Schloss Landshut, Utzenstorf
Idyllically situated in a magnificent landscape park criss-crossed by waterways, Switzerland's only museum of wildlife and hunting is reflected in the moat.
The Landshut Estate
With its castle, park, farm buildings (now home to the Landshut Wildlife Sanctuary Foundation), orangery, and outbuildings, it has largely retained its original form and has been owned by the Landshut Castle Foundation since 1988. The only moated castle in the canton of Bern and its beautiful central Swiss surroundings make it an ideal destination for families, school classes, nature lovers, and hunting parties.
Since 1968, Landshut Castle in Utzenstorf has been home to the Swiss Museum of Wildlife and Hunting. The exhibition is professionally managed by the Natural History Museum in Bern. Around Landshut Castle there is a colony of grey jackdaws, which are a protected species in Switzerland. These intelligent birds belong to the raven family. In Landshut, they breed in tree hollows and specially designed nesting boxes. They can be easily observed from the castle courtyard. A webcam has been installed in one of the nesting boxes in the stair tower. The Swiss Hunting Library is run by the Swiss Museum of Wildlife and Hunting Society. It is located in the rooms of the former pheasant breeding facility in the annex of Landshut Castle (near the wildlife station).
Permanent exhibition
Take a tour of the castle and the granaries to explore the fascinating way of life of huntable and protected native wild animals and discover the world of hunting in all its interesting and surprising facets.
Special exhibitions
Every year, there are special exhibitions on various topics.
Guided tours
During the summer season, you are welcome to book guided tours with the castle keeper. The guides will immerse you in the history and legends surrounding Landshut Castle. You will learn a lot of interesting facts about hunting in Switzerland and the current special exhibition.
Schools and groups
The guided tours are suitable for schools and groups.
Castle café
The cafeteria is open during official museum hours. In the castle courtyard, you will find the cafeteria with 30 seats under three large plane trees. Hikers, walkers, and museum visitors are welcome to enjoy a hot or cold drink in this idyllic location. Small sweets are also available on the menu.
Events
If you are planning a private event in stylish, stately rooms in a very special setting, Schloss Landshut is the place for you. Whether you are a wedding couple or celebrating a birthday, you and your guests are very welcome as lords and ladies of the castle!
KrimiSpass at Schloss Landshut
KrimiSpass is an interactive crime thriller for master detectives and those who want to become one. Discover Utzenstorf in a playful way with your family or small group.
Getting there and parking
- By public transport: From Utzenstorf station, it is a 10-minute walk via the motorway or approx. 20 minutes via the hiking trail to the castle.
- By car: From Utzenstorf, follow the cultural signs.
- There is a large parking lot for visitors to the park, museum, and wildlife station at the southern park entrance. Please park bicycles in the designated parking areas. Bicycles are not allowed in the park.
Castle park
A walk through Landshut Castle Park is an experience in every season. Visitors interested in botany will find signs on trees and large shrubs with German names, botanical names, and information about their origin. For a well-deserved break, you can enjoy a picnic at the barbecue area set up for hikers and visitors directly behind the castle on the Emme (approx. 10 minutes' walk). Picnics and games are not permitted in the park itself (please note the information boards at the park entrances).
The castle park is open to the public all year round.
Dogs are welcome guests. However, they are not allowed inside the house/castle.
Dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the entire area! There are Robidog bins at the car park and the wildlife station, and a water bowl is available in the castle courtyard. We ask for your understanding.
With its castle, park, farm buildings (now home to the Landshut Wildlife Sanctuary Foundation), orangery, and outbuildings, it has largely retained its original form and has been owned by the Landshut Castle Foundation since 1988. The only moated castle in the canton of Bern and its beautiful central Swiss surroundings make it an ideal destination for families, school classes, nature lovers, and hunting parties.
Since 1968, Landshut Castle in Utzenstorf has been home to the Swiss Museum of Wildlife and Hunting. The exhibition is professionally managed by the Natural History Museum in Bern. Around Landshut Castle there is a colony of grey jackdaws, which are a protected species in Switzerland. These intelligent birds belong to the raven family. In Landshut, they breed in tree hollows and specially designed nesting boxes. They can be easily observed from the castle courtyard. A webcam has been installed in one of the nesting boxes in the stair tower. The Swiss Hunting Library is run by the Swiss Museum of Wildlife and Hunting Society. It is located in the rooms of the former pheasant breeding facility in the annex of Landshut Castle (near the wildlife station).
Permanent exhibition
Take a tour of the castle and the granaries to explore the fascinating way of life of huntable and protected native wild animals and discover the world of hunting in all its interesting and surprising facets.
Special exhibitions
Every year, there are special exhibitions on various topics.
Guided tours
During the summer season, you are welcome to book guided tours with the castle keeper. The guides will immerse you in the history and legends surrounding Landshut Castle. You will learn a lot of interesting facts about hunting in Switzerland and the current special exhibition.
Schools and groups
The guided tours are suitable for schools and groups.
Castle café
The cafeteria is open during official museum hours. In the castle courtyard, you will find the cafeteria with 30 seats under three large plane trees. Hikers, walkers, and museum visitors are welcome to enjoy a hot or cold drink in this idyllic location. Small sweets are also available on the menu.
Events
If you are planning a private event in stylish, stately rooms in a very special setting, Schloss Landshut is the place for you. Whether you are a wedding couple or celebrating a birthday, you and your guests are very welcome as lords and ladies of the castle!
KrimiSpass at Schloss Landshut
KrimiSpass is an interactive crime thriller for master detectives and those who want to become one. Discover Utzenstorf in a playful way with your family or small group.
Getting there and parking
- By public transport: From Utzenstorf station, it is a 10-minute walk via the motorway or approx. 20 minutes via the hiking trail to the castle.
- By car: From Utzenstorf, follow the cultural signs.
- There is a large parking lot for visitors to the park, museum, and wildlife station at the southern park entrance. Please park bicycles in the designated parking areas. Bicycles are not allowed in the park.
Castle park
A walk through Landshut Castle Park is an experience in every season. Visitors interested in botany will find signs on trees and large shrubs with German names, botanical names, and information about their origin. For a well-deserved break, you can enjoy a picnic at the barbecue area set up for hikers and visitors directly behind the castle on the Emme (approx. 10 minutes' walk). Picnics and games are not permitted in the park itself (please note the information boards at the park entrances).
The castle park is open to the public all year round.
Dogs are welcome guests. However, they are not allowed inside the house/castle.
Dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the entire area! There are Robidog bins at the car park and the wildlife station, and a water bowl is available in the castle courtyard. We ask for your understanding.
