Logo

Grünenberg Castle Ruins

The Grünenberg castle ruins lie on the Schlossberg above Melchnau in the Bernese Oberaargau, near the cantonal border with Lucerne. The medieval castle complex from the 11th/12th century was comprehensively restored between 1992 and 1999. Particularly worth seeing are the late Romanesque St. George castle chapel with its unique floor made of St. Urban bricks and the 26.8-metre-deep well. A protective structure over the chapel floor and information panels explain the history of the site.

Information

  • Visit duration: 60min
  • Barrier free: Yes
  • Free entrance: Yes
  • Price range: $
  • Topic: Ruins
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18

Opening hours

Opening hours could not be found on the website.

Contact

Webpage
gruenenberg.ch
Address
4917 Melchnau

Access

Nearby stops

  • Melchnau, Oberdorf500 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Olten
31m
Bern
59m
Zürich HB
1h 8m
Basel SBB
1h 15m
Luzern
1h 32m

FAQ

  • How do I reach the castle ruins from the village of Melchnau?
    From the parking lot in Melchnau Oberdorf, a signposted hiking trail leads directly behind the church up to the Schlossberg to the two ruins Grünenberg and Langenstein. The trail is relatively steep but takes only about 10 minutes. A less steep, also signposted access road runs via the Festi-Quartier.
  • Is the castle ruin accessible for wheelchair users?
    Yes, the Grünenberg castle ruin is accessible for people in wheelchairs with an accompanying person. People with limited mobility can drive up to the Schlossberg by car, where a few parking spaces are available. A disabled toilet is located at the Melchnau Oberdorf parking lot.
  • What makes the castle chapel of Grünenberg special?
    The late Romanesque castle chapel of St. George from around 1260/1270 has a floor made of decorated clay tiles from the Cistercian monastery of St. Urban. This chapel floor is the only preserved medieval floor of this kind in Switzerland. It is protected by a modern protective structure with glass fronts that can be illuminated from inside.
  • Can I visit the castle ruins with a group?
    Yes, there is a dedicated form on the website for group visits (Formular Gruppenbesuche) that can be used to arrange group visits to the castle ruins.
  • Is there a fire pit or place to linger at the castle ruins?
    Yes, a modern fire pit (Feuerstelle) invites visitors to linger at the castle ruins, and information panels inform hikers and castle enthusiasts alike.