Rüti Bei Riggisberg: Landscape, Cultural Heritage and Winter

Rüti Bei Riggisberg lies at an altitude of around 823 metres above sea level in a valley depression of the Biberzen. The village is situated between the wooded heights of the Gibelegg to the north and the Gurnigel to the south. The area includes valleys carved by the Biberzen, Dürrgraben and Gasgraben. To the west, the boundary follows the Seligraben stream, while the southern extension reaches the upper reaches of the Gürbe. The area stretches across the Gurnigel forest to the pre-Alpine heights of Gurnigelberg. At 1,620 metres above sea level, Zigerhubel is the highest point in Rüti Bei Riggisberg.

Cultural History and Historic Sites

Speicherstöckli, at Grund 15, is listed as a Category A object in the Bernese Cultural Property Protection Inventory; the inventory is dated 1 January 2026. Another historic landmark is Gurnigelbad, classified as an architectural monument and historic site. In the second half of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th, it was one of Switzerland’s best-known spa hotels. At the time, the water from its three springs, rich in sulphur and iron, was considered healing. Sulphur water still flows from a small fountain on the grounds; check its condition before your visit. Gurnigelbad is no longer operated as a hotel. Confirm its current status before travelling there.

Planning Your Visit

Gurnigelbad is served by the Gurnigel, Bad public transport stop. Gurnigel route 323 runs year-round at least twice daily between Riggisberg and Gurnigel. Check the current timetable before travelling. The Rüti bei Riggisberg–Grundbach–Wattenwil cycling route passes through these three places. This means you can plan around a named connection between Riggisberg and Gurnigel, as well as a cycling route through Rüti bei Riggisberg, Grundbach and Wattenwil.

Bird Migration and Winter Sports

Gurnigel is designated an Important Bird Area and is a place to observe the autumn bird migration. On a guided bird migration excursion, participants learn how to use binoculars correctly and identify migratory bird species. Gantrisch Nature Park offers a guided observation of the autumn migration from the upper Türliboden car park in Rüti bei Riggisberg. An excursion is planned for autumn 2026; confirm the dates before travelling.

Winter activities vary by activity: at the Gantrisch Gurnigel ski lifts, there are six kilometres of groomed runs between the top station at 1,590 metres and the bottom station at 1,340 metres above sea level. At the Gurnigelbad ski lift, a ski school helps beginners take their first steps on skis. Night skiing takes place there on Friday evenings. These activities are seasonal; check current operating information and times before your visit.

The Gantrisch cross-country skiing centre grooms 45 kilometres of trails each year at a snow-sure altitude of between 1,450 and 1,650 metres above sea level, for both skating and classic cross-country skiing. In addition to the six kilometres of ski runs, there is a trail network geared towards a different activity and two cross-country skiing styles. Trail availability depends on snow conditions.

Regional and Seasonal Cuisine

Skiliftbeizli Gurnigel hosts Beizli evenings throughout the year. These include cheese or meat fondue, grilled dishes, raclette and seasonal specialities. The Beizli focuses on regional and seasonal produce; the menu may change.

Discover more destinations: Gerzensee, Kehrsatz, Niedermuhlern, Kirchdorf, Toffen, Riggisberg, Uttigen, Gelterfingen

Return to the main travel overview: Seftigen.