Gerzensee between the lake, Belpberg and village history

Landscape

The landscape around Gerzensee combines the small lake of the nature reserve with the open areas surrounding it. The natural silting zones and the peninsula are just as much part of the lake’s appearance as the wet meadows and extensively managed natural meadows that surround it. Above the Aare and Gürbe valleys, views also open out towards the mountain ranges of the Pre-Alps and High Alps. At Gerzensee Castle, a private lake with a boathouse complements the local bodies of water.

Culture and History

In the centre of Gerzensee village, the Rosengarten country estate lies in the immediate vicinity of the parish church. The core of the existing Rosengarten country estate building was constructed in 1701. Gerzensee is listed in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites (ISOS). Several sites of pile-dwelling settlements can be clearly identified at Lake Gerzensee. The history of Gerzensee Castle dates back to 1700.

Things to Do

The Belpberg Route (SwitzerlandMobility 361) passes through Gerzensee by bicycle. It is a 30.85 km cycling route that runs along Lake Gerzensee to the village of the same name, Gerzensee. In Gerzensee, the Belpberg Route climbs markedly towards Belpberg; the tour offers views of the Aare, Gürbe and Stocken valleys. Thus, the same route focuses both on the section along the lake and the climb on Belpberg, as well as on views across three valley landscapes.

The 30.85 kilometres give the cycling tour a clear spatial framework: its route connects the section along Lake Gerzensee with the climb to Belpberg and views of the Aare, Gürbe and Stocken valleys. On the hike, by contrast, the Gürbe plain, the slope of Belpberg and its scenic southern spur follow one another as distinct sections. The railway and bus connections mentioned assign the outward and return journeys to different places. At the “Lindli” viewpoint, the route can be complemented by a short stop along the way.

The hike along Lake Gerzensee leads through the Gürbe plain, along the slope of Belpberg and across its scenic southern spur. It can be reached by train and bus: the outward journey is by train from Thun or Bern to Kaufdorf, and the return journey is by bus from Kirchdorf. A short stop can be made at the “Lindli” viewpoint.

Cuisine and Events

The restaurant at Gerzensee Castle offers cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients from its own hotel garden. Gerzensee Castle can serve as a venue for a special occasion.

Other Places

Other places on this page are Kirchdorf, Burgistein, Rüeggisberg, Toffen, Uttigen, Niedermuhlern, Riggisberg, Kehrsatz.

For the higher-level travel overview: Seftigen.