Oberhofen Castle

Oberhofen Castle (Schloss Oberhofen) sits right on the shore of Lake Thun in Oberhofen am Thunersee, in the canton of Bern. The complex of keep, outbuildings and gardens is a Swiss heritage site of national significance, and its rooms house a living museum.

What is Oberhofen Castle and how old is it?

The oldest part is the keep, built around 1200. From 1652 to 1798 the castle served as the seat of a Bernese bailiff, and the dungeon you can still see dates from that period. In 1844 the Neuchâtel-Prussian counts de Pourtalès bought it and converted it into a summer residence. Their nineteenth-century era still shapes the interiors today.

What can you see inside?

A museum has occupied the castle since 1954, telling the story of the people who lived here. It focuses on the count's family and also on their domestic staff, not only the grand rooms. Since 2017 new permanent displays have opened in stages, including the servants' quarters and the castle kitchen, shown to visitors in its redesigned form. The oriental smoking room in the tower is a favourite stop.

What is there to see in the park?

The grounds are an English landscape garden with conifers, broadleaf trees and exotic giant sequoias. Look for the hornbeam arbour walk, the gardener's cottage and the small chalet built for the family's children. The park pairs well with a stroll along the lakefront.

When should you visit?

The museum is open seasonally, from May to October, so plan interior visits for those months. Clear weather helps, because the park and lake views matter as much as the exhibits. Check the castle's website or call 033 243 12 35 for current opening hours and ticket prices.

How do you get to Oberhofen?

Oberhofen lies on the northern shore of Lake Thun between Thun and Interlaken. You can arrive by bus or train plus local transport, or by boat across the lake, which is the most scenic option. The castle stands at the water's edge, a short walk from the landing stage and village centre.

Frequently asked questions

Is Oberhofen Castle open all year?

The museum runs seasonally, May to October. Outside that period the interiors are closed.

How long does a visit take?

Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours for the exhibitions and the park. On a fine day, a longer garden walk adds to that.

Who will enjoy it most?

Anyone curious about everyday nineteenth-century life, including the work of household staff, and families, since children can explore the little chalet built for the count's children.

Is the castle medieval?

Partly. The keep dates from around 1200, and later rebuilding gave the complex its present look.