Best castles around Zwieselberg are primarily located in the broader region of Thun, Switzerland, offering historical sites and panoramic views. This area is characterized by its proximity to Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps, providing a scenic backdrop for its cultural landmarks. The town of Thun, a central hub, features an old town and significant historical architecture. The region provides a blend of natural beauty and historical exploration.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Religious Site
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Zwieselberg.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Built in the 12th/13th centuries by the Lords of Strättligen (or Wimmis), the complex came into the possession of the Barons of Weissenburg around 1260. Weissenburg War & Contested During the 14th century, during the Weissenburg Wars, there were a total of about nine sieges, including a successful Bernese conquest in 1334. Under Bernese Rule In 1449, Bern acquired the castle and the office. It served as the seat of the bailiff/landvogt until 1967 and later as a district court. In 2010, it became the property of the municipality. Renovations & Expansion Important expansions: 15th–17th centuries, addition of the south wing in 1696, northeast wing in 1741/42, renovations in 1789–90, 1949–51, and 1984–87. Current Use The first and second floors house offices of the cantonal forest administration, and the third floor houses a private apartment. Public tours are offered during the summer months.
8
0
The Amsoldingen Basilica, attributed to Rudolf II of Burgundy and Berta of Alamannia, was built around 1000 on the site of an earlier 7th-century church and shows Lombard architectural influences. Originally lacking a tower and transept, it later gained a tower in place of the southern apse, and its collegiate chapter was dissolved in 1484. The church underwent Gothic modifications, became a Pietist center under Samuel Lutz (1726–1738), and was renovated in 1978–1980; its crypt includes Roman spolia, and its stained glass windows by Max Brunner depict the Trinity.
0
0
Beautiful castle with a particular location, best admired from the outside while sailing on Lake Thun
2
0
Story The mighty keep of the former Oberhofen fortified castle was built around 1200 and passed to the House of Habsburg in the 14th century. After the defeat of the Habsburgs at the Battle of Sempach in 1386, Bern took control of Oberhofen and sold it to Ludwig von Sehaften and his sister Antonia von Scharnachtal. In 1421 the castle and rule finally came to the Scharnachthal, one of the leading and richest families in the city of Bern. It remained in family ownership until the death of the last representative in 1590. Oberhofen then came to a branch of one of the most important Bernese families, the von Erlach family. The bailiff's seat from 1652 to 1798 and expanded into a castle, the property came into private ownership in 1801. In 1844, Albert Graf de Pourtalès bought Oberhofen Castle from Neuchâtel, which was still Prussian at the time, and converted it into a summer residence. The buildings and towers in the historicist style still characterize the appearance today. In 1926 there was a change of ownership; the new owner of the castle was the American lawyer William Maul Measey. He transferred the properties and the park to a foundation in 1940 and ensured that Oberhofen Castle became a branch of the Bernese Historical Museum, which set up a residential museum and opened it to the public in 1954. In 2009, Oberhofen Castle became independent and has since operated as an independent foundation under private law. With the new building, which forms the sea-side end of the dependencies, a bridge was built into the 21st century. The Schloss Oberhofen restaurant has been in operation in the cube with a terrace by the lake since 2013.
0
0
Slight climb past the castle to the Burgmatte
0
0
Wouldn't let it linger a bit when you were in Thun, with .....
