Burgdorf Castle and City

11 November 2022

The Counts of Rheinfelden owned a castle in Burgdorf, which passed into the possession of the Dukes of Zähringen in 1090.

The castle was renovated and given its present form with a residential tower (palace), defence tower (donjon) and hall. The castle is reminiscent of royal residences. The large town church also suggests that Burgdorf was the centre of the Zähringen territory.

The castle passed to the Counts of Kyburg in 1218. The castle served as their residence until 1384. After the Burgdorf War in 1383, they sold the county of Burgdorf to the city republic of Bern.

Burgdorf Castle is considered the best-preserved Zähringen castle complex and a historical monument of national importance. Today it is used as a museum, restaurant and youth hostel with a municipal banqueting hall.

The town church was built in 1490 on the foundations of an old Romanesque church. The church was renovated in a neo-Gothic style around 1870.

Source and further information: Schloss Burgdorf