Biberstein Castle

The origins of Biberstein Castle date back to the 13th century when the Counts of Habsburg-Laufenburg erected a castle with a moat and a keep. The first documented mention occurred in 1280. In 1335, the Habsburgs sold the complex to the Order of St. John in Klingnau. During the Swabian War in 1499, the castle was occupied by Bern. Eight years after the introduction of the Reformation in 1527, when the Bernese placed the dominion of Biberstein under a bailiff, they forced the Knights Hospitaller to sell it in 1535. A fire in 1587 severely damaged the castle. Around 1670, the dilapidated keep was demolished down to the first floor, and through renovations, the complex gradually acquired its current castle character. After another fire in 1784, which was limited to the roof structure, the castle became the property of the Canton of Aargau in 1804.