Top 19 Castles around Hittnau

Around Hittnau, you'll find a mix of historical sites, including castle ruins, a Roman fort, and well-preserved medieval commanderies. While Hittnau itself is home to the historical site of Burg Werdegg, a former hill castle, the surrounding area features places like the Irgenhausen Roman Fort and the Bubikon Commandery, offering insights into different periods of history.

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The Altlandenberg Castle Ruins offer picnic areas and space for children to explore. The Irgenhausen Roman Fort also has a fireplace and plenty of shade, making it ideal for a family outing. The Bubikon Commandery is an 800-year-old knight's house with a museum that presents history in an engaging way for all ages.

Yes, you can visit the site of Burg Werdegg. Although no castle structures remain, it is a significant historical location. The site is now a wooded hill (Burghügel) where you can still see visible moats. A memorial stone placed in 2000 provides information about its past. There's also a public picnic area with a fireplace on the former bailey, offering a peaceful spot for recreation.

For panoramic views, the Schauenberg Ruins and Panoramic Viewpoint is highly recommended, offering distant views, including the Alps on clear days. The Irgenhausen Roman Fort provides a nice view of the Pfäffikersee and the surrounding area. Additionally, the Altlandenberg Castle Ruins offer a great view of the Tössthal and distant mountains.

Yes, the area around Hittnau offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as those detailed in the Cycling around Hittnau guide, and mountain biking trails, available in the MTB Trails around Hittnau guide. There are also running trails, including a moderate 5.1 km loop around Burgstelle Werdegg.

The sites are generally enjoyable year-round, especially for outdoor activities. However, if you plan to visit the Bubikon Commandery museum, note that it is typically closed during the winter months. For other ruins and outdoor sites, spring through autumn offers pleasant weather for exploring and picnicking. Winter walks can also be beautiful, but be prepared for colder conditions.

The Bubikon Commandery features a cute bistro, which is open in spring. For other sites, especially ruins like Schauenberg or Altlandenberg, it's advisable to bring your own refreshments, as dedicated cafes might not be directly on-site. Many sites, like the Irgenhausen Roman Fort and Altlandenberg Castle Ruins, offer picnic areas and fireplaces.

Visitors frequently appreciate the Schauenberg Ruins and Panoramic Viewpoint for its well-preserved ruins and extensive views. The Altlandenberg Castle Ruins are also very popular for their views of the Tössthal and family-friendly picnic spots. The Bubikon Commandery is highly regarded as one of Europe's best-preserved Johanniter commanderies, offering a deep dive into medieval history.

Yes, you can find circular walks that incorporate these historical sites. For example, the Running Trails around Hittnau guide includes a moderate 5.1 km 'Burgstelle Werdegg loop from Hittnau'. Many of the cycling and MTB routes also offer scenic loops that pass by or near historical points of interest.

Given that many sites are ruins or outdoor historical locations, comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding trails or climb to viewpoints. Layers of clothing are also recommended, as weather conditions can change, particularly in elevated areas like the Schauenberg. If visiting in winter, warm clothing is a must.

While specific public transport details for each site are not provided, many historical sites in the region are often reached by a combination of public transport and a walk. For example, the site of Burg Werdegg is within Hittnau. For more remote ruins like Schauenberg, access is primarily for hikers and bikers, suggesting less direct public transport options. Planning your route in advance using local transport information is recommended.

Most outdoor historical sites and ruins in Switzerland, especially those with walking trails, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. The picnic areas at sites like Altlandenberg Castle Ruins and Irgenhausen Roman Fort are suitable for dogs. However, if visiting indoor museums, such as at the Bubikon Commandery, check their specific pet policies beforehand.