Habsburg Castle

Habsburg Castle is a medieval fortress on Wülpelsberg hill near Habsburg in Switzerland, preserved today as both ruin and inhabited monument. Two tall towers of gray stone still stand upright and frame a residential building from the 13th century, while other parts of the complex remain visible only as wall fragments.

Count Radbot of Klettgau and Bishop Werner of Strassburg began building this fortress around 1020 as a strategic point near the Aare river. The family that took residence here grew over the centuries into one of the most powerful dynasties in Europe and left the castle only in the 14th century.

The fortress gave its name to a noble family that shaped European politics for centuries and later ruled territories across Austria and Spain. Visitors today walk through the rooms where this dynasty began and see the simple stone walls that once formed the center of their power.

The complex opens from March through November and can be visited Tuesday through Sunday without admission charge, with audio guides accompanying tours of the towers and living quarters. Guided walks through the preserved sections and ruins help visitors understand the different building phases.

The name comes from the German word for hawk, Habicht, because legend says such a bird landed on the walls during the first construction work. This story became so closely tied to the site that the family later adopted the bird into their coat of arms and carried it as a symbol for centuries.

Location: Habsburg

Inception: 1020

Elevation above the sea: 461 m

Part of: list of cultural properties in Habsburg AG, Museum Aargau

Address: Schlossgasse 30, 5245 Habsburg

Website: https://museumaargau.ch/en/habsburg-castle

GPS coordinates: 47.46252,8.18087

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:03