Ursellen Castle (Konolfingen)

The origins of Ursellen date back to 1148, when it was still owned by the Rüeggisberg Monastery. The tithe of Ursellen passed to the Lords of Bubenberg and later, before 1300, as a male fief to the brothers Cuno and Peter von Seedorf. In the 14th century, various noble families such as von Krattigen, von Wichtrach, and von Erlach were involved in the ownership rights. Estates in Ursellen and parts of the church patronage came into the possession of the Bernese Schultheiss Cuno von Holz through purchase in 1358/1363. In 1388, Petermann von Krauchthal gifted lands in Ursellen to Rudolf von Erlach. After 1455, rights transferred to Ulrich von Erlach. In the 16th century, the property was divided between the vom Stein and Nägeli families until Hans Steiger, a Bernese Schultheiss, acquired all shares. Ursellen was inherited within the Steiger family until Hanss Rudolf Steiger separated it from the Münsingen lordship in 1651 and sold it to Samuel Tillier. Samuel Tillier had his country estate built here in 1712. The castle's current appearance was shaped in 1751 by Gabriel May, who had the country seat rebuilt. Through inheritance and sale, Ursellen changed hands multiple times in the 19th century, including to the von Stürler families and again to the von May family. In 1906, Gottfried von May acquired the small castle, which after his death passed to his mother's siblings and their children. Finally, in 1961, it came into the care of Max Frölicher, who undertook extensive renovations in 1962. In early 1980, Matthias and Maria Steinmann took over the property.

Ursellen Castle is currently privately owned and used as such. It is a well-maintained historic estate.