Thielle Castle

Thielle Castle (Schloss Thielle, Château de Thielle) sits in Gals, in the canton of Bern, right beside the Thielle (Zihl) canal and the border with the canton of Neuchâtel. For centuries it guarded a river crossing, and today it makes a rewarding stop on a day out around the Three Lakes region.

What is the history of Thielle Castle?

People have crossed the river here since antiquity: remains of La Tène-era and Roman bridges have been found nearby, and in the Middle Ages the road between Bern and Neuchâtel passed this spot. The moated castle was raised between 1270 and 1300 on the left bank to protect the bridge. After a rebuild in 1320–1325 it served as the seat of the Thielle bailiwick, a Neuchâtel jurisdiction. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland dates that administrative role to 1807, after which the building held a prison until 1848. It passed into private ownership in 1861.

Why is a Neuchâtel castle now in the canton of Bern?

The canal explains it. When the Zihl canal was completed in 1883, the castle ended up on the right bank, and the 1895 border agreement with Neuchâtel assigned it to Bern and the municipality of Gals. The bridge changed too: a wooden crossing gave way to a stone bridge in 1776–1778, with customs houses at both ends that were removed in 1896. A steel bridge spanned the canal from 1884, and the present prestressed-concrete bridge dates from 1969.

What will you see?

The castle stands at Zihlbrücke 14 in Gals. It is privately owned and houses a restaurant, so access to the interior depends on the venue's rules. The best views are from the bridge and the canal bank. A short walk along the water, which marks the old line between the two cantons, shows how the bridge, canal and walls fit together.

How do you get to Thielle Castle?

Gals lies between Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel, and the castle stands by the road that crosses the canal at the cantonal boundary. You can drive from Neuchâtel or Biel, or cycle along the routes of the Three Lakes region. Check current public transport connections on the SBB journey planner before you go.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring, summer and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons for a canal-side walk or a bike ride. The castle fits well into a half-day trip that also takes in La Tène and Le Landeron.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Thielle Castle? It is privately owned and runs a restaurant. Interior access follows the venue's rules, so ask about opening hours before you visit.

Which canton is the castle in? Bern, in the municipality of Gals, even though it belonged to Neuchâtel for centuries. The 1895 border agreement settled it.

When was the castle built? Between 1270 and 1300, then rebuilt in 1320–1325.

What was the castle used for? It protected the bridge on the Bern–Neuchâtel route, housed the Thielle bailiwick and served as a prison in the 19th century.