King of Burgdorf: Jonas Lauwiner’s Life
- BURGORF, Switzerland – Jonas Lauwiner, known by some as "The King of Burgdorf," leads a life less ordinary, complete with a castle, his own currency, and dominion over...
- Lauwiner, who styles himself as a king, recently concluded what he refers to as his second "campaign," claiming three abandoned properties in the Küssnacht region of Canton Schwyz...
- The idea for his kingdom took root on his 20th birthday when his father gifted him a plot of land.
Swiss Man Claims Kingdom, Amasses Land and Titles
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BURGORF, Switzerland – Jonas Lauwiner, known by some as “The King of Burgdorf,” leads a life less ordinary, complete with a castle, his own currency, and dominion over 145 plots of land across Switzerland.
A Kingdom Forged From Abandoned Properties
Lauwiner, who styles himself as a king, recently concluded what he refers to as his second “campaign,” claiming three abandoned properties in the Küssnacht region of Canton Schwyz in early February.
The idea for his kingdom took root on his 20th birthday when his father gifted him a plot of land. This marked the genesis of the Lauwiner Empire, with jonas I as it’s self-proclaimed King and Emperor.
Acquisition Strategy: Ownerless Land
lauwiner’s strategy for expanding his holdings involves identifying ownerless land, purchasing it for nominal sums, and registering it thru official channels. This approach is entirely legal.
To locate these unclaimed territories, the Zug native employs a team of up to 10 individuals. His efforts have resulted in a collection of 145 plots spread across nine Swiss cantons.
IT specialist by day, Monarch by… Well,Also By Day
Despite his royal aspirations,Lauwiner maintains a 100% workload as an IT specialist.
“Even if I no longer need the money, I think it’s great when I have everyday life with it.”
– Lauwiner, in an interview.
Lauwiner clarified that he is not officially recognized as a king and holds no political authority within Switzerland. He emphasizes his adherence to Swiss law and his commitment to paying taxes.
“I am the king of Switzerland. In any case, you can’t say that I am not. As who else is it? Nobody claimed to be, apart from me.”
Coronation and Currency: Symbols of a Self-Made kingdom
Lauwiner’s coronation took place in 2019 at the nydeggkirche in Bern. He rented the church for the occasion, and the ceremony was conducted by acquaintances and actors.
The self-proclaimed king also maintains a private security force,comprised of acquaintances,which he refers to as his army. These individuals reportedly conduct security drills on his properties, utilizing Lauwiner’s armored vehicle.
In April 2024,Lauwiner drove his armored car to the Bundesplatz in Bern and used it for Sunday excursions to his various properties. However, the Bern road traffic office has since prohibited the use of his former East German tank car, forcing him to store it.
The “King of Burgdorf” operates a website for his kingdom, showcasing the locations of his “countries,” the “flag of the Lauwiner Reich,” and the “anthem of the empire.” The site also features the “Empire Vellar,” a currency limited to 200 coins.
The King of Burgdorf: A Swiss IT Specialist’s Self-Made Kingdom
Q: Who is Jonas Lauwiner, and what’s his story?
A: Jonas Lauwiner, also known as “The King of Burgdorf,” is a Swiss IT specialist who has embarked on a unique journey. He has created his own self-proclaimed kingdom, complete with a castle, a private security force, and his own currency.
Q: How did Lauwiner start his kingdom?
A: The genesis of Lauwiner’s kingdom began on his 20th birthday when his father gifted him a plot of land.This initial acquisition sparked the creation of the Lauwiner Empire, with Jonas I assuming the roles of King and Emperor.
Q: How does Lauwiner acquire land for his kingdom?
A: Lauwiner’s strategy for expanding his holdings involves legally identifying and purchasing ownerless land. He acquires these unclaimed territories for nominal sums and registers them through official channels.
Q: How much land does Lauwiner own, and where is it located?
A: lauwiner’s efforts have resulted in a collection of 145 plots spread across nine Swiss cantons.
Q: Despite his royal aspirations, what does Lauwiner do for a living?
A: Despite his self-proclaimed title, Lauwiner maintains a full-time job as an IT specialist.
Q: Is Lauwiner officially recognized as a king?
A: No, Lauwiner is not officially recognized as a king and holds no political authority within Switzerland. He emphasizes his adherence to swiss law, and his commitment to paying taxes.
Q: Where did Lauwiner have his coronation?
A: Lauwiner’s coronation took place in 2019 at the Nydeggkirche in Bern. He rented the church for the occasion, and the ceremony was conducted by acquaintances and actors.
Q: Does Lauwiner have a private security force?
A: Yes, Lauwiner has a private security force comprised of acquaintances. They conduct security drills on his properties and utilize his armored vehicle.
Q: Does Lauwiner have his own currency?
A: Yes, Lauwiner operates the “Empire Vellar,” a currency limited to 200 coins.
Q: Does Lauwiner’s kingdom have a website?
A: Yes, the “King of Burgdorf” operates a website for his kingdom. The site showcases the locations of his “countries,” the “flag of the Lauwiner Reich,” and the “anthem of the empire.”