Emmental

The Emmental ( bern German: Ämmitau ) is a Swiss hills in the Bernese Mittelland ( Canton of Berne).

Geography

The Emmental includes the catchments of Emme and Ilfis from Hohgant to Burgdorf and the Unteremmental from Burgdorf to Solothurn cantonal border. Politically, it corresponds to the administrative district of Emmental. Often the former District Konolfingen is counted for Emmental region. The largest towns are Burgdorf, Langnau, and Sumiswald.

The landscape is dominated by meadows and pastures. Many hills are largely covered with coniferous forest.

Economy

The numerous farms live mainly by livestock. The livestock are the basis for the production of the famous Emmental cheese, which is still produced in numerous village dairies. Typical for the Emmental, the stately farmhouses with giant reaching to the sides almost to the floor hipped roofs.

The potteries of the Emmental among the most famous in Switzerland. The well-known cross pottery is produced in almost unchanged form since the 17th century. In addition to the agricultural and craft settled, since the early 20th century, and industrial establishments on. Thanks to the early opening up of the valleys with one of the first vollelektrifizierten Railways ( since 1899 ) of the World and the abundant water power and cheap labor grew rapidly an important machine industry.

Compared with other parts of Switzerland Tourism also plays a rather modest role. However, some bathrooms, an extensive network of hiking trails and many country inns provide weekend and day guests. Even the many " Chilbine ", a kind of fairs, with partially centuries of tradition are able partially to attract thousands of visitors.