Greifensee Castle, Greifensee, Switzerland

The Counts of Rapperswil probably built a defense tower in the early 12th century on the site of today's Greifensee Castle. The beginnings of Greifensee Castle, which was partially destroyed in May 1444 (during the so-called Old Zürich War), date back to around 1250. The castle complex consisted of a Palas on a rock , which at the time stood directly on the lake shore and was protected on the other sides by a moat and ring wall. In 1520, the Zürich Council decided to rebuild the ruins to a modest castle.

After thorough renovation, the castle is now available to the public for conferences, seminars, lectures, presentations, receptions, courses, small concerts, exhibitions, cocktails and private events (banquets, weddings). You may also rent single rooms only.

User Reviews

Phil Fuhrmann (3 months ago)
We do seminars here for work. It's a wonderful place if you like this kind of thing. Staff is very friendly and trying to help with everything.

Pedro Constam (7 months ago)
Beautiful place at the lake!

Ross H (5 years ago)
Nice simple ‘castle’ but much more a beautiful big house. The gardens and park adjacent are lovely, especially right next to the lake. There is a bbq area and plenty places to sit. Great place to swim too. 10-15mins walk from the train station, with regular connections to Zurich and Uster.

Flavor Tucson (6 years ago)
Neat little castle on the lake with nice views!

Ursula K (6 years ago)
Beautiful historic castle that also houses exhibits and events once in a while. The location on the lake is beautiful. Nice to come here to walk or cycle.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

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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.

Greifensee Castle

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