Burgdorf Castle

Burgdorf Castle is perhaps the most noticeable attraction of the Swiss city of Burgdorf, canton of Bern. The medieval structure is located at the highest point of Burgdorf. The castle dates back to the XI century, and as one of the largest castles of the feudal era, it is included in the list of national monuments of Switzerland. Today, the Ethnographic Museum and the local administration are located in the halls of Burgdorf.

The first documented mention of a high fortress dates back to 1130. The founder of Burgdorf is considered Berchtold IV of the ducal family of Zaringen. Later Berchtold V significantly expanded the castle. In 1218, after the death of Berchtold, Burgdorf passed to the western possessions of the Cayburgs. Since 1384, Burgdorf fortress was acquired by Bern, and for more than 600 years was the seat of the city administration. After 1798, the building housed a famous educational institution created by Heinrich Pestalozzi. From 1885-86 the castle was restored and became a museum open to the public.