A well-preserved medieval castle east of Zürich, once a seat of the Counts of Kyburg and later of the Habsburgs and of Zürich's governors.
Kyburg Castle stands on a spur above the Töss valley about 25 kilometres east of Zürich. First recorded in the 11th century, it passed from the Counts of Kyburg to the Habsburgs and in 1452 to the city of Zürich, which used it as the seat of a governor until 1798. The castle includes a keep, a palas, a chapel with medieval frescoes, and a museum of arms, armour and instruments of justice. It is among the best-preserved medieval castles in Switzerland. Visitors can walk the walls, see the knight's hall and enjoy views over the Töss valley. A day trip from Zürich takes three to four hours.
| Admission | Approx. CHF 10 (approx $12.50) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Approx. Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM (Mar-Oct); winter hours reduced |
| Address | Hinterburg 1, 8314 Kyburg, Switzerland |
Why it matters
One of Switzerland's best-preserved medieval castles and a former administrative seat of Zürich.
Location
Hinterburg 1, 8314 Kyburg, Switzerland
47.4247, 8.7273 View on map
Highlights
- Well-preserved medieval keep and palas
- Chapel with frescoes
- Museum of arms and armour
- Views over the Töss valley
Tips for visiting
- Combine with a Winterthur visit
- Check opening dates on the castle website
- Wear sturdy shoes for the walk up
When to visit
Spring to autumn.
Accessibility
The castle has steps and uneven floors; limited wheelchair access.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Kyburg?
Take the train to Effretikon or Winterthur and continue by bus or on foot; check the ZVV app.
Is it open in winter?
Often with reduced hours; check the website.