Who is Jonas Lauwiner? The self-proclaimed ‘King of Switzerland’ who claimed 110,000 sq metres of land for free

Switzerland is a federal directorial republic. It has never been a monarchy but now it has a self-proclaimed king!

A man named Jonas Lauwiner has proclaimed himself the "king of Switzerland" recently. What's more, he even acquired more than 110,000 square metres of land without paying for it!

Reportedly, he exploited a Swiss law that allows individuals to claim ownerless or unregistered land, turning overlooked plots into the foundation of what he calls his own “kingdom.”


Lauwiner’s land acquisitions are based on Article 658 of the Swiss Civil Code, which permits claims over land that has no registered owner. Such properties can include forgotten parcels, administrative gaps in land records, and even fragments of infrastructure such as access roads.

By systematically identifying these overlooked plots, Lauwiner has accumulated legal ownership of land scattered across multiple regions of Switzerland. While the parcels are not connected, they collectively give him control over a sizeable area spread throughout the country.

The unusual land grab has earned Lauwiner attention far beyond Switzerland. Embracing the theatrical side of his project, he reportedly staged a ceremonial coronation and adopted royal imagery to promote his self-styled kingdom. Despite the symbolism, Switzerland remains a federal republic, and his claim to a royal title has no legal recognition.

According to reports, the “king” label functions primarily as a personal brand, helping draw attention to both his activities and the broader questions surrounding land ownership and legal loopholes.

However, Lauwiner’s actions have also attracted criticism. Local authorities and residents have questioned the ethics of exploiting legal grey areas, particularly when ownership involves small but strategically important plots such as roads and access routes. In some cases, disputes have emerged over maintenance responsibilities and public access rights.

Critics argue that while his acquisitions may be technically legal, they highlight weaknesses in property registration systems and raise concerns about the impact on local communities. Some officials have described the practice as an excessive use of legal loopholes rather than a legitimate exercise of property rights.

The story of Jonas Lauwiner sits at the intersection of law, performance art and eccentricity. It demonstrates how a little-known legal provision can produce unexpected outcomes in the modern world. What began with overlooked parcels of land and a forgotten clause in Swiss law has evolved into one of Europe’s most unusual property stories, turning Lauwiner into the self-proclaimed “King of Switzerland” and sparking a wider conversation about ownership, power and the limits of legal ingenuity.