Trachselwald Castle, Medieval fortress in Emmental region, Switzerland
Trachselwald is a medieval castle in the Emmental region featuring a square stone tower with extremely thick walls and multiple floors that connect through covered stairs and a rear ramp. The main courtyard and various rooms are being converted into museum spaces to display the history of Mennonites and Anabaptists.
First recorded in 1131, the fortress changed hands among several noble families before Bern took control and converted it into a regional administrative center.
The tower served as a prison where Mennonites and Anabaptists were held during religious persecution. Visitors today can see exhibitions that document this oppression and its impact on the people who lived through it.
Access to the castle is managed through graded pathways and ramps that work well for most visitors. Plan your visit around the ongoing renovations, as some areas may have limited access while the museum conversion continues.
During the Swiss Peasant War of 1653, the tower held peasant leader Niklaus Leuenberger before his execution in Bern. This event reveals the castle's role in a pivotal moment of regional history.
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