While Switzerland is a country known for its stunning mountains, lush meadows and fairy tale villages, it is also famous for its beautiful castles. With over 500 castles dotting the country’s hilltops, lake sides and luscious valleys, the ancient walls of these castles hold centuries of history, treasure and untold stories.
Most of them date to the Medieval era and have been designated as Swiss Heritage Sites of National Significance. Many of these castles served as erstwhile residences of the upper class, the rich and the noble. Today they captivate visitors with their sheer beauty and fascinating architecture. While the Chillon Castle near Montreux is often voted as one of the most beautiful castles in the country, did you know that the Lenzburg castle is one of the oldest castles of Switzerland? Lenzburg is an easy day trip from Zurich and one a recent visit, I managed to visit the castle. Here are some captures.
First mentioned in a document dating to as early as 1077, the history of the Lenzburg castle is attributed to multiple theories. Nevertheless, the castle is intrinsically associated with Ulrich II, the Count of Lenzburg and his successors before being passed on to the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I and then to the Counts of Kyburg. Anna who was the daughter of the last count of Kyburg married into the Habsburg-Laufenburg family under whom the castle belonged in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was under the Bernese rule from the 15th to 18th century after which it was taken over by the recently formed Canton of Aargau.
The castle has been open for the public since 1956 and also houses the Aargau Museum and the Stapferhaus Lenzburg. Visitors can opt for a combined ticket for both the castle and the museum. The latter has a rich display related to the history and culture of Lenzburg with objects from the 11th to the 20th century.
The castle which is visible from quite a distance as you enter Lenzburg town, is accessible by a flight of a few hundred steps from the castle grounds. As you reach the top, the views from the castle walls are stunning to say the least.
The castle complex also has a beautiful garden that dates back to the early 17th century. This has undergone several modifications and the current baroque garden on the west side of the castle grounds is a reconstruction of an 18th century design.
Today the castle is a key landmark in the canton and is open for cultural and leisure events. Further, there are activities for kids during specific times and hence forms a great idea for a family outing.
Click here and here to read posts about other day trips from Zurich.
