Habsburg Castle, Medieval fortress on Wülpelsberg hill in Habsburg, Switzerland
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Altenburg Castle
2.4 km
Amphitheater of Vindonissa
2.9 km
Eisenbahnbrücke Brugg-Umiken
2.6 km
Aare viaduct
1.3 km
Mühlehalde terraced housing estate
2.8 km
Evangelical reformed church and rectory with parish barn
2.3 km
Reformed church Hausen
2.5 km
Roman catholic parish church of St. Mary
2.8 km
Administrative building Brugg Cable Works
2.8 km
Umiken village fountain
2.3 km
St. Nikolaus catholic church
3 km
Company archives of the SBB Historical Heritage Foundation
2.4 km
Archives and Collections of the Cantonal Archaeology Aargau
3 km
Technical Museum of the SBB Historical Heritage Foundation
2.4 km
Tithe House
1.8 km
Jenner buildings and round building
1.2 km
Late Roman fort
2.4 km
Schilplin House
3 km
Residential house
1.5 km
Former Untervogtei
1.8 km
Neuquartier-im Winkel; water-bearing Roman water conduit to Vindonissa (section municipality of Hausen)
2.2 km
Parish barn of the reformed Church Umiken
2.3 km
Pfarrhaus Umiken
2.3 km
Pfarrscheune
2.3 km
So called Masséna barn
1.1 km
Stück-Soorematte; dead Roman water conduit to Vindonissa (section of Hausen community)
2.6 km
Gasthaus "zum Bären"
1.5 km
Hallenbad Brugg
2.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes