Oberaargau
The Oberaargau is a tourism region in the Swiss canton of Bern, stretching from the Napfbergland hills in the south to the Jura heights in the north. It is a predominantly rural, hilly landscape where steep hills, deep valleys and a lively interplay of forest, field and farmsteads characterise the south, while the Bipper Jura with its imposing rock faces, green pastures and quiet mountain villages dominates the north. The region is rich in water, with streams, the river Aare and small lakes and ponds such as the idyllic Aeschisee. The town of Langenthal lies at the centre of the region and is its main hub. The Oberaargau offers a lively cultural life, historic buildings, extensive hiking and cycling networks, and a strong tradition of farm tourism, making it a nature-oriented and vibrant destination.
Summer activities
In summer the Oberaargau is a paradise for hikers and cyclists. Around 900 km of well-signposted hiking trails cross the region, from easy valley walks to demanding routes over the Jura heights and the Napfbergland, with viewpoints such as the Hohwacht and the Höllchöpfli, the highest point of the region. A dense network of cycle, e-bike and mountain-bike tours connects the villages, and the Aare offers canoeing and boat trips. Numerous outdoor pools, lakes such as the Burgäschisee and the Aeschisee, and many farm stays with farm shops round off the summer offer.
Winter activities
In winter the Oberaargau offers a modest but varied range of snow and ice activities. Visitors can go snowshoeing on scenic routes, ice-skating on the ice rinks in Langenthal and Herzogenbuchsee, and curling in Langenthal. The region is not a major ski destination, but offers these winter activities for a relaxed cold-season visit.
Culture and entertainment
The Oberaargau has a lively cultural life centred on the town of Langenthal, which is known for its design scene and hosts the internationally renowned Designers' Saturday. The Stadttheater Langenthal offers theatre, drama and dance performances, while the town of Huttwil is famous far beyond the region for its themed markets, including one of Switzerland's most beautiful Christmas markets. Numerous museums, art houses and historic buildings such as monasteries, castles and castle ruins, along with traditional elements like the Oberaargau costume and farmer baskets, give the region a distinctive cultural identity.
