Battle of Laupen
Laupen, canton of Bern, Switzerland
What happened
The city of Bern, under Rudolf von Erlach and with help from the Forest Cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, fought Fribourg and its noble allies. Fribourg and its allies besieged Bern's castle at Laupen. A Bernese army arrived to relieve it and took up position on a hill. Late in the day the attackers charged, and although many Bernese fled, the rest held and broke the Fribourg infantry.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It strengthened Bern's position in the region and drew it closer to the Swiss Confederacy.
What came next
Bern joined the Swiss Confederacy as one of the Eight Cantons in 1353. Fribourg later joined too, becoming a full member in 1481.
Did you know?
Laupen is the first battle where Swiss soldiers are recorded wearing a white cross as their field sign.
Timeline
- 1315The Swiss win by ambush at Morgarten.
- 1324Bern acquires Laupen Castle.
- 21 June 1339Bern wins at Laupen.
- 1353Bern joins the Swiss Confederacy.
- 1481Fribourg becomes a full member.