Hohburg Castle

Hohburg Castle in Belp is a ruined medieval fortress in the canton of Bern, tucked into the forest on the northern slope of the Belpberg hill above the Aare valley. Only modest traces of the buildings survive, but the setting and the story of the family who lived here make it a rewarding short outing from Bern.

What was Hohburg?

According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, Hohburg was one of three timber castles in the region dating to the high and late Middle Ages. It was the ancestral seat of the Barons of Belp-Montenach, who in the 12th and 13th centuries extended their power from their home lordship of Belp to Montagny and Gerenstein. The castle stood on a rocky spur cut off from the hillside by a dry neck ditch, a position well suited to defence.

How did it end?

After the clash at Donnerbühl (Dornbühl) in 1298, Bernese troops destroyed the castle, and it was never rebuilt. In 1306 Bern forced the barons into a treaty of civic protection that allowed them a new timber residence in Belp village itself, the so-called Wooden Castle. Hohburg's role as a lordly seat was over.

What can you see today?

Do not expect towers or battlements. The main surviving feature is a section of the barrier wall facing the village of Belp, plus a few pieces of mortared masonry. The terrain tells the rest of the story: the spur and the ditch that separated it from the mountain are still readable. The ruin lies deep in woodland, so this is a spot for visitors who enjoy finding traces of the past rather than a developed attraction.

How do you get there?

The ruin lies at roughly 46.883 N, 7.517 E on the Belpberg. A steep forest path leads up to it, so wear sturdy shoes. The hill is a favourite with walkers, and routes across the Belpberg are described by the University of Bern and by the rail operator SOB (including a hike via Chutzen). Belp sits right next to Bern and its airport, which makes it easy to combine the walk with a look around the town.

What else is there to see in Belp?

Two later castles stand in the village. Belp Castle, now a cultural venue and museum, and the Old Castle, built in 1550-1554 by the von Luternau family opposite the barons' former timber residence. Together with the ruin they give a neat overview of several centuries of local history.

Frequently asked questions

Is there more than ruins to see at Hohburg? No. You will find wall remains and scattered masonry in the forest, with no reconstructed parts.

Who built the castle? It was the seat of the Barons of Belp-Montenach, and is regarded as their ancestral stronghold.

When was it destroyed? In 1298 by Bernese troops, after the fighting at Donnerbühl.

Is it suitable for a walk with children? The path is steep and runs through forest, so it suits older children and walkers in proper footwear.