Schloss Trachselwald
Built by barons in the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle towers high above the Emmental village of Trachselwald.
Renovation
The castle got its current look after a major renovation from 1954 to 1956. The courtyard was gutted, the northeast wing with the district courtroom was rebuilt, and it was connected to the northwest wing inside. Plus, a bunch of new windows were put in, giving the palace and wings their current look.
History
The complex was originally built for defensive purposes, but also served as a prison until the 20th century. "Unruly" prisoners were locked up in simple cells (called "murder boxes") in the keep. Niklaus Leuenberger, the leader of the peasant uprisings of 1653, was also held in Trachselwald before being executed in Bern. Representatives of the Anabaptist religious community, which was widespread in the Emmental region and persecuted for a long time, were also imprisoned in the Trachselwald keep.
Castle tower open to the public
The keep is open to the public and can be visited individually. Information is available in German, French, and English in the keep. A maximum of 20 people are allowed in the tower at any one time. The narrow and steep stairs in the historic tower should be used with caution.
Castle tours
A one-hour castle tour can be booked in advance. The tour takes you through the castle and the legendary prison cells. The tour also includes stories about Anabaptism in the Emmental.
Schools and groups
The castle tours are suitable for schools and groups.
Civil weddings at Trachselwald Castle
Civil weddings take place once a month at Trachselwald Castle from April to October.
Renting Trachselwald Castle
The castle can also be booked for weddings, club and company events, or tours. All the castle rooms together have a capacity for a standing reception with a maximum of 200 guests. For further information and reservations, please contact Event & Tourismus AG.
Swiss Location Award
Trachselwald Castle was honored as one of the most beautiful locations in Switzerland in the wedding location category of the Swiss Location Awards 2021.
The castle got its current look after a major renovation from 1954 to 1956. The courtyard was gutted, the northeast wing with the district courtroom was rebuilt, and it was connected to the northwest wing inside. Plus, a bunch of new windows were put in, giving the palace and wings their current look.
History
The complex was originally built for defensive purposes, but also served as a prison until the 20th century. "Unruly" prisoners were locked up in simple cells (called "murder boxes") in the keep. Niklaus Leuenberger, the leader of the peasant uprisings of 1653, was also held in Trachselwald before being executed in Bern. Representatives of the Anabaptist religious community, which was widespread in the Emmental region and persecuted for a long time, were also imprisoned in the Trachselwald keep.
Castle tower open to the public
The keep is open to the public and can be visited individually. Information is available in German, French, and English in the keep. A maximum of 20 people are allowed in the tower at any one time. The narrow and steep stairs in the historic tower should be used with caution.
Castle tours
A one-hour castle tour can be booked in advance. The tour takes you through the castle and the legendary prison cells. The tour also includes stories about Anabaptism in the Emmental.
Schools and groups
The castle tours are suitable for schools and groups.
Civil weddings at Trachselwald Castle
Civil weddings take place once a month at Trachselwald Castle from April to October.
Renting Trachselwald Castle
The castle can also be booked for weddings, club and company events, or tours. All the castle rooms together have a capacity for a standing reception with a maximum of 200 guests. For further information and reservations, please contact Event & Tourismus AG.
Swiss Location Award
Trachselwald Castle was honored as one of the most beautiful locations in Switzerland in the wedding location category of the Swiss Location Awards 2021.
