Thun Castle
Bern
Thun Castle, located in the city of Thun in the Bern canton of Switzerland, is a remarkable medieval fortress built between 1180 and 1190 by Duke Berthold V of Zähringen. The castle's centerpiece is the impressive 14-meter tall Knights' Hall, reflecting the power of the Zähringen family. Though the Zähringens never resided here, the castle passed to the House of Kyburg in 1218, who expanded it with upper levels. The castle witnessed significant historical events such as the 1322 fratricide between Kyburg brothers and the Burgdorferkrieg conflict, after which Bern acquired the castle in 1384, making it the seat of local administration. The Bernese period introduced the massive roof (1430–36) and the late Gothic "new castle" wing in 1429, which served administrative and residential functions. The castle also functioned as a local court and prison, with a dedicated prison building added in 1886. Since 1888, it has housed the Thun Castle museum, showcasing cultural and historic exhibits spanning 4,000 years of regional development. The great hall hosts concerts and events, and the castle remains a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
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Tip: Visit Thun Castle between February and October for daily access, with extended hours in summer months. Tickets are available online, and booking ahead is recommended for events or hall rentals. Sundays are the best option during winter months when the museum is open only on Sundays. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and children. The castle’s location on a hill offers panoramic views of Thun city and the surrounding Alps.
Interesting facts
- •The Knights' Hall is 14 meters tall and was built as a symbol of Zähringen power.
- •A fratricide occurred in the castle in 1322 when Eberhard II von Kyburg murdered his brother Hartmann II.
- •The castle's prison was historically located under the roof of the donjon before a separate prison building was constructed in 1886.
- •The castle museum covers 4,000 years of regional history across five floors of the tower.
- •The castle was used as a regional court seat until 2009.
- •The well in the castle courtyard is 31.6 meters deep.
History
The castle was constructed in the late 12th century by Duke Berthold V of Zähringen, who built the original keep and Knights' Hall.
It passed to the House of Kyburg in 1218, who added upper stories.
In 1384, after conflicts with Bern, the castle and city were acquired by Bern and became the seat of local government.
The Bernese period saw the addition of the large roof and the late Gothic administrative wing in the 15th century.
The castle served judicial and penal functions for centuries, with a prison built on site in 1886.
In 1888, it was converted into a museum.
The city of Thun acquired the castle in 2006, and it underwent renovations before reopening in 2014.
Place Guide
Knights' Hall (Rittersaal)circa 1190
The grand 14-meter tall hall built around 1190, serving as the symbolic centerpiece of Zähringen power. It is used today for concerts, plays, and private events.
The Keep (Donjon)1180-1190
The original tower built by the Zähringen family, later expanded by the Kyburgs. It houses the museum's five floors of exhibits covering 4,000 years of history.
New Castle (Neues Schloss)1429
A late Gothic administrative and residential wing built in 1429 to provide living space and offices for Bernese officials.
Castle Courtyard and Well
The courtyard features a deep well measuring 31.6 meters, vital for the castle's self-sufficiency during sieges.
Contact
Phone: 033 223 20 01
