Heidegg Castle, Hitzkirch, Switzerland

The first surviving document, which mentions the Lords of Heidegg, dates from 1185. For many centuries feudal Heidegg Castle, built in the 12th and 13th centuries was their home. Century. Today it houses the history and culture center of the Seetal valley. A living museum in which you learn stories and customs of aristocratic families, with the spirit of the past further rekindled with a stroll in the large park with its beautiful rose garden.

The castle complex with its tower, chapel and residential buildings is surrounded by lush forests and idyllic vineyards. Starting at the famous rose gardens, visitors can explore the park on romantic paths and discover its chestnut-lined boulevards, rest areas and the 'Tobelweg'. The castle tower holds the oldest living quarters in Canton Lucerne. Exhibitions and hands-on attractions for young and old alike ensure that visitors experience Heidegg Castle and its history in unique and often surprising ways.

Built during the Middle Ages, the foundations of the modern castle tower might originally have served as the castle's palas, which by 1237 had been expanded into a fortified tower by of the Lords of Heidegg. During the Late Middle Ages the tower was remodelled into a more comfortable castle. After the decline of the Heidegg and Büsiger families the castle was taken over by Lucerne's patricians, who had gained their wealth through trade and foreign military service. The Pfyffer family further reconstructed the tower in a Baroque but still fairly historicist style, inspired by medieval architecture. During the 18th century the city of Lucerne acquired Heidegg Castle, which was later turned over to the canton. A distinctly aristocratic lifestyle was once again celebrated within the castle walls when the Pfyffer von Heidegg family once again moved in in 1875. However, when the last member of the family left it to the canton in 1950, the tower was turned into a museum. Since the last renovations that took place from 1995 to 1998 the Foundation Pro Heidegg has been in charge of running and maintaining the castle and park.

References:

dieschweizerschloesser.ch

User Reviews

Happy Ox (7 months ago)
Excellent location to enjoy views of Lake Baldegg, the vineyards and experience life in the traditional period.

Per Jensen (8 months ago)
A hidden gem? amazing interiors from when the castle was in use. You can try the old fashioned clothes and there are plenty of activities for children also. Don’t miss the unique 15 minutes cartoon movie in the cellar- although only in German.

Margaret Netherwood (3 years ago)
We stayed recently in the rental apartment of the castle Heidegg. The location of the apartment is unique. It overlooks the vineyard and the lake and is next to the rose garden and the main castle. The manager and the staff working in the castle museum are extremely helpful and friendly. The apartment has a long and interesting history, the various owners and managers of the property have always lived in the building because the main castle is too cold. It is comfortable and spacious with many of the original features and period furniture. We had a great holiday exploring the area on our bikes by day and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, and the Heidegg wines, in the evening.

Alicia Bogard (3 years ago)
Such a lovely experience. There are some English translations. The day I went, there was really no one there and it was very peaceful. You can buy wine and enjoy a glass outside.

Gallery M (3 years ago)
Very nice Castle for the whole family with a museum, fun for kids to play, beautiful rose garden, a good place to celebrate your events!! We enjoyed our visit yesterday. They have a special room where you can dress up with different costumes.?

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Klearchos Kapoutsis

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