Top 11 Castles around Arch
Castles around Arch are situated in a region characterized by its historical towns, river landscapes, and views of the Bernese Mittelland. The area features medieval settlements and country estates, often surrounded by natural elements like rivers and parks. This setting provides a backdrop for exploring historical architecture and cultural heritage.
Best castles around Arch
- The most popular castles is Waldegg Castle, a castle that served as a summer residence and is now a living museum. It showcases the history of Solothurn's ruling families and their French-oriented way of life.
- Another must-see spot is Buchegg Castle, a castle that was rebuilt in 1546 and served as a prison before becoming a local museum. It offers views of the Limpachtal and the Bernese Mittelland.
- Visitors also love Landshut Castle, a moated castle that houses the Swiss Museum of Wild and Hunting. It is surrounded by waterways and a park, making it suitable for walks.
- Arch is known for its medieval castles, historical country estates, and moated castles. Visitors can explore a variety of historical sites, from former residences to defensive structures and museums.
- The castles around Arch are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 120 photos and nearly 800 upvotes.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Covered Wooden Bridge of Büren an der Aare
Highlight • Bridge
Only a few medieval settlements have been able to preserve their historical appearance as intact over the centuries as Büren an der Aare. There is a lot to see, including fascinating handicrafts in various studios and, of course, the famous wooden bridge.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Waldegg Castle
Highlight • Castle
Further information can be found at schloss-waldegg.so.ch.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Buchegg Castle
Highlight • Castle
Next door is the Schloss Buchegg restaurant with gardening. An ideal place for a relaxing break.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Ruins of Grenchen Castle
Highlight • Castle
Here is a short excerpt from Wikipedia on Grenchen Castle / Bettleschloss:
"In the beginning, the Höhenburg consisted of a wooden castle and a rampart. It was only around 1150 that the owners, the barons of Grenchen, rebuilt it as a stone castle with a residential tower and several extensions. The main castle is on the Schlossfluh, the lower one Castle on the Hofacherfluh. The additions were enlarged and an oven installed until 1200. The castle was inhabited until the early 14th century. "
and here is a link with a lot of information for all those who want to know everything about the castle.
wiki.stadtgeschichte-grenchen.ch/mediawiki/index.php?title=Burg_Grenchen
Attention, there is a risk of falling up here!
It is very steep and deep down around the castle.
Be careful with bike shoes.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Riedholzschanze fortifications, Solothurn
Highlight • Historical Site
In 1667, the Schanzenbau in Solothurn started laying the foundation stone of the Riedholzschanze. The suburban hills followed from 1685/1686 (Fig. 1). First the three bastions Kuhschanze, Kornhausschanze and Turnschanze were tackled, from 1689 also the outer Berntor. Finally, around 1700, the construction of the last bastion - the Krumturmschanze - followed. Technical and financial problems delayed the start of construction on the ditches and works surrounding the Schanzenring until around 1714. By 1727 - after about 60 years of construction - the work on the hill was largely completed in Solothurn (Schubiger 1994, 192-215). , The reason for the construction of the ski jump was the numerous wars of the 17th century - the Thirty Years 'War of 1618-1648, but also the Peasants' War of 1653 and the 1st Villmerger War of 1656. It is worth noting that Solothurn is a complete fortification in the bastion system as only larger cities such as Zurich and Geneva did (Schubiger 1994, 217). Seven full bastions and four half-bastions with the enclosed walls (curtain walls) surrounded the city. A 30 to 50 meters wide and 5 meters deep ditch included the monumental complex. In the left-bank old town, the Vorwerke in the west extended far beyond today's Westbahnhofstrasse, in the north to Werkhofstrasse and in the east to Baselstrasse. In the suburb, on the right side of the Aare, the Schanzengürtel stretched from Krummturmstrasse in the west to Rötibrücke in the east. Towards the south, the Vorwerke carried about as far as Zuchwilerstrasse and the main station.
While the baroque ramparts in the Old Town, north of the Aare, closely followed the medieval city fortifications, they covered an area south of the Aare that was much larger than the former suburb. Here, a city expansion on the Kreuzacker was intended especially for new citizens. However, this "neuwe Vorstatt" could not be realized. Despite the newly built Kreuz- ackerbrücke around 1698/99, the new citizens, with a few exceptions, also preferred to live in the old town (Schubiger 1994, 86-88). Without ever having served the defense of the city, the hills were demolished between 1835 and 1905 for economic, town planning and traffic engineering reasons. The demolition took almost as long as the construction! The railway line Herzogenbuchsee - BieI initiated in 1856 the hill break in the suburbs. At that time the curtain between the cow and the crooked tower was breached and the trench was filled up. 1861-1863 was followed by the demolition of the outer Berntor and in 1875-77 the demolition of the Kuhschanze and the Kornhausbastion. With the grinding of the ski jumping hill around 1905, the hill break was completed in Solothurn (Schubiger 1994, 91-95, 103, 105).
