Château Herdern

Château Herdern, known locally as Schloss Herdern, stands in the middle of the village of Herdern in the Swiss canton of Thurgau, close to Lanzenneunforn. The former knightly seat, also called Barbenstein, is among the best-known buildings in this part of the Thurgau countryside.

What is the history of the castle?

The fortress began as the home of the Bettler family, who held it until 1403. In 1501 the local lower court of Herdern was joined to the castle, forming the lordship of Herdern. Around 1601 the complex was enlarged. In 1683 the lordship and castle were bought by St. Urban, a monastery in the canton of Lucerne. Until 1798 a bailiff living in the castle ran the lower jurisdiction on the monastery's behalf. St. Urban kept the property until 1848, after which it changed hands several times.

What is the castle used for today?

In 1895 an association called Arbeiterkolonien Herdern opened a work colony here for unemployed men and men released from prison. Since 1995 the castle has been a residential home for people with mental-health and social difficulties, and the cantonal archive documents it as a place of living, work and occupation. It is a working institution rather than a museum, so touring the interior is not the main reason to come.

What can you see?

The castle sits right in the village centre. Its most recognisable feature is an octagonal tower topped with an onion-shaped roof. From the road you can see the buildings, and a short walk through Herdern lets you combine the castle with the village's Catholic parish, whose patronage passed to Kalchrain monastery in 1331. Schloss Liebenfels, in the same municipality, is a different building, so take care not to confuse the two.

How do you get there?

Herdern lies in the Steckborn district of northern Thurgau, not far from Frauenfeld. The castle is at 47.604 N, 8.910 E. Reach it by car or regional bus from nearby towns, and check timetables on SBB.ch before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside the castle? It now serves as a social care facility, so interiors are generally not open to visitors. Viewing from outside is the best option.

Who built it? The earliest known owners were the Bettler family, who lived here until 1403.

What was its role under the monastery? From 1683 to 1798 it was the seat of the bailiff of St. Urban monastery, who administered lower justice.

Are Herdern and Liebenfels the same castle? No, they are two separate castles in the same municipality.