Langnau im Emmental

Langnau im Emmental is a city in the Swiss canton of Bern. It is situated in the upper Emmental between Bern and Lucerne.

It has about 9,000 inhabitants and is the most important market place in the region. It is set among rolling hills.

History

There are no signs of human inhabitants before the German migration in about the 11th century. The first mention of the name Langnau (German lange Au meaning long lea) dates to 1139.

The earliest noble landowners seem to have been the Kyburg family. A fort was erected on the Spitzenegg hill in Gohl by the barons of Spitzenberg. This fortification was sold to the sons of Rudolf von Habsburg in 1300. A Benedictine monastery was established in Trub in 1130, and it held ownership of large tracts of land.

After the Battle of Sempach in 1386, where the Swiss Confederation defeated the troops led by Duke Leopold III of Habsburg, the Bernese established their authority over the area. However, there were continued clashes with the authorities in Lucerne. In 1528, Bern imposed the protestant religion on the entire region.

Economy

The economy is broadly based, including manufacturing, trade, tourism, and agriculture, particularly dairy farming.

Among its cultural amenities are the Langnau Jazz Nights and the International Cartoon Festival.