Goldswil is one of the two villages in the municipality of Ringgenberg near Interlaken; Burgseeli lies between the two parts of the village. At this moorland lake, a protected natural area meets bathing facilities. The area around St. Peter also has a Romanesque heritage. You can therefore choose different focuses when planning your visit: the lakeshore landscape and nature watching, archaeological stops, or a route with views of the wider surroundings.
Burgseeli: moorland lake, reeds and bathing facilities
In the Burgseeli nature reserve, shallow shores predominate, and a well-developed belt of reeds characterises the lake. The yellow iris is common there and blooms in May and June. If you are interested in lakeshore vegetation, this flowering period offers a specific seasonal guide. You can also appreciate the landscape independently of the bathing facilities: shallow shores and reeds are among the defining features of the nature reserve.
The Burgseeli natural swimming area is in Goldswil, near Ringgenberg, on a moorland lake in the nature reserve. It has a non-swimmer pool and an adventure pool; the swimming area also includes a playground with a pirate ship. For a refreshing swim in the Goldswil–Ringgenberg area, you can choose between Burgseeli and Lake Brienz. As bathing facilities and their operations may change, check which services are currently available before your visit.
St. Peter and the archaeological trail
St. Peter’s Church in Goldswil was built in the 11th century in a purely Romanesque style and is considered one of the earliest churches in this area. The church ruins are a monument of significance beyond the region. The freestanding Romanesque bell tower also gives the site its own architectural character: it follows the campanile tradition of northern Italy and reflects a Lombard building tradition.
The Ringgenberg-Goldswil archaeological trail connects the castle ruins with the church ruins. Another stop is the site of the modern-era watch fire “Im Brand.” In addition to church architecture, the trail thus takes you to a castle complex and another historical site. The church ruins are freely accessible, and the trail is accessible year-round. Seasonal conditions may affect walking comfort, and access conditions may change. Check current accessibility before your visit.
Routes and seasonal highlights
If you would like to go beyond the individual historical sites, the longer route from Goldswil through Ringgenberg and along the lakeshore path to Niederried passes historic churches, castles and ruins connected with the region’s history. Along the way, there are views of Lake Brienz, the Aare and the mountains. Unlike the archaeological trail, this route also puts the emphasis on the views along the longer route.
Another option in Ringgenberg is the Planet Trail. It is accessible year-round and easy to navigate with a pushchair; trail conditions may vary seasonally. This gives you a clear distinction when planning your visit: the yellow iris blooms in May and June, while the archaeological trail and the Planet Trail are accessible year-round. This does not mean that trail conditions are the same in every season: the time of year may affect walking comfort on the archaeological trail, and conditions on the Planet Trail may change.
For the general travel overview: Ringgenberg.
