Laupen
The Laupen tourism region lies in the Swiss Mittelland between the rivers Saane and Sense, in the canton of Bern and bordering the canton of Fribourg. It is a rural, lowland area centred on the historic medieval town of Laupen with its castle hill, surrounded by villages, farmland, forests and river landscapes. The region is part of the larger Bern destination and is known for its nature-oriented recreation, authentic experiences and cultural heritage. It offers a network of hiking and cycling routes, historic churches and mills, and a lively programme of guided tours and events. The municipalities of Laupen, Neuenegg, Mühleberg and Münchenwiler form the heart of this tourism region.
Summer activities
The region between the Saane and Sense rivers offers varied hiking and cycling. The Römeweg circular trail links Laupen, the Saanebrücke and the Auried nature reserve, while the Naturpfad Sense and the Erlebnisweg Laupen are family-friendly nature trails. The Trans Swiss Trail passes through Laupen towards Murten, and the Herzroute 99 cycle route runs through the region. The Auried nature reserve, a nationally important amphibian site, can be explored on foot or by bike, and the fjord-like Schiffenensee reservoir offers stand-up paddling, swimming and minigolf. The Regio Badi Sense outdoor pool and the Bogenhalle archery hall round out the summer offer.
Culture and entertainment
Laupen has a distinctive cultural life centred on its medieval heritage. The castle and the historic Stedtli offer a wide range of guided tours, including themed walks with the night watchman and the last countess, and the Blidenknechte re-enact the 1339 Battle of Laupen with a replica medieval catapult. The Museum Schloss Laupen tells the thousand-year history of the castle, while the Theater die Tonne is one of Switzerland's oldest small theatres. The Maison de la Lumière presents the history of photography, and the small Kino Laupen cinema, the Altes Archiv cultural centre in Neuenegg and the BKW energy museum in Mühleberg round out the offer.
