Grüningen Castle, Grüningen, Switzerland

Grüningen castle was built before 1229. It was in early times owned by the Counts of Regensberg. From the original castle only the Palas exists. At the place of the today's church stood a chapel since at least 1396, which was extended 1610. In 1782 it was demolished and rebuilt in its early Classicist style.

For centuries, the castle has been the residence of bailiffs. They have been assigned for the administration and justice over the large area at the Zurich Oberland from Lake Zurich to the Töss Valley. The museum gives an overview of the history of Grüningen, the bailiwick and sovereignty with its castle and country town. The museum is located at the first floor of the castle building and is open from April to October.

User Reviews

Paul Lammertsma (2 years ago)
The castle is a nice sight to see, but best check the opening times for the very tiny museum as it is only open on some days. The cafe is so cute, and the staff is very friendly. But the cake… takes the cake! Absolutely delicious homemade raspberry cream cake, I want to have it all week! We had a lovely little visit! Note that there's not too much to do or see, and the museum (albeit free) is tiny, only in German, and mostly speaks about the fire and reconstruction in the 1970s.

Maggie Salak (2 years ago)
Pretty castle with interesting history. There is a cafe open on Sundays which servers delicious cakes. The small museum was also open where history of the castle and the village is explained.

Wend Der (2 years ago)
Everything perfect. Bavarian curling is awesome and the food was delicious too.

stefan tschopp (3 years ago)
fine coffee and cake, friendly and caring. an older woman came to the coffee cake sat in the garden a cool wind blew around the corner and immediately the coffee fairy conjured up a blanket and made it cozy and warm - perfect

Andre Wettstein (3 years ago)
After several decades the visit in this micro village was stunningly beautiful. Old houses well maintained in combination with spring flowers and the backdrop of the castle Grüningen. Worth to revisit and to dwell in the fish restaurant (local catch).

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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.

Grüningen Castle

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