In 2019, he had himself crowned king in the Nydegg Church in Bern – a symbolic ceremony through which he defined himself as the sovereign actor of his own undertakings. Later, he moved into the public spotlight through media coverage and was referred to as the “King of Burgdorf” – a title he himself never used. German and international media then began calling him the “King of Switzerland.” He adopted this designation because it suited his exceptional path. Today he is known as the “King of Switzerland,” as no one else has ever done or claimed anything similar.

By 2025, his property holdings had grown to 151 plots across nine Swiss cantons – including building parcels, roads, forests, and agricultural land. These were not limited to small parcels: in the canton of Schwyz, for example, he acquired a total of 19,000 square meters of uninhabited land as well as sections of roads, which caused a stir locally.

His approach met with mixed reactions from municipalities and residents: while he insisted on full legality, there was uncertainty about how it was possible for a private individual to acquire road sections. Lauwiner emphasizes that he does not claim any political power – he acts within the law, pays taxes, and views kingship more as a guiding principle than as a claim to rule. From his perspective, a king resembles the CEO of a company: strategy, responsibility, and vision are central aspects – this is how he approaches his role.

With his land, he sought not only ownership but also purpose: forestry, tourism projects, road-usage income – all under the umbrella of his vision of an “empire.” Despite this ambitious role, he remained “normal” in everyday life – he continued to work; daily routine is important to him, even if money is no longer a necessity. His self-presentation ranges from uniform and crown to his own currency and an armored vehicle.

He now lives in his residence in Burgdorf and has become a well-known figure in Swiss media, mainly because of his unusual approach to property and land ownership. Despite his symbolic royal title, his actions fall fully within Swiss law – for example regarding land acquisition or public perception.

His story illustrates how a young person, through curiosity, courage, and strategic thinking, can discover niches – in this case within the property and ownership system of a wealthy country. He raises questions about how ownership, the state, symbolism, and personal drive interact – and in doing so shifts conventional perspectives. Jonas Lauwiner stresses: when you own land, you carry responsibility – and he accepts it.

There are controversies: some residents worry about the new ownership of roads and about who will handle maintenance, costs, or access in the future. Others see his approach as a sign of initiative – a young person who not only dreams but acts, marks land, and launches projects.

From a regular education and work in automation and IT to a self-created kingdom, Lauwiner demonstrates an unusual combination of everyday life and personal vision. He shows that with clear focus, even seemingly small things – such as ownerless land – can lead to large outcomes. His royal title is symbolic, without political power.

He demonstrates that ownership can be more than financial – it can also have cultural, symbolic, and social impact. His vision is not just to own land, but to turn it into something of his own: a sense of space, freedom, and responsibility. This combination of technical profession, strategic land acquisition, and symbolic self-expression makes him a modern and distinctive personality.

Jonas Lauwiner lives between two worlds: everyday practicality and symbolic kingship. His path reminds us that visions do not always require millions in starting capital – often, an idea, persistence, and awareness of opportunity are enough. His example also shows that one does not need to fit into pre-defined roles – he created his own role as the “King of Switzerland” and explored it with intention.

Yet his path also offers a warning: where symbolism and reality meet, conflicts arise – for example with authorities, neighbors, and public expectations. His land acquisitions sparked discussions about ownership, responsibility, and legitimacy – making his project a topic of national debate.

Despite this, he does not give up: he speaks of continuing his model – expansion, usage, new projects – and remains active. His story is inspiring because it shows the courage to think differently, redefine boundaries, name oneself, and then act consistently. At the same time, he remains relatable because he maintains his everyday life, speaks openly, and takes his idea of freedom seriously.

His journey invites each person to question their own dreams: Where are my boundaries? What counts as ownership? How do I define success? Jonas Lauwiner shows that success can mean creating space – not only physically, but symbolically – and taking responsibility for it. He makes clear that those who remain curious, understand the rules, and use them creatively can achieve unconventional results.

His story teaches that sometimes one must first receive a small piece of land – and only then realize what can grow from it. He remains a human being like anyone else: he works, continues his education, and lives his daily life. This is what makes him approachable. In hindsight, it becomes clear: a small birthday gift became a big idea – and a big idea became a growing project.

Overall, Jonas Lauwiner demonstrates how individuality, self-realization, and a will to shape one’s environment can work together. His path invites curiosity about what comes next – how his “empire” will evolve and what new uses will emerge. His life story reminds us that not everything is predetermined – we can open spaces, rethink ownership, and shape identity. Thus, Jonas Lauwiner is not merely an unusual figure – but a symbol that one can choose to be different if one wishes.

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Jonas Lauwiner loves his country – his Switzerland – with a deep sense of connection that is reflected in his daily actions. He values democracy and lives it: in 2025, he was elected to the city council of Burgdorf, by the people and for the people. He fulfils his duties with pride and a strong sense of responsibility; it is important to him not to be merely a symbol, but an active part of the community.

Many people misunderstand his role and assume that his kingship stands in opposition to democracy. Yet the exact opposite is true: his kingship is a symbol that every citizen in Switzerland can be a king or queen. The real power lies with the people – they decide how the country is shaped. And through an educated and enlightened population, a strong nation emerges: a nation of citizens who take responsibility, who shape their society, and who grow together.

By committing himself voluntarily to serving the community, Jonas Lauwiner demonstrates that symbolism and democratic engagement do not exclude one another – they can in fact complement each other. He embodies the idea that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand, and that democratic action does not end at the ballot box but continues in the daily work for the common good.