Gotthelf Märit is a historic farmers market

The annual Gotthelf Märit in Bern's Emmental is a unique opportunity to step back into the 19th century.

At the charming Gotthelf Märit farmers market, vendors in traditional clothing create a scene of the time when Swiss novelist J. Gotthelf lived. The many booths and activities, as well as the entertainment program, showcase the Swiss artisanal mastership, traditions, and folklore.

Are you curious how everyday life used to be back then? Try your hand in different traditional activities like bookbinding, forging, or lace-making. Or have you ever seen someone do laundry without a washing machine?

Throughout the day, there will be a lovely entertainment program - naturally including yodeling, alphorns, Örgeli music, and other traditional performances.

And finally, do not miss this chance to get your hands on some delicacies at the farmer's market: crunchy bread, Emmentaler cheese, and other local products.

Insider tip: book a stay at the Hotel Landgasthof Kemmeriboden-Bad

The Invernizzi family runs a gem of a hotel on the other end of the scenic Emmental: Hotel Landgasthof Kemmeriboden-Bad in Schangnau. This is also the place that serves Switzerland's largest meringues... They are simply heavenly!

After the 19th-century farmers market and a leisurely drive through the Emmental valley, nothing feels better than spending a night in a luxury hayloft. You heard right: aptly named Stroh Deluxe, this loft features a boxspring bed surrounded by straw as well as the whirlpool in a wooden barrel. It's a typically Swiss experience to write home about.