Top 17 Castles around Stäfa
Best castles around Stäfa are accessible from this charming lakeside town on Lake Zurich. Stäfa, with its historical roots dating back to Roman times, is known for its vineyards and scenic lakeside promenade. This location serves as a convenient starting point for exploring various historical sites and castles in the surrounding region.
Best castles around Stäfa
- The most popular castles is View of Rapperswil's Old Town and Castle, a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Lake Zurich. This 13th-century castle features well-preserved medieval architecture and houses the Polish Museum.
- Another must-see spot is Bubikon Commandery, a historical site and museum. Visitors can explore the 800-year-old knight's house, which revives the Middle Ages and presents facts about the venerable walls and knightly orders.
- Visitors also love Altwädenswil Castle Ruins, a castle ruin with several barbecue areas. This impressive ruin is considered an adventure playground for children and offers a small forest area for relaxation.
- Stäfa is known for its variety of historical sites, including well-preserved castles, ancient commanderies, and castle ruins. The region offers a diverse range of historical structures to explore.
- The castles around Stäfa are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1300 upvotes and over 220 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
View of Rapperswil's Old Town and Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Bubikon Commandery
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Friedberg Ruins
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Altwädenswil Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Pfäffikon Castle
Highlight • Castle
History of the castle complex (castle tower)
In the years 965/72 the German emperors donated the two farms Pfäffikon and Wollerau to the Einsiedeln monastery. The Benedictine monastery built a storage facility in Pfäffikon to store the population's donations in kind.
In the middle of the 13th century, Abbot Anselm von Schwanden had today's castle tower built to ward off enemy attacks and to protect the income from the monastery lands. Since the complex repeatedly had to serve as an abbot's residence, residential buildings were built near the tower complex under the direction of Abbot Burkhard von Weissenburg at the beginning of the 15th century. From then on the castle was called the «Weissenburg».
The complex was very important for Einsiedeln Abbey, as the following examples illustrate. In 1480 the abbot was elected here, and in 1577 it served as a place of refuge for the Einsiedeln monks for 7 months when the monastery and the village of Einsiedeln fell victim to a major fire. The "Weissenburg" also repeatedly received important visitors such as various Schwyz bailiffs and magistrates and the papal nuncio. The castle complex served the monastery as an administrative center until the 18th century and was finally replaced by the newly built baroque governor's office next to it.
As a defensive structure, Pfäffikon Castle was not only subordinate to Einsiedeln Abbey, but also to the governors of the courts, the Lords of Rapperswil, the Counts of Habsburg, Zurich and Schwyz. As a result, the castle was involved in numerous military conflicts.
Text/Source: Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlossanlage_Pf%C3%A4ffikon
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Stäfa.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around Stäfa
Tips from the Community
The impressive building is home to exciting exhibitions, a large library and a collection of weapons from the Middle Ages. Only open in the summer months.
0
0
The castle was first mentioned in writing in 1265. The Freiherrenturm, built before 1200, is the oldest part of the castle. Its outer shells are made of mighty boulders. 1287 sold the last baron Rudolf III. for lack of descendants, the lordship of Wädenswil to the Johanniterhaus Bubikon. Wädenswil became a commander of the Johanniter. After the Reformation, the Johanniter sold the lordship of Wädenswil with all rights to the city of Zurich in 1549. In 1900 an initiative committee acquired the castle grounds and in 1902 established the Foundation for the Preservation of Alt-Wädenswil Castle.
0
0
A really impressive ruin, with several barbecue areas around and on the main castle. The ruin is nowhere secured by railings, CLIMB AT YOUR OWN RISK!
2
0
One of the most impressive ruins in the area.
2
0
Great trail down the ravine, with technically demanding sections and was an absolute highlight for me. As Ingo already mentioned, please give the hikers the right of way 😊
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles and historical sites can I explore near Stäfa?
Near Stäfa, you can explore a diverse range of historical structures. These include well-preserved castles like View of Rapperswil's Old Town and Castle, ancient commanderies such as Bubikon Commandery, and atmospheric castle ruins like Altwädenswil Castle Ruins. Each offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich past.
Are there family-friendly castles or ruins to visit around Stäfa?
Yes, several sites are great for families. Altwädenswil Castle Ruins is particularly popular, described as an adventure playground for children with several barbecue areas and a small forest for relaxation. Bubikon Commandery also offers lots of history for young and old, reviving the Middle Ages.
What are the best castles for scenic views near Stäfa?
For stunning panoramic views, View of Rapperswil's Old Town and Castle is highly recommended. Perched on a hill, it offers breathtaking vistas of Lake Zurich and the picturesque old town of Rapperswil.
Can I find hiking trails near the castles around Stäfa?
Absolutely. The region around Stäfa offers various hiking opportunities that can be combined with castle visits. For example, you can find routes like the 'Rapperswil Castle – Main Square, Rapperswil loop' which is a more challenging 25 km hike. Explore more options on the Hiking around Stäfa guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles near Stäfa?
The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant weather for exploring, with fewer crowds than summer. However, the castles and ruins can be visited year-round. Some sites like Bubikon Commandery (museum) might have reduced opening hours during winter, so it's always good to check beforehand.
Are there any castles near Stäfa that are dog-friendly?
Many outdoor castle ruins and their surrounding areas, such as Altwädenswil Castle Ruins and Friedberg Ruins, are generally dog-friendly for walks, provided dogs are kept on a leash. For indoor attractions like museums within castles, it's best to check their specific pet policies.
How long should I plan for a visit to a castle near Stäfa?
The duration depends on the site. For a comprehensive visit to Rapperswil Castle and its surrounding old town, including the Polish Museum, you could easily spend half a day or even a full day. Smaller ruins like Altwädenswil Castle Ruins might only require an hour or two, especially if combined with a picnic or a short walk.
What historical significance does <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/920303" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bubikon Commandery</a> hold?
Bubikon Commandery is an 800-year-old knight's house, considered one of the best-preserved Johanniter commanderies in Europe. Founded between 1191 and 1198, it now functions as a museum, offering insights into the venerable walls and the history of knightly orders.
Are there cafes or amenities available at or near the castles?
Yes, some locations offer amenities. Bubikon Commandery has a cute bistro. Rapperswil's old town, adjacent to Rapperswil Castle, is bustling with cafes, pubs, and restaurants. For ruins like Altwädenswil Castle Ruins, you'll find barbecue areas, but it's advisable to bring your own provisions.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Stäfa?
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy gravel biking around Stäfa, with routes like 'View of Lake Greifensee – Lützelsee loop'. There are also mountain hikes available. For more details on these activities, refer to the Gravel biking around Stäfa and Mountain Hikes around Stäfa guides.
Is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3338876" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pfäffikon Castle</a> open to the public?
Pfäffikon Castle, specifically its castle tower, is often available for private events like weddings, family celebrations, or business gatherings. The former governor's office nearby now serves as a community center. While the grounds may be accessible, public access to the interior might be limited to specific events or tours.
What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1026599" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Friedberg Ruins</a> interesting to visit?
Friedberg Ruins, dating back to around 1200, offers a glimpse into medieval history with remnants of its walls and a well. Information boards provide historical context, and a beautiful bench around a tree invites visitors to linger and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Most popular routes around Stäfa
Most popular attractions around Stäfa
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Stäfa:
