Knowledge & culture

Burgdorf Castle

A place to feast, sleep, celebrate and be amazed

Thanks to the unique combination of museum, restaurant, and youth hostel, the 800-year-old Zähringer complex is a unique cultural and meeting place.

The varied exhibitions with stories about the castle, Burgdorf, and the Emmental region create connections to the world and the present. Visitors of all ages can try out many things for themselves and solve puzzles or explore highlights on special tours.

Enjoy regional cuisine in the castle-style restaurant or on the terrace with a view of the Emmental, and stay in comfortable double, family, or shared rooms within the old walls of the youth hostel all year round.

Burgdorf is easily accessible by train. From the station, it's a 15-minute walk through the beautiful old town up to the castle. Or you can take the bus to «Burgdorf, Kronenplatz».

Museum

The exhibitions at Burgdorf Castle invite visitors to explore the following topics:

Life at the castle

Who were the Zähringers and how can we imagine medieval life at the castle?

Cabinet of curiosities

The cabinet of curiosities with objects from Burgdorf and around the world amazes everyone.

Women makers

Women's stories from Burgdorf and the Emmental region.

Freedom!

Who fought for which freedoms and when? A search for clues with songs from the region.

Gold is right

Is gold recycling the future?

Living and working in Burgdorf

How did the town develop over the centuries and what is typical of Burgdorf?

Coming and going

Who brought new ideas to Burgdorf and who went out into the world with ideas?

Offers and events

Dining and accommodation

Dining at Burgdorf Castle

The restaurant with around 60 indoor spaces and a wonderful garden dining area is a place for locals and the castle’s visitors to come together. The Assizes Hall also offers a wonderful location for lively parties, banquets and events.

Accommodation at Burgdorf Castle

At Burgdorf Youth Hostel, you literally spend a night at the museum. Each room is individually decorated and dedicated to a theme relating to the castle’s history. Exhibits teach you more about life in the Middle Ages and the history of Burgdorf. How did people wash in medieval times, what happened during the town fire, and what did children used to learn at school back then?

Opening hours Today (Sunday) open

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: 26.01.–13.02.2026

Opening hours restaurant

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

Company vacation: 26.01.–13.02.2026

Opening hours youth hostel

Daily: 07.30–10.00 / 15.00–20.00 hours

Company vacation: 26.01.–13.02.2026

Subject to change without prior notice

Rates

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

How to get there

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.