Knowledge & culture

Burgdorf Castle

800 years of history – and still plenty of life behind the old walls. At Burgdorf Castle, a youth hostel, restaurant and museum come together, turning the historic Zähringen castle complex high above Burgdorf into a unique place for culture and encounters.

A place to feast, sleep, celebrate and be amazed

The restaurant, with its castle atmosphere, and the garden terrace overlooking the Emmental serve fresh, seasonal cuisine. And if you do not feel like leaving afterwards, simply stay overnight: the youth hostel within the historic castle walls offers comfortable double, family and multi-bed rooms all year round. Breakfast is always included.

The museum exhibitions tell surprising and varied stories about the castle, Burgdorf and the Emmental. Here, it is not just about looking: visitors can try things out for themselves, solve puzzles and explore the highlights of the castle independently.

Burgdorf Castle is easy to reach by train. From the railway station, a 15-minute walk through the beautiful old town leads up to the castle. Alternatively, take the bus to the "Burgdorf, Kronenplatz" stop.

The exhibitions at Burgdorf Castle tell surprising stories about the castle, Burgdorf, and the Emmental.

Cabinet of curiosities

Objects from Burgdorf and around the world invite you to explore and marvel.

Many voices - one world

Various residents of Burgdorf take you on an interactive video tour through the Cabinet of Curiosities.

Women makers

Strong women and fascinating stories: The exhibition “Women Who Made a Difference” shines a spotlight on women from Burgdorf and the Emmental.

Freedom!

What does freedom mean, and who fought for it – and when? A musical journey through the region and its history.

Gold is right

A bright future? The exhibition explores the role gold recycling might play in the future.

Life at the castle

How did people live in the Middle Ages? Following in the footsteps of the Zähringer family, life at Burgdorf Castle in the past comes to life.

Living and working in Burgdorf

How has Burgdorf changed over the centuries, and what actually makes the town uniquely Burgdorf?

Coming and going

People bring ideas with them and carry new ones out into the world. The exhibition tells the story of exchange, new beginnings, and the traces these have left behind in Burgdorf.

Offers and events

Dining at Burgdorf Castle

Dining with castle flair: The restaurant, with around 60 indoor seats and a beautiful garden, is a popular meeting place for locals, day-trippers and castle guests. And if there is something to celebrate, the Assisensaal provides the perfect setting for parties, banquets and special events.

Castle restaurant Burgdorf

Accommodation at Burgdorf Castle

At Burgdorf Youth Hostel, you quite literally spend a Night at the Museum. Each room is individually furnished and tells a piece of the region’s history. How did people do their laundry in the past? What happened during the great town fire? And what was everyday school life like in the Middle Ages? Here, history is not just told – it is brought to life.

Burgdorf Castle Youth Hostel

Opening hours museum

April–October: Mon–Sun 10.00–18.00 hours
November–March: Wed–Sun 10.00–18.00 hours

Final entry to the museum: 17.30 hours

Company vacation: 01.–19.02.2027

Opening hours restaurant

Open all year round: Wed–Sun 10.00–22.00 hours

Company vacation: 01.–19.02.2027

Opening hours youth hostel

Daily: 07.30–10.00 / 15.00–20.00 hours

Company vacation: 01.–19.02.2027

Subject to change without prior notice

Individual entrance fees, museum

CHF 14.00 Adults
CHF 10.00 Apprentices/students
CHF 10.00 IV (invalidity insurance)
CHF 6.00 Children (6–15.99 years)

Families

Free entry for the third child and every additional child.

Free entry

Swiss Museum Pass or Raiffeisen card Member Plus Donors and association members Collectors’ associations Kulturlegi or VMS/ICOM pass Guests of the Burgdorf Castle Youth Hostel (included in the accommodation price).

Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration

Take the train to Burgdorf, then walk for approx. 15 mins or ride the bus no. 461 to "Burgdorf, Kronenplatz" – from here, you will reach the castle in around 5 minutes.