Ried near Kerzers combines two largely preserved old village centres with a municipal area that extends to the Great Marsh. Ried and Agriswil retain this rural character; at the same time, both villages have a lively political, economic and cultural life. Those looking to combine a stay with village history and landscapes will find a range of ways to do so here.
Landscape between the Village and the Great Marsh
Ried lies at the foot of the Great Marsh, at around 514 m above sea level. From the rise at Ried, there are unobstructed views north towards Jolimont and the Jura, and south towards the Alpine chain. The municipal area includes part of the Great Marsh and adjoining molasse hills. In the southern part, the village lies on a high plateau; the valley of the Biberen bounds it to the east and the Galmizbach depression to the west. Small valleys and hills shape the plateau.
To the south, the municipal area extends to Lochwald and Bruyerenholz, over the Riederen heights and as far as Guggemärliwald. The municipality’s highest point, at 544 m above sea level, is in Bruyerenholz. In addition to the village of Ried, the municipal area includes the village of Agriswil, the hamlet of Gurzelen on the southern edge of the Great Marsh at 460 m above sea level, and a number of isolated farms.
Ried and Agriswil, with the surrounding forests and the nearby Great Marsh, Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel, form a local recreation area. Ried is one of the marsh municipalities in one of Switzerland’s most important vegetable-growing regions. Around a quarter of the country’s fresh vegetable production is grown in this region.
Village History at Specific Sites
The municipal regulations of 12 January 2017 list the inn at Lindenweg 2 as a protected cultural asset. In the cantonal inventory, as of 1 January 2026, the granary at Dorfstrasse 12 in Ried is classified as a Category B cultural asset. Both buildings anchor local architectural heritage at specific addresses.
Ried’s heraldic tree can be found by the bakehouse, the cheese dairy and the memorial stone commemorating the land consolidation at Rebe. Together with the two cultural assets, these named places offer various ways to explore local history.
Circular Walk and Fire Pit
The Kerzers circular walk passes through Ried and is accessible by train and bus via Kerzers railway station. The route leads through peaceful forests, unspoilt villages and along quiet country lanes. If travelling by public transport, check connections before your trip.
A footpath of around 150 m leads from the parking area to the Lochholz fire pit; vehicles are prohibited there. The fire pit must be reserved through the municipal administration. Reserve it in advance and check local restrictions before setting off.
For planning your day, the two options offer different focuses: the circular walk combines scenery and walking, while Lochholz, as a fire pit, requires a reservation and a walk from the parking area.
Discover more destinations: Bas-Vully, Charmey, Haut-Vully, Greng, Muntelier, Kerzers, Villarepos, Murten
Go to the main travel overview: Lake/Lac.
