Château de Vaumarcus: A Medieval Fortress in Switzerland

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.chateauvaumarcus.ch

Country: Switzerland

Civilization: Early Modern, Medieval European

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

Château de Vaumarcus is a medieval fortress located in the village of Vaumarcus in Switzerland. The castle was built by the feudal lords of the region during the Middle Ages and first appears in records dating back to 1285.

In its early history, the castle served as the center of the barony (Freiherrschaft) of Vaumarcus. This territory included not only the village itself but also adjacent hamlets. The estate was initially controlled by a junior branch of Rudolf II of Neuchâtel until the early 1300s. Financial difficulties compelled Peter III of Vaumarcus to sell the barony in 1308 to Count Rudolf IV of Neuchâtel. After that sale, the castle ceased to be held by hereditary lords and was instead managed by governors appointed by the counts.

The lordship passed through several hands over the following centuries. Notably, Girard of Neuchâtel betrayed his overlords by letting the troops of Charles the Bold enter the castle, an event that later influenced its fate. In the aftermath of the Battle of Grandson in 1476, Swiss forces burned Château de Vaumarcus as part of their campaign during the Burgundian Wars. Shortly after, Rudolf von Hochberg rebuilt the fortress, having confiscated the property from his vassal. Disputes over ownership persisted well into the 16th century until the barony passed through marriage to the Bonstetten family in 1577.

In 1595, the barony was officially elevated to the rank of Freiherrschaft, reaffirming its noble status. From 1675 onward, the von Bürens family administered the lordship until feudal rights were abolished in 1831 during reforms in the region. The castle continued to serve judicial purposes until 1832, after which civil administration was shifted to nearby districts. In 1888, the property was purchased and restored by industrialist Henri-Louis Pernod. Further significant renovation took place in the mid-20th century. Since 1978, Château de Vaumarcus has been legally protected due to its cultural significance and now operates as a center hosting various public functions.

Remains

Château de Vaumarcus sits atop a promontory overlooking the valley carved by the La Vaux stream, near the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. Its architectural evolution spans several centuries, beginning with a hill castle dating to the 12th century that included an older structure surrounded by an enclosure and a small village at its base. The fortress’s layout is irregular, reflecting the multiple periods of expansion and rebuilding it underwent.

At the heart of the complex stands a large bergfried, or main tower, constructed in the 13th century. This tall stone tower formed the defensive and residential core of the castle, built to withstand attacks while housing its inhabitants. Significantly, its original entrance was situated about seven meters above ground level and accessible by a staircase that was likely retractable, enhancing security. On the tower’s ground floor, remnants of a kitchen fireplace survive, offering a glimpse into daily activities within the stronghold.

After 1309, several defensive enhancements were added. A Gothic-style gate on the ground floor replaced earlier entrances, featuring a drawbridge that could be raised to prevent enemy access. Massive stone buttresses were built on the eastern corners facing the valley, strengthening vulnerable points against assault. Pointed roofs were placed atop the towers, and along the parapets surrounding the castle, machicolations—openings in projecting parapets designed to drop stones or boiling substances on attackers below—were installed, including ones above the main gate. Adjacent to the entrance, a round tower was constructed to better withstand siege engines, benefiting from curved walls that deflect projectiles more effectively than flat surfaces. Additionally, a hexagonal stair tower was added at the rear, facilitating safer movement between levels.

Following the destruction in 1476 and subsequent rebuilding by Rudolf von Hochberg, much of the main structure seen today dates from this late medieval reconstruction. Later, in the 18th century, a Baroque style residence known as the “New Castle” was built around 1773 on the northeastern section of the site. This building features a hipped roof, decorative pilasters supporting cornices along the facade, and a prominent gable bearing the von Bürens family coat of arms. It is accompanied by a surrounding terrace and formal gardens, contrasting stylistically with the medieval fortifications.

Today, Château de Vaumarcus presents an asymmetrical silhouette shaped by its extended building history. Its combination of heavy defensive elements—such as machicolations, buttressed towers, and stout walls—with later ornate residential additions embodies the layered history of the site as both fortress and noble residence.