Castles & palaces in Bern Region

Today, the castle reflects the change from a medieval castle to a patrician residence.

The medieval castle above the town of Thun is a striking focal point at the entrance to the Bernese Oberland region. This almost completely preserved symbol of power contains the Knights' Hall, one of the few surviving halls of its type from the Middle Ages.

Oberhofen Castle with its medieval keep and lake tower is located on the shore of Lake Thun. The castle, which dates back to the early 13th century, houses a living museum. The large castle park is supposed to be one of the most magnificent in the region of the Alps.

Summer in the city? Absolutely. In the vibrant city of Thun, water is never more than a stone’s throw away. Take a dip in the refreshing water at the time-honoured Schwäbis river pool, watch the Aare surfers for that Hawaii feeling and enjoy the fresh air on the deck of the Blümlisalp to get the full Thun experience.

Learn more about Solothurn's walls and their gates and towers.

Schadau Castle was built between 1846 and 1854 for the Neuchâtel banker Denis Alfred de Rougemont. The location of the castle, on the southern banks of Lake Thun where the River Aare flows out of the lake, and with its views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, is almost as attractive as the architecture itself.

This unique moated castle is located on the northern edge of the village of Utzenstorf in the Swiss Plateau and is surrounded by a vast English-style garden. It dates back to the 17th century and was once the seat of the Bernese bailiwick.

In the heart of Switzerland, just a stone’s throw from the capital Bern and set amid a paradisiacal park, lies Baroque Castle Jegenstorf. Inside, the former Bernese patrician country estate boasts all kinds of treasures and gems, with tales to take visitors of all ages on a magical journey back in time.

Steep yourself in history and experience baroque with all of your senses – all this is possible at the Baroque Days in Solothurn. The August event celebrates history and honours the baroque lifestyle. Scenic tours, concerts showcasing historical musical instruments, lectures, games and workshops – the varied programme offers something for everyone.

There’s so much to do in Burgdorf Castle, with its unique combination of museum, restaurant and youth hostel. The new museum has many exciting things to reveal about the region and the wider world, while you can dine in a stately setting in the castle restaurant and then spend the night in the castle’s youth hostel. Live like the knights and damsels of old…

The Jura waters correction is a unique heritage of human creativity. The Nidau Castle Museum, opened in October 2004, aims to heighten this awareness.

Grasburg was once the home of feudal tyrant Count Amadeus. He oppressed his subjects in every possible way and threw people in the castle dungeons for no reason. A maid finally pushed him into the roaring waters of the River Sense one stormy night.

The castle on Lake Thun stands in a delightful park surrounded by venerable old trees.

Laupen Castle towers high above the medieval town of the same name at the confluence of the rivers Sense and Sarine. The splendid fortress is the emblem of the region, and a protected monument of national importance.