Campagne Schönberg

Campagne Schönberg in Bern is a group of historic buildings that once formed the country estate of the von Fischer family, set in the Allmend-Murifeld district along Laubeggstrasse. Locals also use the name for the surrounding Schönbergpark. It survives as a rare example of a "campagne", the rural retreats that Bern's patrician families built outside the city.

What is a campagne in Bern?

In the days of the old Bernese Republic, a campagne meant a summer residence with a manor house, gardens and a working farm. Owners lived there for part of the year while the land produced food. Schönberg is one of the better-preserved examples within today's city limits. Bern's building inventory lists the buildings as a single group, the Landsitz Schönberg, and rates it worth protecting.

What is the history of the estate?

Until 1817 the hill held the gallows of the Untenaus district court, an area that is now part of the garden. An earlier building from around 1730 was partly kept, and Samuel Sigmund von Fischer, a district governor, added a new manor house with a columned peristyle, a barn, a farm building and a gardener's house. In 1872 Ludwig Karl Adolf von Fischer added an orangery and a greenhouse. The estate stayed with the von Fischer family until the City of Bern bought it in 1943.

What can you see today?

• Herrenstock (Laubeggstrasse 40): the manor house, with a structure from the first half of the 18th century, enlarged in 1856-58 by Theodor Zeerleder. It counts as an early example of Historicism and was thoroughly renovated in 2021-22.
• Gardener's house: a building from 1856 near the entrance.
• Neo-Baroque gateway: designed by Henry B. von Fischer and completed in 1914.
• Orangery and greenhouse from the later 19th century, plus the hilltop garden.

The Herrenstock is one of five historically significant buildings of the former campagne. It opens to visitors on occasion, for example during Open House Bern.

How do you get there?

The estate lies north-east of the old town, at about 46.951 N, 7.465 E. Take city public transport from Bern station and walk the last stretch to Laubeggstrasse. A visit is a short stroll through the park and combines easily with a walk through the neighbouring residential districts.

When should you visit?

The grounds look best from late spring to early autumn, when the garden is green. Interiors of the Herrenstock are usually accessible only on open days, so check dates before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is Campagne Schönberg the same as Schönbergpark?

In everyday use, yes: the park in Bern is also known as Campagne Schönberg. Historically the campagne was the whole ensemble of manor house, farm buildings and garden.

Who owned the estate?

The von Fischer family, until the City of Bern purchased it in 1943.

Can you go inside the buildings?

The Herrenstock opens on selected dates, for instance during Open House Bern. On other days you can view the buildings from outside.

Is this the same as Villa Schönberg in Zurich?

No. Villa Schönberg (Villa Rieter) beside the Museum Rietberg is in Zurich and has no connection to Bern's campagne.