0
0
The romantic palace complex with the keep built around 1200 looks back on an eventful history of ownership. Bought by the Pourtalès family of counts from Neuchâtel and Prussia in 1844 and converted into a summer residence, the castle was given its current appearance. A museum has been set up inside since 1954, which deals with the history of the former residents. The oriental smoking room at the top of the tower offers a unique experience and a spectacular view over the lake and the mountains. The castle chapel with its impressive murals, which can be used for weddings and baptisms, dates from the 15th century. A tour through the many rooms of the castle leads to the traces of the previous owners and those who once lived in the castle. This includes not only the count families of the 19th century, but also the servants who looked after the well-being of the rulers. Under the title "Always at your service", an exhibition conveys the everyday life of domestic workers in a clear and interactive way. Attached to the castle is a 2.5 hectare park, which impressively shows the different trends in the history of garden art. Striking groups of trees, exotic shrubs, colorful flower arrangements and the view of the imposing mountain scenery above the lake make it one of the most beautiful gardens in the Alpine region. https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-de/erlebnisse/schloss-oberhofen-wohnmuseum-und-park/
3
0
For breathtaking panoramic views, Thun Old Town and Castle is an excellent choice, towering over the town with vistas of the old town, Lake Thun, and the Bernese Alps. Oberhofen Castle also provides spectacular views over the lake and mountains from its oriental smoking room. Additionally, Schadau Castle offers a magnificent view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
Yes, several castles in the Zwieselberg area are family-friendly. Thun Old Town and Castle, Spiez Castle and Marina, Oberhofen Castle, and Schadau Castle are all noted as family-friendly. Many offer extensive parks and engaging historical exhibits suitable for all ages.
The castles in the Zwieselberg region, particularly around Thun, are rich in history. Thun Castle dates back to 1200 AD, founded by the Dukes of Zähringen. Spiez Castle also has a long history, with its church captivating visitors since the 11th century. Oberhofen Castle's keep was built around 1200, and it has an eventful ownership history, now housing a museum. Even the Amsoldingen Basilica, though a religious building, was built around 1000 AD and shows Lombard architectural influences.
Yes, several castles offer dining options. Schadau Castle houses a chic restaurant and hotel. Oberhofen Castle also has a cafe and restaurant. Additionally, the charming old town of Thun, home to Thun Castle, offers numerous cafes and pubs.
Absolutely. The region offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Thun Lock Bridge – Thun Old Town and Castle loop' or the 'Lake Thun – Simmen Bridge loop'. If you prefer hiking, consider the 'View of Lake Thun – Spiez Castle Church loop' or the 'Strättlighügel medial moraine – Burgunderweg Ridge View loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the cycling guide and hiking guide for Zwieselberg.
The castles around Zwieselberg are set amidst stunning natural beauty. Many, like Spiez Castle and Marina, Oberhofen Castle, and Schadau Castle, are idyllically situated directly on Lake Thun, offering beautiful lake views. The backdrop often includes the majestic Bernese Alps, providing a dramatic contrast to the historical architecture.
The town of Thun, where Thun Old Town and Castle is located, is a central hub and well-served by public transport. Many other castles, such as Spiez Castle and Oberhofen Castle, are also accessible via public transport, often with connections from Thun. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes.
While historical sites can present accessibility challenges, Thun Old Town and Castle is listed as wheelchair accessible in some areas. It's recommended to contact individual castles directly for detailed information on accessibility features and routes within their premises.
The best time to visit is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is mild, and the castle parks are in full bloom. This period also allows for comfortable exploration of the surrounding natural landscapes and lake activities. Winter can offer a different, quieter charm, but some facilities or outdoor areas might have reduced access.
Visitors frequently praise the combination of historical architecture with stunning natural settings. The panoramic views of Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps from castles like Thun Castle and Oberhofen Castle are highly appreciated. The charming old towns, like Thun's, and the well-maintained castle parks, such as the 2.5-hectare park at Oberhofen Castle, also contribute significantly to the visitor experience.
Yes, Oberhofen Castle houses a museum that delves into the history of its former residents, including an oriental smoking room and a castle chapel with murals. Spiez Castle also features a small castle museum. Schadau Castle is home to a gastronomy museum.
The duration of a visit can vary. For a comprehensive experience including a museum tour and exploring the grounds, plan for 2-3 hours per castle. If you wish to combine a castle visit with exploring the surrounding town or enjoying a meal, allocate half a day. For castles with extensive parks like Oberhofen Castle, you might want to spend more time relaxing in the gardens.


Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Zwieselberg: