Top 12 Castles around Hausen am Albis
Castles around Hausen am Albis offer historical insights into medieval times within a natural landscape. The area, situated southwest of Zurich, features significant castle ruins that once controlled strategic mountain passes. These sites provide recreational opportunities and glimpses into feudal pasts, set amidst the Albis chain's geographic features.
Best castles around Hausen am Albis
- The most popular castles is Altwädenswil Castle Ruins, a castle that served as a stronghold for the Freiherren von Wädenswil family. It is considered the largest castle ruin in the Canton of Zurich and offers several barbecue areas.
- Another must-see spot is Wildenburg Ruins, a castle with remains of a round tower, bering, and palace. The site was restored in 1985 and is publicly accessible.
- Visitors also love Friedberg Ruins, a castle where only a few remnants of walls and a well are visible. Information boards provide a historical overview of the site.
- Hausen am Albis is known for its castle ruins and historical sites. The region offers a variety of medieval structures to explore.
- The castles around Hausen am Albis are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 160 upvotes and 59 photos shared.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Schnabelburg ruins
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Friedberg Ruins
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Wildenburg Ruins
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In the early 13th century, the Lords of Hünenberg built a residential castle on the spur high above the Lorzentobel, but it was abandoned after 200 years and later used as a quarry. In 1985 the ruins were saved from final decay and carefully restored. Since then, the Wildenburg has once again been an impressive and publicly accessible testimony to Baar's past. An exciting experience for castle and medieval fans!
The worth seeing castle ruins with remains of the round tower, bering and palace are located on a promontory above the Lorzentobel, 3.5 kilometers east of Zug. At the parking lot at the western end of the Lorzentobel Bridge, the hiking trail branches off from the main road in a southerly direction. After around 20 minutes of hiking in steep terrain, shortly after the beautiful Schwarzenbach waterfall, you reach the ruins.
The castle area is freely accessible. Please pay attention to the barriers (danger of falling).
Free parking spaces on the Zug-Menzingen main road, 300 meters northwest of the castle.
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Altwädenswil Castle Ruins
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Huwiler Tower
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The year the Huwilerturm was built cannot be determined precisely from documents, but according to Linus Birchler it was in 1524/25. Other sources give the year of construction as 1519 and name a master builder named Huwiler as the builder. The tower's current name does not come from this Huwiler, but from a later owner of the same name, who came into possession of the tower in 1697. The name "Huwilerturm" only gradually caught on, however, because the name "Hoof Thurm" (after the property "Hof im Dorf" or "Hof am Burgbach") can still be found on the Landtwing city map from 1770. For this section, see also the Zug New Year's Gazette 1983. Access to the Huwilerturm was originally via the battlement of the city wall on the city side on the first floor. It was not until 1826 that the tower was given a ground floor entrance - from the outside - and two windows.
The outer ring of walls
Six round towers, four gates and a passageway formed the new ring of walls. The total length was 850 meters and increased the size of the city from 0.4 to 2.8 hectares. In addition to the existing buildings such as St. Oswald's Church, the castle, the village residential and commercial district, etc., there were large undeveloped areas in the new city area for a long time.
Text / Source: Zug City Council, Town Hall, Gubelstrasse 22, 6301 Zug
stadtzug.ch/sehenswuerdigkeiten/18
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From the north, a relatively easy, clearly visible, unmarked path leads to the plateau on which Schnabelburg Castle stands. The descent to the south is very steep and, when the ground is wet and/or covered in autumn leaves, also very slippery.
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Remains of the foundation walls of a former hilltop castle
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The Huwilerturm in Zug is the smallest of the four outer city towers and has a charming history. It was built around 1524/25 and was known for a long time as the "Hof-Turm" until it was bought by a citizen named Huwiler in 1697.
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The Schnabelburg is the ruins of a hilltop castle on the beak-shaped hill north of the Schnabellücke above the village of Hausen am Albis in the canton of Zurich. Source: Wikipedia
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The Schnabelburg is the ruins of a hilltop castle on the beak-shaped hill north of the Schnabellücke above the village of Hausen am Albis in the canton of Zurich. Source: Wikipedia
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One of four preserved city towers. A small part of the former city wall borders its walls. Right next to the Huwiler Tower, there is a pretty park shaded by tall trees, which invites you to play and relax.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most impressive castle ruins to visit near Hausen am Albis?
The region offers several notable castle ruins. Altwädenswil Castle Ruins is considered the largest castle ruin in the Canton of Zurich, featuring substantial stone walls from various construction periods. Another significant site is Wildenburg Ruins, which was restored in 1985 and offers remains of a round tower, bering, and palace.
Are there family-friendly castle ruins around Hausen am Albis?
Yes, Altwädenswil Castle Ruins is an excellent destination for families. It provides several barbecue areas and adjacent forest areas that serve as an adventure playground for children. The site is freely accessible at any time.
What historical insights can I gain from visiting the castles in this area?
The castles around Hausen am Albis offer a tangible connection to medieval times. For instance, Schnabelburg Castle Ruins, originally built in 1150, was strategically positioned to control the Schnabellücken pass and was destroyed by the Habsburgs in 1309. Friedberg Ruins, though only a few remnants remain, provides information boards detailing its history from around 1200.
Are there hiking trails that lead to these castle ruins?
Many of the castle ruins are accessible via hiking trails. For example, the Schnabelburg Castle Ruins can be reached by a walk of approximately 30 minutes from the Albis Pass, with narrow paths leading to the site. Wildenburg Ruins is about a 20-minute hike in steep terrain from a parking lot near the Lorzentobel Bridge.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
Beyond exploring the castles, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, running trails, and cycling routes around Hausen am Albis. Many of these routes pass through scenic landscapes near historical sites.
Are there viewpoints or natural features near the castle ruins?
Yes, several castle ruins offer impressive views. From the site of Schnabelburg Castle Ruins, you can enjoy views into the valley. The ruins are also situated on the Albis chain, known for its geographic features. The area around Wildenburg Ruins is located above the Lorzentobel, offering scenic surroundings.
What facilities are available at the castle ruins for visitors?
Some ruins are equipped with visitor amenities. Schnabelburg Castle Ruins has several benches for resting and an official fire pit for public use. Altwädenswil Castle Ruins is known for its multiple barbecue areas, making it ideal for picnics.
Is there an admission fee to visit the castle ruins?
Generally, the castle ruins in this area are freely accessible. For example, Altwädenswil Castle Ruins has no admission fees, though visitors should be prepared for uneven and sloped terrain. Wildenburg Ruins is also publicly accessible.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Hausen am Albis?
The castle ruins are generally accessible year-round. However, visiting during spring or autumn offers pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the outdoor sites. The views from locations like Schnabelburg Castle Ruins can be particularly striking during these seasons.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles in the area?
While the main ruins are well-documented, sites like Friedberg Ruins offer a quieter experience. Only a few remnants of walls and a well are visible, but information boards provide a historical overview, making it a peaceful spot for those interested in history without the crowds.
How can I get to the castle ruins using public transport?
Many ruins are accessible via public transport connections followed by a walk. For instance, Schnabelburg Castle Ruins is accessible on foot from the Albis Pass, which is reachable by bus. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for the most convenient routes to the starting points of the trails.
What should I be aware of regarding accessibility at the castle ruins?
Visitors should be prepared for natural and often uneven terrain. For example, Altwädenswil Castle Ruins involves uneven and sloped ground. The paths leading to Schnabelburg Castle Ruins are described as narrow. These sites are generally not wheelchair accessible due to their historical nature and natural settings.
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