Castle ruins "Schnabelburg" and other fortifications
Castle ruins "Schnabelburg" and other fortifications, Medieval castle ruins in Hausen am Albis, Switzerland
Schnabelburg Castle ruins sit at about 860 meters elevation on a hilltop north of the Schnabellücke pass in Zürich canton. The remaining stone walls show the typical layout of a medieval mountain fortress built to take advantage of the natural terrain.
The Eschenbach family built the castle in 1185 to control the mountain pass. The Habsburgs destroyed it in 1309 after disputes with rival noble families in the area.
The ruins show how medieval fortifications were built to control mountain passes and trade routes in the region. Walking among the stone remains, visitors can understand the practical reasons why this specific hilltop was chosen for defense.
The site can be reached via marked hiking trails from Albis Pass, taking about 30 minutes on foot. The location is open year-round, though weather at this elevation may make the walk more difficult in winter or rainy conditions.
The ruins sit at a spot that still shows the strategic advantage the builders exploited when they constructed it in 1185. From this location, you can see across the pass and understand how the position allowed control of important trade routes.
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