Biking with kids: Schloss Landshut

The Swiss seem to be a nation of cyclists, at least here at our “flat” between Emmental and the Jura mountains it seems so. Switzerland is very much crisscrossed with bike trails. And therefore it is no wonder that these trails lead to interesting places, like water castle Landshut in the nearby Utzenstorf – the only water castle in the canton of Bern.

Brief history

Landshut Castle was probably built in the second half of the 12th century for the Dukes of Zähringen. When the Zähringen line died out, the castle was inherited by the Counts of Kyburg. In 1514 the city of Bern bought the castle and after three centuries, in 1812 sold it and the estates to Rudolf Niklaus von Wattenwyl. Over the next three years it was rebuilt into a country estate. From 1846 it passed through several owners until 1958 when it was sold back to the Canton of Bern. *)

photo by -josr-

After 1988 the castle was redecorated it to match the style of the 17th century and the part of it was converted into a museum. Today it is the home of the Schweizer Museum für Wild und Jagd (Swiss museum of Wildlife and Hunting – the only museum of this kind in Switzerland). The museum want to arise the interest in the historical significance and historical development of hunting.

Arrival

Landshut castle is located on a cycle trail no.44. Who would want to take the train, you may take the line S44 or R from Berne (Thun), respectively Solothurn. By car is easily accessible from the A1 highway (exit Kirchberg), adjacent parking at the castle has sufficient capacity.

Visit

Since here, as well as in the Czech Republic, visiting season in castles and chateaux is already over (lasts from mid-May to mid-October), adjoining 4.5 hectare large park is open throughout the whole year. There can admire while walking mature plane trees, firs, ashes, lindens, oaks and many other trees planted into “English park” or can admire the beautifully clear water in countless rivulets flowing through the park. There is also a rescue station for wild animals.