Reichenbach Castle

The relatively soft sandstone and limestone rock formations north of Bern were eroded by the Aar river.

[2] Scattered archaeological findings suggest that the area of the Zollikofen and the nearby Enge peninsula have been inhabited since the Bronze Age (about 1300 BC).

[4] Historians are still debating whether Rudolf von Erlach was the person who led the Bernese on the Battle of Laupen.

Beat Fischer von Reichenbach was knighted by Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor for establishing postal services between Germany and Spain.

[citation needed] The castle was first documented at the beginning of the 14th century, when Rudolf von Erlach founded his dynasty's rule.

[2]Historical paintings and plans provide an opportunity for studying the changes in the design of the castle and it surroundings during more than a hundred years of its existence.

The south east view, painted in 1669 by Albrecht Kauw, indicates that a small garden was present at the time.

In 1685, it was transformed to its current appearance and the French style gardens were built and the terraces extending down to the river were constructed.

[2] Some outbuildings were built, such as the brewery, which was added to provide for the Bavarian post office workers, who worked for Fischerpost.

[2] A naturalist, who visited the castle in the 19th century described the garden: Close to this residence is the present home of Dr. Tappeiner, who bought and renovated Schloss Reichenbach, whose enormous growth of ivy attracts much attention.

On entering the garden one finds a small forest of semi-tropical trees enchanting to behold; clambering vines encircle the trunks and depend from the graceful branches—for a moment one seems to be in the heart of the tropics.