Ried Bei Kerzers: Village Culture and Landscape

Ried Bei Kerzers is in the Fribourg Seeland; politically, the municipality belongs to the canton of Fribourg and the Lake District. The municipality comprises the villages of Ried and Agriswil; it includes part of the Great Marsh and adjoining molasse hills. It also includes the hamlet of Gurzelen, on the southern edge of the Great Marsh at 460 m above sea level, as well as a few isolated farms. The historic village centres are largely preserved, and both villages have vibrant political, economic and cultural lives. The landscape, village culture and Kerzers circular hiking trail provide practical ideas for planning your trip.

Landscape and Hills

Ried lies at the foot of the Great Marsh at about 514 m above sea level. From the hill above Ried, there are unobstructed views north towards Jolimont and the Jura, and south towards the Alpine range. The southern part of the municipality, including the village, lies on a high plateau. The Biberen Valley borders it to the east and the Galmizbach hollow to the west; small valleys and hills break up the plateau.

To the south, the municipality extends to Lochwald and Bruyerenholz, over the heights of Riederen and as far as Guggemärliwald. The highest point in Ried Bei Kerzers, at 544 m above sea level, is in Bruyerenholz. The elevations therefore refer to different locations: Ried lies at about 514 m above sea level, while the highest point in Bruyerenholz is at 544 m above sea level.

Village Centres and Cultural Heritage

In the municipal protection ordinance, as of 12 January 2017, the inn at Lindenweg 2 is listed as protected cultural heritage. The granary at Dorfstrasse 12 is listed in the cantonal inventory, as of 1 January 2026, as Category B cultural heritage. The two listings refer to different buildings and addresses.

Ried’s heraldic tree can be found by the bakehouse, the cheese dairy and the memorial stone commemorating the land consolidation at Rebe. At the inauguration of the gymnasium, the municipality of Ried received a direct descendant of the Murten lime tree.

Hiking Trail and Fire Pit

The Kerzers circular hiking trail passes through Ried. The route takes you through quiet forests, traditional villages and along peaceful country lanes. The circular trail is accessible by train and bus via Kerzers railway station; check the timetable and connections before travelling.

To reach the Lochholz fire pit, follow a footpath of about 150 m from the parking area; vehicles are prohibited beyond this point. The fire pit must be reserved with the municipal administration. The municipal website also has a notice on the forest fire ban dated 6 July 2026. Check local restrictions before your visit.

Regional Setting

Together with the surrounding forests and nearby Great Marsh, Murten Lake and Lake Neuchâtel, Ried and Agriswil form a local recreation area. Ried is one of the Marsh municipalities in one of Switzerland’s most important vegetable-growing regions; around a quarter of the country’s domestic fresh vegetable production is grown in this region. Ried also has good transport connections to the centres of Bern, Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Biel.

Discover More Destinations

Charmey, Bas-Vully, Muntelier, Misery-Courtion, Greng, Wallenried, Kerzers, Murten

For the main travel overview: See/Lac.