Emmental is not only a cheese paradise, but also a place with fairytale castles and chateaus! True, some of them are more like manor houses, but that doesn’t detract from their beauty. What’s more, they are ideal destinations for your hiking or cycling tours in this picturesque region. Join me on a historical tour around Burgdorf!
Burgdorf Castle
The jewel of Emmental is a landmark of the town. Schloss Burgdorf has had a fascinating journey across the centuries and has undergone a stunning transformation in recent years. After renovation, the castle has been transformed into a multifunctional space including a museum, a stylish hostel and restaurant, and a venue for festive events. Today, the central concept of the castle is “Schloss für alle” – a castle for all, also as the centre of the Emmental cruise region.
Burgdorf is located 10 minutes from the A1 Kirchberg exit and can be easily reached from anywhere in Switzerland. From the Burgdorf train station, it is a 15-minute walk through the old town to the castle.
Landshut Castle Utzenstorf
Switzerland is heavily interwoven with cycling routes. It’s no wonder that the routes also lead to interesting places such as the Landshut water castle in Utzenstorf – the only water castle in the canton of Bern. After 1988, the castle was rebuilt to its 17th-century appearance, and part of it was converted into a museum. Today it houses the Schweizer Museum für Wild und Jagd (Swiss Museum for Wildlife and Hunting) – the only one of its kind in Switzerland! There is a large park around the castle, and you will also find a rescue station for wild birds.
Landshut Castle is located on cycle route 44. If you’d like to take the train, you can use the S44 or R train lines from Bern, Thun, or Solothurn. By car, it is easily accessible from the A1 motorway (exit Kirchberg), and the adjacent parking lot at the castle has sufficient capacity.
Jegenstorf Castle
On the route of the Alter Bernerweg cycle route No. 34, which runs 43 kilometres from Burgdorf via Bern to Laupen, there is the picturesque Baroque castle of Jegenstorf, where you can take your children on a guided tour or take a stroll through the castle park. Today, the castle is home to the “Museum für Bernische Wohnkultur” (Museum of Bernese Living Culture ). The permanent exhibition showcases the furnishings of the elegant interiors of the townhouses of privileged families from the 17th to the 19th century.
Trachselwald Castle
Trachselwald Castle is a significant monument and an essential part of Bernese history—the oldest parts of Trachselwald Castle date back to the second half of the 12th century. From the 16th century onwards, however, it took on a somewhat darker role: it became a prison and interrogation centre for the so-called Anabaptists (Wiedertäufer). These were Christians who believed that baptism should be a voluntary act of an adult. They also did not support the official state church and refused to obey the ruling elites. It is therefore not surprising that in the 16th century, they were a political and religious threat to Bern (and other cantons) and ended up in prisons.
Today, the castle is rented out for family reunions, weddings, or corporate events. The castle courtyard and garden are open to the public. It is also possible to book a group guided tour. You can either come here by bike or take a pleasant hike from Sumiswald to Lützelflüh.
Sumiswald Castle
The original castle, dating back to the beginning of the 13th century, was rebuilt into a more comfortable chateau in the 16th and 17th centuries. You can reach it by taking the Bänklirundweg Sumiswald hiking route. In the past, it was a strategic location because it was on a trade route, which gave it its importance. The castle now belongs to private owners and is not open to the public. Accommodation is available on the premises. If you are ever looking for accommodation in Emmental, you can find information here. But at least you can peek into the courtyard here.
Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of fairytale backdrops or simply looking for a new destination, the castles in the Burgdorf region will not disappoint.
Each one has its own story and atmosphere – just choose which one charms you the most.
Have you visited any of these castles? Tag me on Instagram @our_swiss_experience – I’d love to see your adventures!
