, take a relaxing evening stroll around the town, perhaps stopping by a local pub for a nightcap.

day 2
Adventure in Nature
morning
:

Begin your day early with a scenic drive to the nearby hiking trails of the Worthersee region. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning as you hike through the lush green forests and alongside crystal-clear streams. Stop at a viewpoint to capture the stunning landscapes that surround you.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch overlooking the lake, taking time to appreciate the serene environment. Spend the afternoon swimming or kayaking in the lake or simply relaxing on the shore with a good book. The natural beauty and wildlife will make this a perfect moment to unwind.

evening
:

As the day winds down, head back to Langnau and enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant while watching the sunset over the mountains. Try some local fish dishes that are freshly caught from the lake. Conclude your day with an evening walk along the water, soaking in the peace that nature provides.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥪Lunch for two at a mid-range cafe$40-60
🧀Cheese platter for two$15-25
🕶️Museum or attraction entrance$8-15
🚗Taxi ride within town$8-18

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning Alpine scenery and tranquil countryside
  • Excellent public transport and safety
  • Small town with limited nightlife
  • Higher prices typical of Switzerland
  • "Grüezi" - Hello (Swiss German)
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Langnau

Visit one of these nice places.

Langnau Town Centre at Dawn

Quiet market square with traditional Swiss architecture and market stalls.

Emmental Countryside

Rolling green meadows and dairy barns perfect for golden-hour landscape photography.

Church Spire and Historic Buildings

Towering church spire and heritage facades around the old town.

Culinary Guide

Food in Langnau

Langnau sits in the Emmental region, whose cuisine centers on dairy, hearty fare, and seasonal produce. Expect plenty of cheese specialties, comforting plates, and rustic cafés.

Langnau Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Emmental Cheese

Aged Emmental cheese blocks; pair with crusty bread and pickles. Available at dairies and markets.

Must-Try!

Rösti with toppings

Crispy potato dish often served with eggs, bacon, or cheese.

Älplermagerknödel

Mountain pasta with potatoes and cream, often served with apple compote.

Birchermuesli

Muesli with yogurt or milk, a Swiss breakfast staple.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Market (Langnau Markt)

Local farmers sell cheeses, meats, vegetables, baked goods on market day.

Climate Guide

Weather

Langnau experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: cool winters with occasional snow, mild springs, warm summers with possible thunderstorms, and crisp autumns with harvest colors.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Punctuality is valued in Swiss culture; arrive on time for appointments and meals.

Quiet hours

Residential areas expect quiet evenings; avoid loud talking on public transport late at night.

Heads, gestures

Keep a respectful distance; moderate gestures; greet with a polite hello (Grüezi) and a handshake.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is high in Switzerland. Stay aware of standard travel safety, keep valuables secure, and follow local guidelines. Roads can be icy in winter, so drive carefully.

Tipping in Langnau

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is modest and customary if service is good; rounding up or 5-10% at restaurants; not obligatory in casual places.

Payment Methods

Widely accepts debit/credit cards (EC, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa); cash Swiss francs; contactless payments common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild weather with fresh blossoms; risk of rain; good for walks and photography.

Summer

Warm days (up to mid-20s C); outdoor activities, longer daylight, occasional thunderstorms.

Autumn

Golden fields and harvest; cool evenings; perfect for hiking and cheese tasting.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; cozy cafés, winter markets, winter sports in nearby hills.

Nightlife Guide

Langnau at Night

Langnau's nightlife is low-key, with cozy bars and cafés rather than large clubs. Expect quiet evenings in town with occasional live music, wine bars, and casual gatherings at local eateries.

Hiking in Langnau

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Napf (Napfberg) Trail

Popular hike on the Napf region with panoramic views of Emmental.

Emmental Farm and Meadow Walk

Gentle hikes through farms with scenic dairy barns.

Airports

How to reach Langnau by plane.

Bern Airport (BRN, Belp)

Closest regional airport with domestic and limited international flights; accessible by train or car.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub about 1.5 hours by train; frequent connections and services.

EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP)

International gateway within 2-3 hours by rail/car; multilingual services.

Getting Around

Walkability

Langnau is walkable in the town center, with pleasant pedestrian areas; longer trips require public transport or car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Mostly Swiss nationals and families; communities centered around agriculture and small businesses.

Seasonal workers and tourists

Some seasonal laborers and visitors during tourist seasons.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Skiing and snowboarding

Nearby hills and alpine resorts offer winter sports.

Hiking

Year-round trails across the Emmental and adjacent hills.

Cycling

Scenic road cycling through farmland and forests.

Transportation

Traffic

Switzerland has excellent public transport; Langnau is connected by train to Bern and other cities; roads are well maintained; expect punctual timetables and limited nightlife traffic after hours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Langnau.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many locals offer vegetarian options; look for rösti, mushroom dishes, seasonal salads; ask for cheese without meat stock.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Switzerland has high-quality healthcare. In Langnau, there are local GP clinics and access to hospital services in larger nearby towns; Swiss health insurance is required.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide