Top 9 Castles around Root
Best castles around Root, Switzerland, are situated in the canton of Lucerne, offering a blend of historical architecture and natural landscapes. This region features diverse historical sites, from medieval ruins to elegant châteaux, often set against backdrops of lakes and mountains. The area provides insights into Swiss history and architectural heritage, with many sites accessible for exploration.
Best castles around Root
- The most popular castles is Meggenhorn Castle, a castle situated above Lake Lucerne. Built between 1868 and 1870 in the style of French Loire châteaux, it features a beautiful park, a chapel, and a vineyard.
- Another must-see spot is Johanniter Commandery Hohenrain, a historical site recognized as a cultural asset of national importance. Visitors can explore one of Switzerland's oldest Hospitaller settlements, with parts of the complex from the late 12th and 13th centuries largely preserved as a medieval order castle.
- Visitors also love Gesslerburg Ruins, a medieval castle linked to the legend of Wilhelm Tell. The ruins of this hilltop castle provide a scenic point for exploration and historical intrigue.
- Root is known for its medieval ruins, historic commanderies, and elegant châteaux. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, showcasing different eras of Swiss history and architecture.
- The castles around Root are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 150 upvotes and 50 photos shared.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Meggenhorn Castle
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Johanniter Commandery Hohenrain
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de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johanniterkommende_Hohenrain
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Gesslerburg Ruins
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The "nobles of Küssnach" and the lords of Silenen as lords of the castle
Gesslerburg is the name of the medieval castle in Küssnacht. Like Hohle Gasse in Immensee, it is linked to the legend of Wilhelm Tell. According to the historian Aegidius Tschudi, it is said to have been the seat of Landsvogt Hermann Gessler. The ruins of the Gesslerburg have been owned by the Swiss Confederation since 1908.
The ruins of the hilltop castle are located on a hilltop in the east of the village, above the village stream, which flows from the Seebodenalp into the lake. A path leads up to the Gesslerburg from the Knochenstampfe, a shed by the stream with a water wheel in which fertilizer was once produced.
Despite archaeological investigations, very little is known about the origin and history of the castle complex. There is evidence of a nobleman named Recho from the second half of the 9th century, who donated his possessions in Küssnacht to the Benedictine monastery in Hof Luzern, along with other goods. An early medieval castle probably also belonged to it. The first documented mention dates back to 1263: «in castro nostro Chüssenach».
In 1291, Küssnacht was bought from the monastery by Rudolf I of Habsburg. The lords of the castle, who were employed as bailiffs by the House of Habsburg, appeared as "nobles from Küssnach". Knight Eppo II (1282-1315) demanded taxes, duties and forced labor as a bailiff. In 1302 there was a dispute with the villagers of Küssnacht, Immensee and Haltikon, in which the bailiff is said to have almost died. Around the middle of the 14th century. The castle was destroyed by fire and then rebuilt much larger.
Text / source: Küssnacht District, Seeplatz 2/3, Postfach 176, 6403 Küssnacht am Rigi
kuessnacht.ch/district/sightseeing/ruine_gesslerburg.html/107
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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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Château Gütsch
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The Hotel and Restaurant Chateau Gütsch offers beautiful views of Lucerne and Lake Lucerne. After bankruptcy and major renovations, the hotel reopened in 2014. Further renovations were carried out by a new owner starting in 2020.
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Picturesquely situated on a small hill, the castle towers over the water, offering a fantastic panoramic view of the lake as well as the surrounding mountains with Rigi and Pilatus in clear visibility 🏔️👀. Surrounded by an extensive, well-kept park landscape, the castle radiates a very special tranquility and elegance 🌿.
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The Commandery of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem is located in the municipality of Hohenrain. It is one of the oldest Hospitaller settlements in Switzerland. It was first mentioned in 1182/83 as a commandery. Parts of the complex, dating from the late 12th and 13th centuries, have been largely preserved as part of a medieval castle belonging to the Order. According to the inventory of cultural property, it is considered a cultural asset of national importance. Today it belongs to the Canton of Lucerne. Source: Wikipedia; see also Wikipedia: History
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Meggenhorn Castle, surrounded by its tranquil park, sits on a promontory overlooking Lake Lucerne. First documented as "Mekkenhorn" in 1240, parts of the estate belonged to the Collegiate Church of St. Leodegar until the 16th century. Commissioned by owner Edouard Hofer, the castle was built between 1868 and 1870, modeled after the Loire Valley château of Chambord. Guided tours of the living museum offer insights into the lifestyle of the 19th-century nobility and the last owners, the Frey-Baumann family, who resided at the castle from 1920 until its sale to the municipality of Meggen in 1974. http://www.meggenhorn.ch/
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Meggenhorn Castle is situated above Lake Lucerne in Meggen, near the canton of Lucerne. It was built between 1868 and 1870 in the style of French Loire châteaux. Today it belongs to the municipality of Meggen and serves as a museum, event venue, and tourist destination with a beautiful park, chapel, vineyard, and magnificent views of the lake and the Alps.
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Meggenhorn Castle is definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately, it's no different here than in other places where tourism is threatening to take over. Anyone who wants to pay their respects to the charming château with its magnificent view of the mountains and lake in a more intimate atmosphere should do so either during the week or, ideally, during the shoulder season. That is, when Lucerne isn't exactly bustling with tourists. It's also advisable to inquire before your visit to see if a private party is taking over this charming little town. However, you can always view Meggenhorn from the outside. Incidentally, the castle has a chic bistro with a fantastic panoramic terrace, just below its walls, offering a wide range of food and beverages. The prices are unusually fair, and the service is pleasantly patient and... how could it be otherwise? Multilingual. A stop here is also worthwhile. For younger guests, there's a cool playground with animal enclosures a little further down, both belonging to the nearby farm. From time to time, it's also possible to observe the farm animals, such as cows, in the large stable. Meggenhorn Castle is thus a worthwhile destination for all ages, including hikers who want to stop off here for a short break.
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Up there you have a wonderful view of Lucerne.
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A beautiful little castle that can now be used for weddings and other celebrations. "The Meggenhorn is a castle residence on Lake Lucerne in the Swiss canton of Lucerne and a boat station of the Lake Lucerne Shipping Company. Geographically, Meggenhorn refers to the promontory that juts out into Lake Lucerne and separates Lake Lucerne from Lake Küssnacht. The castle, owned by the municipality of Meggen, is used as a museum and for events." Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I expect to find around Root?
Around Root, you'll discover a diverse range of historical structures, from medieval ruins and well-preserved Hospitaller settlements to elegant châteaux. The region showcases various eras of Swiss history and architectural styles, often set against scenic backdrops of lakes and mountains.
Which castles offer a significant historical experience?
For a deep dive into history, the Johanniter Commandery Hohenrain is a must-visit. It's one of Switzerland's oldest Hospitaller settlements, with parts of the complex from the late 12th and 13th centuries largely preserved as a medieval order castle. Another excellent choice is Heidegg Castle, which evolved from a noble fortress to a Baroque patrician castle, with its keep containing the oldest living quarters in the canton of Lucerne, dating back to 1192.
Are there any castles connected to famous Swiss legends?
Yes, the Gesslerburg Ruins in Küssnacht am Rigi are famously linked to the legend of Wilhelm Tell. According to historian Aegidius Tschudi, it was the seat of Landvogt Hermann Gessler. Exploring these ruins offers a connection to this iconic Swiss tale.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Root?
Many castles around Root are suitable for families. Meggenhorn Castle, for instance, has a beautiful park, vineyard, and occasionally allows observation of farm animals in its large stable, making it enjoyable for all ages. The Johanniter Commandery Hohenrain and Huwiler Tower are also categorized as family-friendly, offering historical exploration in accessible settings.
Which castles offer beautiful natural surroundings or views?
Meggenhorn Castle, situated above Lake Lucerne, offers magnificent views of the lake and the Alps from its extensive English park. Heidegg Castle also provides unobstructed views overlooking Lake Baldegg, surrounded by forests and vineyards. The Gesslerburg Ruins, located on a hilltop, also provide scenic points for exploration and panoramic views.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a castle visit near Root?
The region around Root is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, cycling routes, and mountain hikes. For example, you could visit Meggenhorn Castle and then explore the nearby trails offering views of Lake Lucerne, or combine a visit to the Gesslerburg Ruins with a hike up Rigi Kulm.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Root?
The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are often ideal for visiting the castles around Root, as the weather is pleasant for exploring the grounds and crowds are generally smaller. Summer offers lush landscapes and full access to all facilities, but can be busier. Winter visits can be charming, especially for castles like Heidegg, which hosts events, but some outdoor areas might be less accessible depending on snow conditions.
How can I reach the castles around Root using public transport?
Many castles in the Lucerne canton, including those near Root, are accessible by public transport. For example, Meggenhorn Castle is near Lucerne, which has excellent train and bus connections. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for specific castle locations, as some might require a short walk from the nearest stop.
Are there castles near Root that are less crowded or considered 'hidden gems'?
While popular sites like Meggenhorn can attract crowds, visiting during weekdays or the shoulder season can offer a more intimate experience. The Huwiler Tower in Zug, being the smallest of Zug's outer city towers, offers a charming historical glimpse into medieval town defenses and might be less frequented than larger castles. Wyher Moated Castle also provides insight into medieval noble residences in a potentially quieter setting.
Are there options for food and drink near the castles?
Yes, several castles and their surrounding areas offer dining options. Heidegg Castle, for example, has a café within its grounds. Near Meggenhorn Castle, you can find restaurants in Meggen or nearby Lucerne. For other castles, you'll often find cafes or pubs in the closest villages, such as those near the Gesslerburg Ruins in Küssnacht am Rigi.
Can I explore the interiors of these castles, or are they mostly ruins?
It varies by castle. Meggenhorn Castle functions as a museum and event venue, allowing visitors to explore its charming architecture and grounds. Heidegg Castle is also a living museum, sharing stories of aristocratic families. In contrast, the Gesslerburg Ruins are primarily foundations and wall remains, offering a historical site for exploration rather than interior tours.
Are there any castles that are particularly well-preserved or restored?
The Johanniter Commandery Hohenrain is notable for its preservation, with significant parts of the complex from the late 12th and 13th centuries largely intact as a medieval order castle. Heidegg Castle has also undergone transformations from a noble fortress to a Baroque patrician castle, incorporating Gothic elements, and is well-maintained as a historical site and museum.
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