Ralligen estate

Ralligen estate (Gut Ralligen, also called Schloss Ralligen) is a historic country estate with a manor house in Merligen, on the northern shore of Lake Thun in the canton of Bern. It belongs to the municipality of Sigriswil. The building stands at Schlossweg 3, on the stretch of shoreline between Merligen and Gunten, and is one of the oldest reminders of winegrowing on the lake.

What is Ralligen?

The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland describes it as a late-medieval wine house of the Interlaken monastery, known today as Schloss Ralligen. Locals have also called it the "Rallig-Thurm", the Ralligen tower. A local history says it began as a solid fortified house owned by a nobleman. The Augustinian canons of Interlaken then enlarged it into an autumn house with a wine press and cellar.

Why were there vineyards on Lake Thun?

The lakeside villages of Sigriswil grew fruit and grapes. A crisis in viticulture ended grape growing there by 1914. Merligen itself was known for its vineyards well into the 1900s, and Ralligen is among the few buildings that still tell that story.

What will you see?

The tall, tower-like mass beside the water explains the name "Schloss", castle. A 1905 postcard captioned "Merligen – Schloss Ralligen" shows that it has been a recognisable landmark of this shore for over a century. Around it you get views of the lake and the mountains of the Bernese Oberland. The building served as a winery for a long time and now operates as a guesthouse, so treat it as private premises and follow the hosts' rules.

The legend of the buried town of Roll

A local tale links the building to the buried town of Roll. In the story, the castle-like Ralligschloss is a remnant of that lost settlement. It is folklore rather than documented history, but it adds colour to a visit.

How do you get there?

Ralligen lies between Merligen and Gunten, close to the water. The easiest plan is to combine it with a stay or walk in Merligen, from where footpaths follow the shore. Navigation address: Schlossweg 3, 3658 Merligen.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ralligen estate? In Merligen, municipality of Sigriswil, on Lake Thun in the canton of Bern, between Merligen and Gunten.

Is it a real castle? "Schloss" is the popular name. Sources describe it as a wine house of the Interlaken monastery and a manor estate.

Can you go inside? It currently operates as a guesthouse, so access depends on the hosts. Check before you travel.

How old is it? The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland calls it a late-medieval wine house of the Interlaken monastery.