Ringgenberg and Burgseeli Lake Walk

The Ringgenberg and Burgseeli walk is a family-friendly circuit along the northern shore of Lake Brienz near Interlaken, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. The route is about 6 km as a loop, with roughly 100 m of ascent, and takes around 1.5 hours, making it easy and suitable for first-time hikers. Visitors reach Ringgenberg by BLS ship or bus from Interlaken Ost in about 10 minutes, or can walk the lakeside path from Interlaken, so no car or permit is needed. The main landmarks are the Ringgenberg castle ruin and church at Kirchgasse, 3852 Ringgenberg BE, set on a small hill above the lake, and the small Burgseeli lake in the woods near Goldswil. The surface is a combination of lakeside path, village lanes, gravel track and forest trail, with gentle slopes and few technical sections. Shade is available in the wooded parts, while the shoreline stretches are open and sunny. From the church, which sits beside the castle ruin, there are views over Lake Brienz and the surrounding wooded slopes. The Burgseeli side loop is a quiet detour through forest to a small, calm lake that suits a short rest. There are no mountain huts along the route, but cafés and shops in Ringgenberg and Interlaken provide food and drink, and drinking water should be carried for the loop. Since the route stays near roads, boat landings and bus stops, it is easy to shorten at nearly any point, and the walk can be started from either Interlaken Ost or Ringgenberg itself. It is also a useful choice in shoulder seasons when higher trails are closed, since the lower elevation keeps it walkable from March to November in most conditions.