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Gutenburg Castle Ruins

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Gutenburg Castle ruins are located in the municipality of Lotzwil in the Canton of Bern, representing the remains of a once-significant medieval fortification. The castle was likely built in the 12th century by the Barons of Gutenburg, a local noble family who exercised rule over the surrounding territory. In 1312, the complex was besieged and destroyed by Bernese troops during a regional conflict, after which it was never fully rebuilt. Today, on the wooded hill above the Rot River, one can primarily see the foundations and wall remnants of the former core castle along with ditch systems. Archaeological investigations have highlighted that Gutenburg served as a strategically important checkpoint on the border between the Oberaargau and Lucerne regions. The ruin is now a cantonal monument and stands as a testament to the regional noble culture of the High Middle Ages.

Location: Switzerland
Top sights: Gutenburg · Hornusserhütte Lotzwil · Bisighöchi
Nearby: Niederbipp (15 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	-1	3	7	11	16	17	17	13	9	3	-1
Rain mm	94	75	96	98	150	146	152	158	101	100	93	100

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Gutenburg ruins near Madiswil are a freely accessible area that can be viewed from the outside at any time. The interior is closed, but the foundation walls and the castle hill are clearly recognisable.

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Typical hours

The ruins are accessible at any time as an open-air site, with no opening hours. A daytime visit is recommended as the path may cross fields and there is no lighting.

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Photography

Photograph the ruins from the outside - the rural setting features pleasant shots. A tripod can be set up on the grassy area; avoid flash and do not climb on the wall remains.

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Time needed

A walk around the ruins and a short stop takes about 15 to 25 minutes. Those exploring the surrounding landscape and history should allow 30 to 45 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a walk through Madiswil or a bike ride through the Oberaargau region. The nearby Madiswil church and the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum are also worthwhile destinations.

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Getting there

The ruins are best reached on foot from Madiswil: follow the field paths towards Gutenburg, about 10 minutes. By car, park at the edge of Madiswil and walk the short path.

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Insider tip

Visit the ruins on a sunny spring afternoon when the fruit trees around are in bloom. Binoculars help you enjoy the birds and the vastness of the hilly landscape.

Geography

Coordinates

47.18690, 7.78890

Facts

The castle was built in the 12th century as the ancestral seat of the Barons of Gutenburg.
In 1312, troops from the city of Bern destroyed the fortification almost entirely.
The ruins are situated on a prominent hill spur overlooking the Rot River.
Major archaeological excavations took place on the castle grounds in 1949.
Gutenburg served as a vital border post between the territories of Bern and Lucerne.
The remaining wall fragments consist mostly of unhewn fieldstones.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Langenthal3 km · NExplore →

Arburg Fortress14 km · NEExplore →

Emmental14 km · SExplore →

Niederbipp15 km · NWExplore →

Biberist Paper Mill16 km · WExplore →

Zofingen16 km · NEExplore →

Thal Nature Park17 km · NExplore →

Alt-Falkenstein Castle Ruins17 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Gutenburg Castle Ruins (10)

Gutenburg🏰 castle

Castle ruins in the municipality of Lotzwil, canton of Bern.

Hornusserhütte Lotzwil

Club hut in Lotzwil used for gatherings and events.

Bisighöchi

Viewpoint overlooking the area around Lotzwil.

Dorfspycher

Historic storage building in Lotzwil, once used for provisions.

Kirche Madiswil

Church building in Madiswil, canton of Bern.

Waldfestplatz

Forest festival ground near Lotzwil, used for events.

Flüehli

Viewpoint in the municipality of Lotzwil.

Linksmähder-Halle

Arts centre in Lotzwil with event spaces.

Burgstelle Bürgisweiher

Archaeological site of a former castle near Lotzwil.

Burgstelle Grauenstein

Archaeological site of a vanished castle near Lotzwil.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at the Gutenburg ruins?

You can find wall remains of a High Medieval clearing castle in the forest.

Where is Gutenburg located?

The ruin is located near Madiswil in the canton of Bern.

Is there an entry fee?

No, the site can be visited freely and for free.

Is the place suitable for a hike?

Yes, it is a nice destination for a short forest hike.

Are there BBQ spots there?

There are simple spots in the forest, but no large facilities.

Gutenburg Castle Ruins: where is it located?

Gutenburg Castle Ruins is located in Switzerland.

Gutenburg Castle Ruins: what is there to see?

Highlights include Gutenburg, Hornusserhütte Lotzwil, Bisighöchi.

Gutenburg Castle Ruins: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Gutenburg Castle Ruins: why is it worth visiting?

The Gutenburg Castle ruins are located in the municipality of Lotzwil in the Canton of Bern, representing the remains of a once-significant medieval fortification.

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