Büren Castle

The history of Büren Castle began in 1393 when Bern succeeded the Counts of Neuchâtel in the region. The original seat of the bailiffs, also known as Schultheissen, was located in the Seitengasse. Between 1620 and 1625, Bern acquired four townhouses at the western city entrance, between Hauptgasse and the Aare, and erected a new castle in their place. The goal was to demonstrate the presence and power of the state of Bern at the then-state border, an important Aare crossing, and part of Switzerland's east-west route. Since its completion in 1624, the building has continuously served the district administration.