Ruine Alt-Lägern

Ruine Alt-Lägern is a medieval castle complex perched on a hillside near Zurich with stone walls that are now partially moss-covered. The rectangular ground plan remains clearly visible, and the site sits at about 866 meters elevation among fields and forests.

Baron Lutold V had the site built between 1244 and 1246 to secure and display his holdings. However, the location was destroyed before 1300 and then lay abandoned in the landscape.

The ruins display medieval building methods typical of the region and tell of power structures from that era. Visitors can still see the ground plan and understand how such places controlled the land and people around them.

Several hiking trails lead to the site from different directions, giving visitors various access options. At the base of the structure there is a barbecue area where you can rest and enjoy the views.

Excavations from 1902 to 1904 uncovered living spaces that show people once lived and worked here. Surprisingly, archaeologists never found the foundation of a tower, even though castles typically had one.

Location: Zürich

Location: Boppelsen

Address: Lägern

GPS coordinates: 47.48187,8.39400

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26