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Arch.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The beautiful garden can also be visited during the castle's opening hours (afternoons). https://schloss-waldegg.so.ch/praktische-informationen/oeffnungszeiten/
1
0
Ruins of Grenchen Castle with barbecue area and panoramic views over the Mittelland.
0
0
Very beautiful imposing bridge followed by the old town
0
0
Büren aA is worth seeing. A jewel. It has a great history and houses, bridges and banks of the Aare that are worth seeing. A great place to stop for a break.
0
0
The beautiful Waldegg Castle was built at the end of the 17th century. Back then, it served as the summer residence of the mayor, Johann Viktor I von Besenval. Today, the castle is a kind of "living museum." You can visit the exhibition there from April to October. Further information can be found at https://schloss-waldegg.so.ch.
1
0
Pedestrians have priority in town!
0
0
Waldegg Castle is today the most prominently located country seat of the Ancien Régime in the Solothurn area. It is thanks to its last owners that Waldegg Castle was able to preserve its historic urban appearance. In the donation contract of 1963, the elderly siblings stipulated that the associated land may not be built on, so that the overall effect of the property can also serve as historical testimony for future generations.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles are most popular to visit around Arch?
Visitors to the Arch region particularly enjoy Waldegg Castle, which served as a summer residence and is now a living museum showcasing the history of Solothurn's ruling families. Another favorite is Buchegg Castle, rebuilt in 1546 and now a local museum with views of the Limpachtal. Landshut Castle, a moated castle housing the Swiss Museum of Wild and Hunting, is also highly appreciated.
What kind of historical sites can I expect to find among the castles in the Arch region?
The Arch region features a variety of historical sites, including medieval settlements, former noble residences, and defensive structures. You'll find castles that have been transformed into museums, such as Waldegg Castle and Buchegg Castle, offering insights into local history and aristocratic life. The area also includes well-preserved historical towns like Büren an der Aare, with its medieval old town and famous wooden bridge.
Are there family-friendly castles around Arch?
Yes, several castles in the Arch region are family-friendly. Waldegg Castle, Buchegg Castle, and Landshut Castle are all noted as family-friendly. Landshut Castle, in particular, houses the Swiss Museum of Wild and Hunting, which can be engaging for children, and is surrounded by a park suitable for walks.
Can I bring my dog to the castles around Arch?
Yes, Waldegg Castle is noted as dog-friendly. Its reconstructed baroque garden and surrounding grounds offer pleasant areas for walks with your pet. For other castles, it's advisable to check their specific visitor policies regarding dogs before your visit.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the castles in Arch?
Yes, you can find amenities near some castles. Waldegg Castle has a cafe, and Buchegg Castle features a restaurant with a lovely, shady garden, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing break. Landshut Castle also has a cafe.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The Arch region offers various outdoor activities. You can find mountain biking trails, mountain hikes, and running routes. For example, near the castles, you can explore routes like the 'View of Solothurn – Stork colony in Altreu loop' for MTB, or the 'Aare River – View of Büren an der Aare loop' for running. For more details, check the MTB Trails around Arch, Mountain Hikes around Arch, and Running Trails around Arch guides.
Are there hiking trails near the castles in Arch?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. While specific trails directly *from* each castle aren't detailed, the region offers mountain hikes such as the 'Gitziflue Viewpoint – Hasenmatt Summit Cross loop' or the 'View from Balmfluehchöpfli – Röti Summit (1,395 m) loop'. Landshut Castle is surrounded by a beautiful park with many streams, suitable for walks. You can find more hiking options in the Mountain Hikes around Arch guide.
What are the best castles near Arch for a day trip?
For a day trip, consider visiting Waldegg Castle for its museum and baroque garden, or Landshut Castle with its unique Swiss Museum of Wild and Hunting and picturesque moated setting. Both offer enough to explore for several hours and are complemented by nearby natural beauty.
Are there viewpoints overlooking the castles or the surrounding Arch region?
Yes, Buchegg Castle offers a nice view of the Limpachtal and the Bernese Mittelland, including the alpine mountain range on a clear day. Additionally, Waldegg Castle is also listed as having a viewpoint, likely from its grounds or within the castle itself.
What is the best time of year to visit castles near Arch?
The castles in the Arch region, particularly Waldegg Castle, are generally open from April to October. This period offers pleasant weather for exploring the castle grounds and surrounding parks. Visiting during spring or autumn can provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds, while summer allows for full enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Are there any easy walks or circular routes around the castles in the Arch area?
While specific 'easy castle walks' aren't detailed for every castle, Landshut Castle is surrounded by waterways and a park, making it suitable for leisurely walks. The historical town of Büren an der Aare, which features a castle, also offers walks along the old Aarelauf (nature reserve). For more structured routes, you can explore the 'Aare River – View of Büren an der Aare loop' which is an easy running trail near Arch.
Most popular routes around Arch
Most popular attractions around Arch
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Arch:
