Best castles around Maur are situated in a region characterized by its scenic lakes, such as Pfäffikersee and Greifensee, and distant views of the Alps. The area offers a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes, providing opportunities for exploration and cultural insight. Visitors can discover remnants of Roman forts and medieval castles, many of which offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This region provides a diverse historical experience within a picturesque setting.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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Very nice hiking trail directly at Lake Greifensee.
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Swiss National Museum, Zurich The Swiss National Museum houses a unique collection of Swiss cultural history and arts and crafts from its beginnings to the present day. The collection comprises over 870,000 objects and is divided into 14 collections. These collections serve as the source material and starting point for research and exhibitions. Text / Source: Swiss National Museum, Museumstrasse 2, Zurich https://www.landesmuseum.ch/de/ueber-uns/geschichte
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History of the National Museum, Zurich The 19th century is generally considered the century of nations and nation-states. While the construction of memorials, monuments, and institutions progressed rapidly in other European countries, the young federal state of Switzerland was reluctant to consider a national museum. Such an undertaking aroused skepticism. There were also very pragmatic reasons: almost every canton possessed its own collections, reflecting the federalist nature of the young nation-state. It was Zurich National Councilor Salomon Vögelin who initiated the discussion about its establishment in 1883, inspired by the success of the national art exhibition at the Swiss National Exhibition in Zurich. After fierce disputes over the location, Zurich prevailed over Lucerne, Basel, and Bern in 1891. The young architect Gustav Gull utilizes various historicizing architectural elements from the late Middle Ages and the modern era: The Swiss National Museum was intended to be a creative unity between collection, exhibition, and architecture. The combination of the museum and the School of Applied Arts fulfills another important principle: to connect schools of applied arts with museums so that the past can serve as a model and inspiration for the students' work. Today, the National Museum Zurich is considered an exceptional 19th-century museum building and a monument of national importance. Opened in 2016, the new building by the Swiss architects Christ & Gantenbein perfectly complements Gustav Gull's building wing. It houses large, flexible exhibition halls, a modern library, and an auditorium for public events. Text / Source: Swiss National Museum, Museumstrasse 2, Zurich https://www.landesmuseum.ch/de/ueber-uns/geschichte
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Founding / National Museum Zurich National Museum Although for years after the founding of the federal state in 1848 it was not yet clear that Switzerland would build a national museum at all, in 1891 the canton of Zurich prevailed over the other applicant cities of Basel, Bern and Lucerne for the location of a new national museum at the federal level. The national museum was opened in 1898 in a newly built castle-like building by Gustav Gull to the north-west of the main hall of the main train station near what is now Platzspitzpark in Zurich. Eugène Ruffy led the festivities for the inauguration of the national museum on June 25, 1898: the cantons were depicted in 20 pictures, comparable to the guilds of today's Sechseläuten. Each canton had an "allegorical carriage" with it, which represented a special feature of the canton. The procession was led by a "magnificent carriage of Helvetia", and the last carriage was a carriage with "Turica, the protector of art". Zurich won a competition against other Swiss cities with the "Fairytale Castle" project. The building combines a wide variety of architectural styles and has therefore been controversial since its construction. The Federal Commission for the Preservation of Monuments, however, expressed itself in an expert opinion dated November 27, 1897 with the following words: "With the National Museum as a stand-alone building, Gustav Gull responded architecturally precisely to the task at hand. The chosen form of a "medieval castle complex" reflects history and makes the complex easily recognizable as a museum building. The building for national history forms an essential counterweight to the main train station, then as now the hub of progressive, forward-looking public transport. With its main courtyard, the complex opens up to the Platzspitz park, which forms a striking border between it and the city. With consistent construction around the main courtyard and the entrance courtyard, with a tight floor plan concept that deliberately uses exceptional situations, and with striking vertical accents, the museum is powerfully realized, an expression of the self-confident federal state." The tuff stone used for the construction comes from Libingen (SG) Text / Source: Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landesmuseum_Z%C3%BCrich
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National Museum Zurich National Museum The Zurich National Museum (until 2009: Swiss National Museum) is the most visited historical museum in Switzerland. It was opened on June 25, 1898. Since January 2010 it has been part of the Swiss National Museum (SNM). This institution comprises three cultural history museums and a collection center. It is subordinate to the Federal Department of Home Affairs. Text / Source: Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landesmuseum_Z%C3%BCrich
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Beautiful viewpoint with a view of Lake Greifensee and the mountains
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Yes, several castles around Maur are suitable for families. Irgenhausen Roman Fort offers open spaces, a fireplace, and shade for picnics. The Friedberg Ruins have information boards that make history engaging for all ages. Additionally, the Historic Village of Greifensee is an idyllic spot with nature for walking and cycling, and dining facilities.
The region around Maur offers a diverse range of historical sites. You can explore remnants of Roman forts, such as the Irgenhausen Roman Fort, which dates back to the 3rd or 4th century. There are also medieval castle ruins like the Friedberg Ruins, built around 1200, and preserved historical villages like the Historic Village of Greifensee.
Many castles and historical sites in the Maur region offer excellent viewpoints. The Irgenhausen Roman Fort provides beautiful views of the Pfäffikersee and the surrounding area, including distant Alps. Uster Castle is known for its scenic outlooks over Lake Greifensee and the mountains. The Historic Village of Greifensee also offers picturesque lake views.
The area around Maur's castles is rich in outdoor activities, especially around the scenic lakes Pfäffikersee and Greifensee. You can find numerous routes for running, hiking, and gravel biking. For detailed routes, explore the Running Trails around Maur, Hiking around Maur, and Gravel biking around Maur guides.
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities near the castles in Maur. For example, the Irgenhausen Roman Fort is situated on a small hill above Pfäffikersee, making it a great stop on a longer hike. The Historic Village of Greifensee is also surrounded by nature, ideal for walks. You can find various routes in the Hiking around Maur guide.
The Maur region, with its lakes and historical sites, is pleasant to visit during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer mild weather ideal for exploring outdoor ruins and enjoying the scenic views. During summer, Uster Castle is open on Sundays for a few hours, allowing access to its tower.
Yes, some castle locations offer nearby dining options. The Historic Village of Greifensee, for instance, has facilities for dining, including restaurants like 'rest. To the crown' mentioned by visitors. For other sites, it's advisable to check local amenities in the nearest towns.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical insight and natural beauty. Many enjoy the panoramic views, especially from sites like Irgenhausen Roman Fort and Uster Castle. The well-prepared historical information boards at places like Friedberg Ruins are also highly valued for providing context to the ancient structures.
The Swiss National Museum in Zurich is a significant historical site built in a castle-like architectural style. While not a traditional medieval castle ruin, its design by Gustav Gull in 1898 evokes a 'medieval castle complex' and houses extensive cultural history collections, making it a notable 'castle' experience in the broader region.
Given that many sites are ruins or involve outdoor exploration, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Layers of clothing are also advisable, especially if visiting viewpoints, as weather conditions can change. If you plan to use the fireplaces at sites like Irgenhausen Roman Fort, consider appropriate attire for outdoor activities.
Yes, the region around Maur offers various circular walks that can incorporate castle visits. The natural landscapes around the lakes, such as Greifensee, are popular for such routes. You can find specific circular routes for hiking and running in the Hiking around Maur and Running Trails around Maur guides, many of which pass by or near historical points of interest.


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