Schloss Schadau

The construction of the current chateau building was commissioned by the Neuchâtel banker, Denis Alfred de Rougemont, from 1847 to 1852. James Victor Colin of Neuchâtel and Pierre-Charles Dusillion, an architect trained at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, created a building which, from the rich sandstone ornamentation to the exquisite interior decoration, bears witness to the highest craftsmanship. As one of the most important works of romantic historicism in Switzerland, Schadau Castle represents a cultural asset of national importance. In the entrance hall of the castle, the sandstone staircase designed by sculptor Joseph Hubert Verbunt leads to the upper floors, and throughout the building there are outstanding imitations of wood, marble and stucco. Since 1925 the castle and the park have been owned by the city of Thun and since 1928 there has been a restaurant on the first floor. Schadau Castle, after various mixed uses, was renovated from 2017 - 2019 into a holistic restaurant and hotel operation, allowing an authentic mediation of the architectural heritage. During this renovation, the building historical investigation confirmed that practically the entire fixed interior from the construction period has been preserved. This applies to the wooden elements such as windows, niche coverings, doors, knee woodwork and floor coverings as well as the paintings, which were revealed under more recent layers of paint. Although Schadau Castle was built as a private summer residence, it has always been one of the social centers on the lake and is now available to all visitors as a total work of art that can be experienced and lived in.