The Emmental includes the catchment areas of the Emme and Ilfis from Hohgant to Burgdorf. The largest towns are Burgdorf, Langnau, and Sumiswald.
The landscape is characterised by meadows and pastures. Many hills are largely covered with coniferous forest. A beautiful nature for hiking and cycling. Many idyllic valleys run through the whole Emmental.

The poet Jeremias Gotthelf (1797–1854), who worked as a pastor in Lützelflüh for a long time, described the people in the Emmental as:
«The Emmentaler is similar to his country. His range of vision is not very wide, but he looks at the next one wisely and sharply; he does not quickly grasp the new things ... but what he grabs once, he holds with wonderfully tough strength. He doesn't speak much, he doesn't make a lot of noise; but wherever he puts his hand, he doesn't let go until everything is in order.