Biberstein Castle

Biberstein Castle is a castle in the municipality of Biberstein in the Swiss canton of Aargau. It was created by converting a medieval castle. Today, the castle is a residential and work home for adults with intellectual disabilities.

In the 13th century, the Counts of Habsburg-Laufenburg built a castle. A moat and a mighty keep were constructed. In 1280, Biberstein and the castle were mentioned for the first time. In 1335, the Habsburgs sold the castle and town to the Order of St. John in Klingnau. In 1499, the castle was occupied by the city of Bern during the Swabian War.

In 1527, the Bernese tried to seize control of the Biberstein dominion and summarily placed it under a bailiff, who henceforth resided in the castle. Eight years later, after the introduction of the Reformation, the Bernese forced the Knights Hospitaller to sell. In 1587, the castle was severely damaged after a woman set it on fire. Around 1670, the keep was demolished down to the first floor due to dilapidation. Through additions, the castle gradually acquired the character of a palace. In 1784, it burned again, but the fire brigade from Aarau was quickly on the scene and the damage was limited to the roof structure.

In 1804, the castle came into the possession of the Canton of Aargau, then served for a short time as the residence of Heinrich Zschokke and as a community school, and in 1835 it became private property. From 1889, an orphanage was located here. During the renovation in 1984, the roof structure burned down a second time. Since 1987, the building has served as a residential, work, and training facility for adults with intellectual or multiple disabilities. This institution is operated by the "Stiftung Schloss Biberstein" (Biberstein Castle Foundation).