Castles around Volken offer a rich historical landscape in the Zurich canton of Switzerland, featuring 13 distinct castle locations. This region is characterized by its diverse historical sites, ranging from well-preserved structures to ancient ruins. The area provides opportunities to explore cultural heritage within a natural setting.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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The Multberg rises southeast of the village of Pfungen in the lower Töss Valley. The summit plateau, measuring approximately 45 x 25 meters, is protected by ditches on the west and east sides, and the terrain drops steeply all around. According to archaeological findings, Multberg Castle was built around the middle of the 13th century. Construction appears to have been carried out under time pressure and was rather makeshift. Whether the castle ever served as a permanent residence is questionable. Its builders are believed to have been the Barons of Wart, who at that time also owned the neighboring castles of Pfungen and Wart. The original name of the castle is unknown. Its destruction occurred in the spring of 1309. After Rudolf III of Wart had actively participated in the assassination of King Albrecht I of Habsburg the previous year, Multberg, along with Wart, fell victim to the Habsburg campaign of revenge under Duke Leopold I of Austria. The chronicler Johannes von Winterthur reports that he saw two castles burning at that time: they must have been Wart and Multberg. It's a bit of a shame that there is no information plaque on site about the former castle and its history. https://www.burgenwelt.org/schweiz/multberg/object.php
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Below the castle near the dormitory there are fountains with drinking water
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Quite a lot of motorbikes and cars on the road on Saturdays! Still okay.
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including barbecue area with great views over Rorbas/Freienstein/Embrach
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The castle cannot be visited. However, the owners have set up a website that allows a look behind the scenes and provides an insight into the somewhat nebulous history. https://www.schloss-eigenthal.ch/
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Incredible castle built in the years 1889 to 1894 by a local entrepreneur, from the Sulzer family
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The Volken region offers a diverse range of historical sites, from well-preserved castles to ancient ruins and castle sites. You can find structures like the fairytale-like Wart Castle, the ruins of Freienstein Castle with an accessible tower, and historical castle sites like Multberg Castle Site where only archaeological interpretations remain.
Yes, Freienstein Castle Ruins and Well is a hilltop castle at 460 meters above sea level. Its tower can be accessed via a modern iron frame, providing wonderful views over the entire valley.
The Multberg Castle Site is historically significant, built around the mid-13th century and destroyed in 1309 during a Habsburg campaign of revenge. While no walls are visible today, archaeological findings reveal its past. Wyden Castle also has a unique history, with its oldest parts dating back to the Middle Ages and a dramatic rebuilding in 1946 after a plane crash.
Not all castles are publicly accessible. For instance, Eigental Castle is privately owned and cannot be visited, though its owners maintain a website offering a glimpse behind the scenes. Wyden Castle and Stud Farm is also privately owned, but its idyllic location in nature can be appreciated from the outside.
While specific family activities vary by site, many castles, including Wart Castle, are considered family-friendly due to their historical appeal and surrounding natural areas. Exploring castle ruins like Freienstein Castle can also be an engaging adventure for families, especially with the climbable tower.
The Volken area offers various outdoor activities. You can find excellent gravel biking routes, such as the 'Irchel Tower – Hochwacht Irchel viewpoint loop' or the 'View of the River Thur – Rhine Falls loop'. For cycling, explore routes like 'Thur Bridge near Andelfingen – View of the River Thur loop'. There are also running trails, including 'Thur Bridge – Rhine Bend at Rheinau loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Volken, Cycling around Volken, and Running Trails around Volken guides.
Yes, many castles are situated in areas with hiking opportunities. For example, the Multberg Castle Site is located on a plateau with steep terrain, offering trails through the forest. While specific hiking routes directly to each castle are not detailed, the region's overall landscape is conducive to walking and exploring. You can find nearby running trails in the Running Trails around Volken guide.
Visitors appreciate the diverse historical structures, from well-preserved castles to intriguing ruins. The fairytale appearance of Wart Castle is often highlighted, as are the wonderful views from the accessible tower of Freienstein Castle Ruins. The natural settings surrounding these historical sites also contribute to a pleasant experience, with many trails and scenic spots.
Yes, Wart Castle, built in 1889, is often noted for its fairytale appearance and is said to resemble Neuschwanstein Castle. It's a very beautiful sight, especially when approached via the bike paths that lead right past it.
The Freienstein Castle Ruins are a hilltop castle at 460 meters above sea level, implying a climb to reach them. Similarly, the Multberg Castle Site is on a plateau with terrain that drops steeply, suggesting a more rugged approach. These sites offer a more adventurous exploration experience.
While specific seasonal recommendations are not available for each castle, the region's natural setting in the Zurich canton of Switzerland suggests that spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is also suitable, though it can be warmer. Winter visits might be possible, but some paths or facilities could be affected by snow or ice.


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