Grynau Tower, Medieval tower in Tuggen, Switzerland
Grynau Tower is a five-story stone structure that rises on a hilltop overlooking the Linth River valley, dominating the landscape of the area. The former bridge location and adjacent buildings give a sense of how this site was laid out as a fortified control point for movement across the territory.
The Rapperswil family built this fortification in the early 1200s to secure a key river crossing between neighboring territories and protect trade routes. Later damage came during conflicts in the late 1700s, but the structure survived to show how early medieval power centers were positioned in the landscape.
The tower's name comes from the family that once controlled these lands, and you can see how medieval strongholds functioned as centers of power over regional trade. The chapel built in the 1600s stands close by, revealing how religious spaces were integrated into fortress life.
The tower grounds are open for visitors to walk around, and a country inn with lodging and dining sits right next door. Being on a hilltop means the approach requires a bit of climbing, but the elevated location offers good views across the surrounding area.
The tower was damaged around 1800 when foreign soldiers occupied the region and destroyed the bridge that crossed the river. The visible damage tells the story of a dramatic moment when this quiet corner of Switzerland became a battleground.
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