Laupen Castle

Laupen Castle (Schloss Laupen) crowns a hill above the small town of Laupen in the canton of Bern. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance and houses a museum about the town's past and the war of 1339 that made its name.

What is the story behind the castle?

The first stronghold on the hill is linked to the Burgundian king Rudolf II, and by the 12th century it had grown into a proper castle. Over the following centuries it passed through many hands, among them the Zähringen dukes, the Habsburgs, the counts of Kyburg and Savoy, and the lords of Grandson and Thurn. Bern bought the lordship in 1324 and kept the castle from then on.

Under Bern, the castle became the residence of the bailiff (Landvogt), a role it held until 1798. After the administrative reform of 1997 it became the seat of the district governor, so parts of the complex are still used by the authorities.

Why does Laupen matter in Swiss history?

In June 1339 a coalition of Fribourg and Burgundian and Habsburg-aligned nobles besieged the castle. One account counts about 600 defenders against roughly 12,000 besiegers. The decisive battle took place on 21 June on the nearby Bramberg hill, and Bern won, helped by troops sent from the Forest Cantons. The victory strengthened the city, which joined the Swiss Confederacy permanently in 1353.

What can you see inside?

• The museum in the "new castle" — a late Gothic wing with an exhibition on the Laupen war, including a model of the battle memorial, and a 1:200 model of the old town.
• Archaeological finds — objects from pre-Roman, Roman and medieval times, plus films on local history.
• The Knights' Hall (Rittersaal) and historic rooms in the new castle.
• The Käfigturm tower and wall walk — views over the rooftops of Laupen.
• A small Baroque garden beside the castle.

When can you visit?

According to the official listing for the 2025 season, the castle opened on the first and third Sunday of each month from April to October, 13:30 to 16:30, with extra Wednesday-to-Friday openings in summer. Admission was free and donations were welcome. Hours can change, so check the current calendar on the castle foundation's website (stiftung-schlosslaupen.ch) before you go.

How to plan your visit

The castle stands in the centre of the town (postcode 3177), close to where two rivers, the Sense and the Saane, meet. The medieval old town is compact and easy to walk in about an hour, so the castle fits neatly into a short stroll. If you arrive on a day without opening hours, you can still see the exterior and the old town, but the interiors will be closed.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Laupen Castle free? In the 2025 season listing, admission was free, with donations welcome.

When is the castle open? Usually on the first and third Sunday afternoon of the month between April and October, plus extra weekdays in summer. Confirm dates before your visit.

Is there a museum in the castle? Yes. Museum Schloss Laupen covers the siege and battle of 1339 and the development of the town and castle.

Is Laupen Castle a listed monument? Yes, it is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.