Knowledge & culture

Gotthelf Centre Lützelflüh

Where Jeremias Gotthelf lived and worked

Find out how Gotthelf lived with his family, where «Uli der Knecht» (Uli the Farmhand) came from, «Die Käserei in der Vehfreude» (The Cheese Factory in the Hamlet), «Anne Bäbi Jowäger», «The Black Spider» and many others – where he wrote his sermons and letters and discussed and debated with guests. The visionary and his era are brought to life. Gotthelf comes alive. You can meet the original here! When you take a group guided tour through all the rooms, led by experts from our museum team, you can look forward to an up-close encounter with the novelist, the man and the preacher who was Jeremias Gotthelf. Passion and enthusiasm are clearly noticeable here.

Travel by train to Lützelflüh-Goldbach. You can reach the Gotthelf Centre from Lützelflüh-Goldbach station in about 10 minutes on foot.

TeleBärn weekly feature from 11.5.2020

Special exhibition "The Cheese Factory in the Hamlet"

Special exhibition: «Gotthelf's World - Illustrated»

The Gotthelf Centre is a museum of literature, so there is a lot to read. However, the special exhibition «Gotthelf's World – Illustrated» focuses on pictures and illustrations.

The interest to illustrate Gotthelf's novels and novellas already arose during his lifetime, and this enthusiasm endures to this day. Thus, the illustrated editions also reflect the taste of the times.

And yet there has repeatedly been criticism of the illustrations – Gotthelf told the story so vividly, it was claimed, and his characters had such a life of their own that the reader could see the characters and actions for themselves. There was no need to add pictures! These days, the question barely arises anymore: We are used to stories being illustrated or filmed.

In six different sections, the current special exhibition shows illustrations from editions of Gotthelf stemming from different eras and a wide variety of artists:
- Theodor Hosemann’s illustrations of “Uli der Knecht” published by Springer-Verlag in Berlin – which Gotthelf, incidentally, did not like;
- Various editions of the young adults’ book “Der Knabe des Tell”;
- Two little-known illustrators from the former East Germany;
- Rudolf Münger’s edition of “Kurt von Koppigen” with illustrations and book decorations in Art Nouveau style;
- “Landscapes and Houses” – Gotthelf’s surroundings;
- “Women”, Gotthelf’s diverse female characters.

Opening hours Available on 04.01.2025

1 March - 30 November 2024

Mon closed
Tue–Sun 13.30–17.00 hours

1 December 2024 - 28 February 2025

Saturday and Sunday 13.30–17.00 hours

Closed: 24. – 26.12.2024 and 31.12.2024 – 2.1.2025

1 March - 30 November 2025

Mon closed
Tue–Sun 13.30–17.00 hours

Subject to change without prior notice

Rates

Individual admission prices

CHF 12.00 Adults
CHF 10.00 Retirees, students (with ID)
CHF 4.00 Children aged 7 and older
free of charge Children up to 6.99 years

Tariffs for groups and schools

Free admission

Raiffeisen MemberPlus Card
Swiss Museum Pass

Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration

Group tours

Group tour of the Gotthelf Center in Lützelflüh

Learn exciting and surprising facts about the life and works of Jeremias Gotthelf from competent Gotthelf experts.

Group tours normally include an introduction to the life and work of Jeremias Gotthelf, a visit to the museum and, if you wish, a sightseeing tour in the nearby area. A guided tour lasts 1½ hours. Based on experience, it is a good idea to plan 2–2½ hours for your visit.

Languages: Swiss German, Standard German
Foreign languages: French, English (by arrangement)

Guided tours are also possible outside opening hours.

Reservation required

Additional offer

After the museum tour, would you like to enjoy an aperitif with your group in our beautiful bistro or would you prefer coffee and cake in the Gotthelf Hall? We will be happy to put together an offer according to your wishes.

Getting here – groups

Book your journey here in a BLS Travel Centre or online using the Group booking order form.

BLS suggestion

Hike with a visit to the museum

Combine your visit to the Gotthelf Centre with a hike in the hills of Emmental. It could be the cultural hike "On the way to Gotthelf," the hike with a visit to the Emmental demonstration cheesery in Affoltern im Emmental or even a two-day tour.

Hiking suggestions with a map