Goldswil: Burgseeli, Church Ruin and Nature

Goldswil is one of the two villages in the municipality of Ringgenberg near Interlaken. Burgseeli lies between the two parts of the village. The landscape, local history and trails with different focuses shape the character of this destination. When planning your stay, consider whether you are particularly interested in the moor lake, the church ruin or the views along the other trails.

Nature and swimming at Burgseeli

In the Burgseeli nature reserve, gently sloping shores with a well-developed reed belt predominate. The yellow flag iris is also commonly found here; it blooms in May and June. These months offer a specific seasonal point of interest for nature lovers. The Burgseeli natural swimming area is located in Goldswil near Ringgenberg, beside a moor lake in the nature reserve, adding a swimming option to the natural setting.

The natural swimming area includes a non-swimmer pool and an adventure pool. There is also a children’s playground with a pirate ship. Burgseeli thus brings together different features: the gently sloping shores and reed belt define the nature reserve, while the pools and playground are the main features of the swimming area. The facility’s operating details may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Romanesque traces and 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. Its freestanding Romanesque bell tower follows the campanile tradition of northern Italy and reflects a Lombard building tradition. The church ruin therefore brings together two distinct aspects: the church’s early building history and the architectural classification of its bell tower. The ruin is freely accessible; it may be useful to check the latest access information before your visit.

The Ringgenberg-Goldswil archaeological trail connects the castle ruin with the church ruin and also includes the site of the modern-era watchfire, “Im Brand.” The route is accessible year-round; seasonal conditions may affect walking comfort. History enthusiasts can visit several different sites along this trail rather than focusing solely on the church ruin.

Trails and views in the region

Another trail leads from Goldswil through Ringgenberg and continues along the lakeside path to Niederried. Along the way, you will encounter historic churches, castles and ruins connected with the region’s history. The trail also offers views of Lake Brienz, the Aare and the mountains. Unlike the archaeological trail, which connects the castle ruin, church ruin and watchfire site, this route offers a broader perspective on the region’s landscape and historical heritage.

The Ringgenberg Planet Trail is another option, with a different focus. It is accessible year-round and easy to navigate with a stroller. The three trails each offer something different: the Planet Trail is stroller-friendly, the archaeological trail connects historical sites, and the other route offers views and links to the region’s history.

Transport in the municipality

Transport in the municipality of Ringgenberg includes Ringgenberg station on the Lucerne–Interlaken Ost line, with hourly Zentralbahn regional trains, as well as six bus stops served by PostBus. At weekends, Moonliner route M42 buses run in Goldswil and Ringgenberg; in summer, BLS boat services call at Ringgenberg. Check the timetable for your specific travel dates, especially for weekend and summer services. This lets you factor transport information into your stay planning without attributing municipality-wide details to a single location.

For the regional travel overview: Ringgenberg.