Hallwyl Castle

Seengen, Switzerland

Hallwyl Castle is one of the most important moated castles in Switzerland. It is located on two islands in the River Aabach, just north of the northern end of Lake Hallwil. Since 1925, it has been open to the public, and since 1994 it has been owned by the canton of Aargau and is part of the museum of Aargau.

The first mention of the castle is in the year 1256. However, the originally free noble family of Hallwyl were first mentioned in a testament from 1167. Some discoveries indicate that the castle was founded in the late 12th century. Hallwyl Castle was the home castle of the Lords of Hallwyl, who owned the surrounding land and parts of the lake as their personal property. It consisted of a residential tower with a dry moat. In 1265 the keepwas expanded.

In the early 14th century the dry ditch was converted into a moat. The old castle tower was surrounded by a moat and a wall on what became the Rear Island. To the east of the Rear Island, an artificial island was built in the River Aabach. This island, the Front Island, was outfitted with a curtain wall, and was occupied by residential and commercial buildings. During the conquest of Aargau in 1415 by the Swiss Confederation, the castle (which was known after 1369 as the Ganerbenburg) was burnt by the Bernese troops. The castle was immediately rebuilt and expanded.

After the construction of two turrets in 1500 and 1579-1590 there was an extensive general renovation. After long neglect, the castle was partly rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1861 and 1870-74. However, this project was mostly reversed in 1914.

In 1925 the family foundation made an effort to preserve the castle. Since 1994, it has been in possession of the Canton of Aargau.

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Address

Burgweg, Seengen, Switzerland
See all sites in Seengen

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Switzerland

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Mélodie Näf (2 months ago)
This was interesting… The entry fee is 14.- for adults. If 26 yo you only pay 10.- We got the audio guide (free of charge) and made our way around the castle. The tour was informative, but the audio guide is quite unnecessary if you speak/read German. Also there are already some spots where audio info is given as well. The exhibition is a wee bit too unstructured. It took us a minute to get around. Information is focused on the family history of the Hallwyl’s, but still made with love and quite interesting.
Lisa Von Hallwyl (2 months ago)
Home of my ancestors this is a home from home ? beautiful in every way and I can’t wait to be back
Anita M (3 months ago)
+ Castle view is good + Lake merging the castle is worth spending time on a hot summer day + Paid state parking available opposite to the castle - The museum is not worth the price. Maybe only for people who like to know history
José Viegas (4 months ago)
Surprising place with a lot of rooms to see. Wonderful story and beautiful Castle
Christian Tohmé (8 months ago)
Stunning medieval castle surrounded by picturesque countryside. Well-preserved architecture, beautiful gardens and rich history dating back to the 12th century. A must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike! ?? ? ?️ PS: If you’re into Netflix, don’t miss "The Undertaker" – Season 2, Episode 4 ‘Ghosts,’ which prominently features the Castle! ? ? ?
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