Castle history, historic textiles and trails in the region give Riggisberg its many different facets. Those interested in architecture will find details spanning several centuries; for outdoor activities, there are hiking and cycling routes as well as seasonal options in the surrounding area.
Castle history and historic textiles
Riggisberg Castle was built in 1700 by Albrecht von Erlach. With a brief interruption, Riggisberg was under the rule of the von Erlach family for more than 400 years. The castle is open to visitors year-round and offers views of the Alps. The garden and pond around the building add to the view of the grounds.
The Abegg Foundation offers another way to explore history, bringing together a museum and a textile research institute in Riggisberg since 1967. Its special exhibitions, which change annually, focus on historic textiles. A guided tour of Villa Abegg includes a visit to its reception rooms. The villa was built in the style of the Baroque period in northern Italy; its rooms were specifically designed to house historic architectural elements, furniture, wallpaper, paintings and precious decorative arts. Textiles and decorative arts are therefore not presented in isolation, but in rooms whose design is also part of the experience.
Architecture in Riggisberg and the surrounding area
The castle’s exterior is also worth a closer look: it is a three-storey cubic plastered building with a stair tower topped by a pointed spire adjoining it on the west. The façades have five by five window axes. On the central axes of the east and south façades, wrought-iron balconies dating from the 1730s emphasise the structure. Those who pay attention to details like these can distinguish the building’s original form from later additions.
Riggisberg Church has a tower dating from the 12th century and a nave from 1687. Its vaulted choir is fully integrated into the Romanesque tower; this architectural form is unique in the surrounding area. Rüeggisberg Monastery is another local landmark. It was the first Cluniac monastery in the German-speaking region. The museum room, open daily, displays reliefs almost 1,000 years old, along with information about the monastery’s history and conservation work.
Hiking, cycling and puzzle trails
The Gantrisch Panorama Trail and the St James’ Way in and around Riggisberg are ideal for hiking; the area also has an extensive network of trails offering plenty of options. The Gantrisch region has many kilometres of well-marked routes for mountain bikes and bicycles. For a more challenging activity, try climbing the Gantrisch via ferrata. You will need a via ferrata set, good physical fitness, sure-footedness and a head for heights. In winter, there are long cross-country ski trails and snowshoe routes in the surrounding area.
The established Riggisberg puzzle trail is another way to explore together. Its puzzles are suitable for all age groups, and families or friends can follow the trail together. It has eleven puzzle boards in total. The starting point is Postplatz in the village centre, in front of the municipal administration building and post office; PostBus services also stop there. Check transport details before travelling.
The Gantrisch Legends Route can also be started in Riggisberg. This themed route is around 50 kilometres long and passes through Gantrisch Nature Park. In Riggisberg, it tells the story of Rabbentaler, the former lord of the castle. The route thus connects its starting point in the village with a theme that reaches beyond individual buildings.
Getting to the Abegg Foundation
The Abegg Foundation can be reached by S-Bahn to Toffen, followed by a PostBus from Toffen to Riggisberg. For planning purposes, it is helpful to think of this connection in two stages: first to Toffen, then onward to Riggisberg. If you would like to combine your visit with a guided tour of Villa Abegg, you can plan your journey and cultural itinerary together.
Discover more destinations: Kirchdorf, RĂĽeggisberg, RĂĽti Bei Riggisberg, Belp, Kehrsatz, Gerzensee, Burgistein, Uttigen.
Go to the main travel overview: Seftigen.
