For the cheese made in the region, see Emmental (cheese).
The Emmental is a region in west central Switzerland, forming part of the canton of Bern. It is a hilly landscape comprising the basins of the Emme and Ilfis rivers. The region is mostly devoted to farming, particularly dairy farming. Its notable cities are Burgdorf and Langnau.
Comprising the districts of Burgdorf, Trachselwald and Signau of the canton of Berne, the Emmental became part of the administrative region Emmental-Oberaargau on 1 January 2010. The district of Fraubrunnen is divided between Emmental and Bern-Mittelland.
The landscape is dominated by meadows and pastureland, with forest interspersed.
The original Emmental cheese is produced there, and the dairy industry still dominates the local economy. Pottery from the region is also prized, and the ceramics of the region have endured practically unchanged since the 17th century.
Tourism has had less impact on the region than on other parts of Switzerland.
The novelist Jeremias Gotthelf (1797-1854) was a pastor in the Emmental and wrote about the region.
The Emmental also played a dominant role in the history of the Mennonites.
The typical Emmental farmhouse has a steep roof with a large overhang that almost reaches the ground.
- This article incorporates information from the German Wikipedia.