Eburodunum

Eburodunum is the Roman name of the place where Yverdon-les-Bains stands today, a town at the southern tip of Lake Neuchâtel in the Swiss canton of Vaud. It is an archaeological site, and the traces of the old settlement and its late Roman fort show that this corner of Switzerland mattered long before the modern town existed.

What was Eburodunum?

In Roman times the settlement went by Eburodunum (the form Ebredunum also appears). Its story begins with the Celtic Helvetii, who historians describe as the first permanent inhabitants of the area, settling here from around the 2nd century BCE. The place later came under Roman rule and grew into a centre on a key communication route.

Why did this spot matter?

Location was everything. Eburodunum lay on the route between Geneva and Aventicum (modern Avenches) and helped control movement between the Rhône and Rhine basins. The nearby lake and its port added to its value, and in later centuries that port needed protection.

The Roman castrum

The best-known part of the heritage is the castrum, a fortified camp. Most sources date its construction to 325 CE, built to shield the port from Alemannic raids. Walls with towers enclosed the interior, and historical descriptions mention public buildings and baths. Sources disagree on details such as the exact dimensions and number of towers, so treat any figures with caution and check on site with the tourist office.

The Romans abandoned the castrum in 405 CE. Over time the defences lost their purpose, and the last remains disappeared in 1860 when the town was being expanded. Today the old camp is recalled mainly through traces in the urban layout and visitor information.

Recent discoveries

Research here continues. In recent years, preventive archaeological work on the eastern bank of the Thielle river uncovered ten Roman-era burials. According to the researchers, this was a small cemetery beside the access road to the Roman town. The exact route of that road is still unknown, so future digs may add more detail.

Planning a visit

Combine Eburodunum with a wider visit to Yverdon-les-Bains, a town also known for its spa tradition and lakeside setting. A good first step is the local tourist office, where you can ask about trails and sites linked to the Roman heritage. A stroll along the lake and through the old town makes a good complement to the archaeological side. Pick a day with decent weather, since most of what there is to see is outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Eburodunum? In Yverdon-les-Bains, in the Swiss canton of Vaud, at the southern end of Lake Neuchâtel.

When was the Roman castrum built? Most sources give 325 CE. Its purpose was to defend the port against the Alemanni.

When did the Romans leave the fort? In 405 CE.

Does anything of the castrum survive? The last visible remains vanished in 1860 as the town expanded, but the site is still a subject of archaeological research.

Are discoveries still being made? Yes. Ten Roman-era graves were found in recent years, and the access road to the town has not yet been precisely located.

Who is it for? Anyone interested in ancient Swiss history, Roman fortifications and archaeology, and visitors who want to see Yverdon-les-Bains from a historical angle.