Valangin Castle

The first documented mention of the Lords of Valangin occurred in the mid-12th century. About a hundred years later, the lordship passed to the Lords of Aarberg, who subsequently called themselves Counts of Aarberg-Valangin and used the castle as their preferred residence. From here, they promoted the settlement and development of the Jura valleys. The current structure mainly dates from the 14th century, after earlier constructions had been damaged by feuds. The castle was adapted to the artillery technology of the time with round towers and strong walls, and received a new palace and a redesigned access. The settlement in front of the castle was walled around 1300 and granted limited privileges. The Counts of Aarberg-Valangin repeatedly tried to shake off their feudal dependence on the House of Neuchâtel, which led to military conflicts. Despite defeats and imprisonment, they persisted in their endeavors but later became loyal followers. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the counts were often involved in military conflicts in various regions of Europe. After the extinction of the male line of Aarberg-Valangin in the early 16th century, the lordship reverted to the Counts of Neuchâtel in 1592 after long negotiations. The 17th and 18th centuries saw renovations and damages, including a fire in 1747. Between 1769 and 1772, the northern part of the castle was demolished and replaced by a terrace, while the south wing was redesigned. In 1894, the state ceded the castle to the Society of History and Archaeology of the Canton of Neuchâtel for the establishment of a regional museum, after which restoration work took place from 1896 to 1916.

Valangin Castle is located in Valangin, a locality in the district of Val-de-Ruz in the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, at an altitude of approximately 653 m above sea level.

Today, Valangin Castle houses a museum and is accessible to visitors.

• Borcarderie Castle (Valangin) (Castle), approx. 1.1 km away
• Fenin Castle (Castle), approx. 1.7 km away
• Neuchatel Castle (Neuenburg) (Castle), approx. 2.9 km away
• Peseux Castle (Castle), approx. 3.1 km away