Seeberg: Waterfall, Lake and Cultural Heritage

Seeberg appeals to travellers who want to include nature, hiking trails and culture in their plans. Highlights include the Mutzbach Falls, Lake Burgäschi and the Late Gothic Church of St. Martin. The sites and trails differ mainly in their focus and the time they take.

Lake Burgäschi and the glacial landscape

Lake Burgäschi is a remnant of the Ice Age and a so-called kettle hole. The Lake Burgäschi nature reserve includes a small lake that is extremely popular as a local recreation area. Rare plants such as sundews and cranberries grow nearby. Parts of the lake are a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of a prehistoric settlement found there.

On the eastern shore, by the Seeblick restaurant, there is an information board. It explains how the lake formed and describes the lives of the pile dwellers. Signage may be updated; if you plan to visit the board specifically, check its status on site.

Another geological highlight is Steinenberg, where 25 erratic boulders are protected and marked on maps. Map entries may be updated. Steinenberg has a greater density of boulders left behind by glaciers than anywhere else in the Canton of Bern.

Mutzbach Falls and swimming spots

Mutzbach Falls is 14 metres high and the only waterfall in the Oberaargau region. An easy hike to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes. The pool by the waterfall, idyllic spots and numerous fire pits along the Mutzbach invite visitors to linger and swim. Swimming conditions may vary by season.

A separate bathing regulation applies to the Lake Burgäschi area: swimming is prohibited outside the designated Seeberg-Badloch bathing area. So if you are planning a day of swimming, distinguish between the area by Mutzbach Falls and the protected area around the lake.

Hikes and planning your time

The Amiet-Hesse Trail passes important painting locations of artists Cuno Amiet and Bruno Hesse. It includes an approximately one-and-a-half-hour circular route around Oschwand and the hamlet of Spych, as well as a three- to four-hour hiking route through the Mutzgraben valley to the waterfall. There are different time frames to choose from: a short hike to Mutzbach Falls, described as easy, or longer routes on the Amiet-Hesse Trail. Check trail conditions on site before setting out.

St. Martin's Church and art

The Late Gothic Church of St. Martin stands on the «Berg» hill above Seeberg and was consecrated in 1516. The church contains Cuno Amiet's 1931 mural «Crucifixion and Resurrection». The collection also includes a baptismal font with blind tracery dating from 1530. These dates span the Late Gothic church building, the early 16th century and the 20th-century mural.

Travelling by public transport

The municipality of Seeberg is connected to public transport by bus route 54, «Herzogenbuchsee – Seeberg – Riedtwil – Wynigen». As routes and services may change, check the timetable before setting off. The different highlights can help you plan your stay: the lake landscape and geology, the waterfall with its short, easy hike, or longer hikes and art history.

Discover more destinations: Wiedlisbach, Oberbipp, Attiswil, Niederbipp, Wangen an der Aare, Wolfisberg, Wangenried.

See the overview of destinations: Wangen.