Ringgenberg Castle Church – amazing views over Lake Brienz

Ringgenberg is a captivating place, full of Bernese history and also one of the Bernese Oberland’s most impressive castle complexes. It was built by the Imperial governor Cuno of Brienz in the 13th century. Historical interest in the castle ruins was reawakened with the founding of the Schweizerischer Burgenverein (Swiss Castles Association) in 1928.

Ringgenberg Castle Church dominates the northern shore of Lake Brienz. Ringgenberg’s Burgfelsen (Castle Rock) is home to two monuments from different eras and spheres of life. The ruins of the medieval aristocratic castle and the Protestant Baroque church both contrast with and complement each other in a distinctive manner. The medieval courtly culture that once characterised life in the castle can be surmised from its structure. The ceremonial hall in the tower serves as a reminder of lavish celebrations overlooking the lake. Since 2008, the castle tower has been accessible via stairs, a gallery and a viewing terrace,  allowing you to enjoy a unique view over Lake Brienz from the top. This contrasts with the simplicity of the single-nave church, which was built to meet the requirements of Calvinist worship. The church organ, which Felix Mendelsohn played in 1847, was installed in 1837.

Your highlights at a glance

• Castle Church with medieval and baroque influences
• Views over Lake Brienz
• The tower houses a panoramic terrace that can be accessed via a staircase
• Church organ that Felix Mendelsohn played in 1847
  

To ensure that your trip is perfect in every way, please note

• Please respect this cultural heritage and leave the Castle Church as you found it
• The Castle Church is open May to September from 07.30h to 20.00h in and October to April from 07.30h to approximately 16.30h in winter
  
• Services are held every Sunday
• A lift by the Castle Church ensures barrier-free access courtyard and church during opening hours
  
• Access to the castle courtyard via the north staircase and the church is possible all year round during church opening hours. Access via the south staircase is only possible to a limited extent in winter when there is snow and ice (access at your own risk)