Every spring the nostalgic Gotthelf-Märit attracts thousands of visitors to the historic center of the village of Sumiswald. They revel in the authentic ambiance of a fair from yesteryear.

In the green hills of the Emmental region some things seem unchanged from the days of the famous author Jeremias Gotthelf, who worked as a pastor in Lützelflüh. There he also wrote his socially critical novels. One feels completely immersed in and transported to the atmosphere of those days at the Gotthelf-Märit (Gotthelf Market) in Sumiswald: every year on the second Saturday in June nostalgically dressed shopkeepers and craftsmen, people dressed in traditional costumes and folk musicians create an ambiance that guarantees a very atmospheric and impressive folk festival.

The numerous guests that come from near and far find a lot to admire and buy at the 165 booths. Sturdy hay threshers, barefoot hairdressers and well-dressed actors let age-old crafts and professions come to life for a day. Together with their customers, they delve into the hustle and bustle of an annual fair, celebrated just as it was in days long gone by.