Aarberg

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Coordinates: 47°2′N, 7°16′E

Aarberg
Country Switzerland Coat of Arms of Aarberg
Canton Berne
District Aarberg
47°2′N, 7°16′E
Population 4,008  (December 2007)
  - Density 505 /km² (1,309 /sq.mi.)
Area 7.93 km² (3.1 sq mi)
Elevation 455 m (1,493 ft)
The town center.
The town center.
Postal code 3270
SFOS number 0301
Mayor Arnold Stalder (as of 2008) FDP/PRD
Surrounded by
(view map)		 Bargen, Kappelen, Lyss, Radelfingen, Seedorf
Website www.aarberg.ch

Aarberg is a municipality in the district of Aarberg in the canton of Berne in Switzerland.

Aarberg lies 20 kilometers from Bern above the Aar River. With an area of 7.93 km², Aarberg borders Bargen, Kappelen, Lyss, Radelfingen and Seedorf.

Aarberg is not to be confused with Aarburg in Aargau or with Aarbergen in Germany.

The city was once located on an island with the Aar River and Little Aar River flowing around it. The old city grew up around the edge of the island with a large open plaza in the middle. In addition to the old city, Aarberg also includes the new outer quarter, and the villages of Spins, Mühletal and Grafenmoos.

Contents

[edit] History

Bridge over the Aar River, built in 1568
Bridge over the Aar River, built in 1568

Where Aarberg now stands was once an island surrounded by the Aar River and the Little Aar River. By 1138 there was a small pilgrim home and hospital with a bridge, the Bargenbrügg, over the Aar river. This bridge was a key river crossing from Berne to Büren an der Aare[1].

The city itself was founded between 1220 and 1225 by count Ulrich III of Neuchâtel. The count had recently acquired the rulership over this region and needed a central location from which to rule. The island and the key bridge was a natural location for a town. [2]. By the 14th Century Aarberg lay along the most important of the three trade roads in the region. The old roman roads that connected Solothurn, Aarberg and Murten as well as southern Germany with Lyon and Rome all passed near Aarberg[1].

The oldest official seal of citizenship in the town dates from 1249. Ulrich IV. reaffirmed the town privileges in 1271. Initially the town was unwalled with two rows of wooden houses around a central narrow plaza. Following fires in 1419 and 1477 the city was rebuilt in stone and set back about 10m creating the current, impressive central lens shaped plaza[2].

The city was besieged in 1339, 1382 and 1386 but not taken. In 1358 the Graf (or Count) Peter von Aarberg was in financial difficulties and began looking for someone to buy the city. After years of unsuccessful attempts, in 1377-79 he was able to sell the city and his rights as ruler to Berne. In 1414 the toll on the bridges over the Aar as well as the expensive construction and repair on the bridges, was given to Berne. The bridges were rebuilt following floods in 1414, 1443, 1490, 1557 and the current bridge dates from 1567-68.

The church at Aarberg, which is on the western border of the Bishopric of Constance, was built in 1484. The church was rebuilt in 1575 on the site of the former castle of Aarberg. The tower of the church, built in 1526, is from stone salvaged from the demolished Pilgrim Hospital Church. The cemetery was located next to the new church. In 1418 Berne placed the church under the patronage of the Münster of Berne, however following the Reformation (1528) the patronage was withdrawn.

The government of the city was a mayor or Schultheiß and a 24 member council (12 nobles and 12 citizens) under a vogt who lived in the Amthaus (built in 1608-10) and had the rights of high justice.

Aarberg has always been in a unique position for trade. Its location over the Aar and near major trade roads made the business of the city revolve around trade. The large central market plaza in the city was one of the largest trans-shipment centers in Switzerland. Many transport companies and inns, including the Tavernen Krone (Crown) and Tavernen Falken (Falcon), grew up around the plaza. The yearly market (1271 mentioned, 1507 two per year, 1681 three per year, 1759 quarterly), by 1478 was an important market that drew salt, iron, steel and cloth merchants from the entire region[2]. The city also tried to expand into farming by purchasing Alp Chuffort ob Lignières, Spins and Mühletal.

The Napoleonic invasion of Switzerland in 1798 severely damaged the city. Under the Helvetic Republic Aarberg was included in the Zollikofen District, though this only lasted until 1803. After this Aarberg became the capital of the Bezirk or county of Aarberg. During the Paris July Revolution, in 1830, the commanders of the Swiss Army moved to Aarberg. The fortified city was a key strong point on the western border between Geneva and Basel[2].

With the invention of the railroad and alterations to Jura rivers, everything changed for Aarberg. The Berne-Lyss-Biel rail line bypassed Aarberg completely, reducing the amount of trade flowing through the city. Neither the Broye Valley line (from Lyss to Lausanne, built in 1876) or the creation of paved roads made a major change. At the same time, the Hagneck canal diverted a portion of the Aar and prevented the periodic flooding of the city. The little Aar was dammed and Aarberg island became a hill.

During the 19th Century business slowed in Aarberg, though the city grew. New quarters grew up in areas that had been covered by the Aar: Brückfeld, Leimernacher, Sunnmatt und Mühlau. Business shifted from transportation to farming, concrete construction and precision parts manufacturing.

[edit] Sights

The entire town and the covered bridge over the Aar are heritage sites of national significance.[3]

[edit] Plaza in the Old Town

The large round plaza in Aarberg is used for numerous markets, light shows and open air theatre. One of the most famous markets is the Puce or flea market. It is described as "one of the greatest and most atmospheric flea-markets in Switzerland."[4] Started in 1977, the Puce now has about 250 vendors selling a variety of products. The Puce takes place on the last weekend in April and August.

[edit] Schloss Aarberg

The castle was first built in 1220 with the town. From 1358 (when Aarberg was sold) until 1830 around 100 Vögte occupied the castle. Today it is the town hall, Bezirk (county) seat as well as the police station for the Cantonal police. The Hotel Krone is located on the left side of the castle.

[edit] Church

The late Gothic church was built in 1526 and promptly burned down. It was rebuilt in 1576 and is used by the Swiss Reformed Church. The bell tower is one of the tallest buildings in Aarberg. The church is built on a single nave plan with a choir. Both the pulpit and the organ are worth seeing.

[edit] Population growth

Year Inhabitants
1764 440
1850 993
1900 1372
1950 2126
1990 3414
2002 3910
2004 3946
2005 4026
2007 4008

[edit] Notable people born in Aarberg

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Aarberg city webpage-History (in German)
  2. ^ a b c d Aarberg in German, French and Italian in the online Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.
  3. ^ Swiss inventory of cultural property of national and regional significance (1995), p. 101.
  4. ^ Puce Website

[edit] External links


v • d • e
Municipalities in the district of Aarberg, Switzerland
Coat of Arms of the Canton Bern