Erlenbach im Simmental

Erlenbach im Simmental is a municipality in the district of Niedersimmental in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It isfirst mentioned in 1180-81 asArlunbach. The oldest trace of humans in the area is thePaleolithicChilchlihöhle cave. Neolithic Neolithicremains have been discovered at Branteschopf Schwynbalm. Other prehistoric traces include theBronze AgeandRoman eraartifacts at Balzenberg and Unterklusi and a horde ofRoman coinsat Stockhorn. After theFall of the Western Roman Empire, the region remained inhabited. Theearthen fortificationat Chastel probably dates to theMiddle Ages. By theHigh Middle Agesthere were at least three castles or forts in the modern municipality, though only ruins remain.