Gesslerburg Castle, Küssnacht, Switzerland

Gesslerburg Castle was mentioned first time in 1263, but it may have been built already earlier. The castle moved to the hands of Habsburg family in 1291.

User Reviews

Mat Bienczyk (6 months ago)
Very cool castyle in Kussnacht region. It's an important heritage site. Originally built in the 9th century, right now stands as rather well maintained ruins. Parking here might be difficult, there isn't necessarily a dedicated spot. Just a few minute walk from the main street.

Janet Griffiths (2 years ago)
Worth the walk up the hill. Would be tricky when wet, so suggest taking walking sticks for extra balance on the way down.

Amanda Netherland (2 years ago)
Very interesting castle ruins to explore, has a placard for information and handrails to walk along the area. Views are gorgeous.

Lode Van de Velde (4 years ago)
Just for the views alone you should go there, amazing place.

Johnny K (4 years ago)
Wonderful hidden gem in Küssnacht. Previous inhabitants include Ritter Hartmann - the son-in-law of Zurich's Rudolf Brun and the nobile family of Silenen. Legend has it that Tell's archenemy Gessler resided here thus giving the ruins their current name. Best to walk around and explore. Dangerous when wet and not pram friendly but otherwise fantastic with view of lake and Pilatus

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Gesslerburg Castle

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