Trostburg Castle

Teufenthal, Switzerland

Trostburg castle was probably built in the 12th century, though nothing is known of its early history. At some point in the 12th or early 13th century a junior line moved a short distance away and built Liebegg Castle near Gränichen. On 28 May 1241 Burkhart I of Trostberg and his relative Ludwig of Liebegg appear in a document as witnesses and unfree knights in service to the Counts of Kyburg. Eventually they passed from Kyburg service to Habsburg service. In 1317 a knight named Rudolf von Trostberg was the Habsburg vogt at Kyburg Castle.

Around the mid-14th century the Trostburg line died out. The castle and surrounding estates were inherited by the Lords of Rinach. In 1415 the city-state of Bern conquered the Aargau from the Habsburgs. The owner of the castle, Hans Rudolf von Rinach, kept his castle and lands, but was forced to accept Bernese authority and grant them a preeminent right to buy it. In 1486 the Schultheiss and council of Bern decided to sell Trostburg along with its lands and serfs to Hans von Hallwil, the victor of the Battle of Murten.

Under the Hallwil family, the castle was fortified and expanded with a chapel and residence hall (known as the Hallwil House) added on the northwest side of the site. It remained with the Hallwil family for 130 years. In 1616 Hugo von Hallwil moved to Bohemia and tried to sell the castle to the city of Brugg. Apparently fearing that Brugg was expanding its influence, the city of Bern quickly bought the castle and then sold it to a cooperative of wealthy Bernese citizens. Bern retained the rights to high justice and some income, which they transferred to Lenzburg Castle. Over the following century the castle fell into ruin except for the Hallwil House. In 1754 it was described as looking like a peasant's hovel.

In the 19th century found the castle converted into a music box factory. In the early 20th century it was partly rebuilt by a German butcher, but World War I prevented project completion. A large part of the western curtain wall collapsed in 1922. In 1933 it was acquired by another private owner who used the castle as his private residence. An archeological project in 1999 explored the history of the castle and also repaired and strengthened many of the walls.

Castle site

The castle is located on the same line of hills on which Liebegg Castle stands and the remaining castle walls wrap around the local hill top. The bergfried is a square 6.6 meters on each side and about 7 meters tall. The hill falls away from the tower toward the north, with a courtyard south and west. West and north of the courtyard the ground slopes down toward the Hallwil House. The residence building is four stories tall with massive walls that are between 1–1.7 m thick.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Switzerland

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Gabriel Hächler (2 months ago)
We wanted to celebrate our wedding at Trostburg Castle in October 2022, so we contacted them in September 2021. However, a reply only came a month later. In general we have to say that the communication was very inadequate (friendly but always late). Our visits (the first time and then with the tattoo master or photographer) were always full of surprises: either no one was there at the agreed time and sometimes the person who was there (by chance) was not informed. This affects everyone we have had contact with. However, the location in general is nice (outside and inside). Initially we stated a low number of people, but over time this increased and was confirmed after consultation with those responsible. After a few discussions with those responsible, we were able to set an agreement for the wedding date in October 2022. Almost two months before the wedding date, to be on the safe side, our tattoo masters asked again whether everything was in place (permits, etc.) - then, quite surprisingly, we were informed that they did not have a permit for private events in this form and that we were still two months before the wedding date had to reorient. We were effectively left out in the cold, and those responsible then made apologies and empty promises (that we would then be invited to an aperitif as compensation - which has never happened to this day). Very disappointing and absolutely not recommended.
peter fides (3 months ago)
They do not have opening hours written on the website, so you have to register in advance and make an appointment.
Juan Pablo Rebolledo (7 months ago)
??❤️ ...Nat..? ???
Suli Photography (15 months ago)
As a wedding photographer, I was on site at a beautiful outdoor wedding at Trostburg Castle this summer. Really an incredible wedding location, so I can highly recommend it. The ambience is great!
Kevin Suter (3 years ago)
It was a great experience to be able to go onto the terrace of the castle on New Year's Eve. Thanks so much. Super friendly hosts.
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