Very close to the Rhine waterfalls is a thousand-year-old monument of historic significance and importance in Switzerland. Called the Laufen Castle, the monument is a Swiss heritage and is located in the Zurich canton. One of the first documentations about the castle’s existence goes back to 858. At that time, it was home to Laufen’s Barons and kept getting acquired by diverse owners until the time of the Zurich War. After the Helvetic Republic in the early 18th century, the castle went to a private ownership again after getting acquired by Zurich in 1941. Today, the castle is home to a restaurant and a youth hostel. The basement of the castle is magical and has the Rheinfall rail network passing underneath it. Hogwarts anyone?

Location

Rheinfallstrasse, 8447 Dachsen, Switzerland

Known for 

Being one of the oldest castles in Switzerland – over a thousand years. Also popular for its railway network underneath and its architectural heritage.

How to Reach

Taking the train is the best way to reach the Laufen Castle. It follows the same route that you take for the Rhine falls and you have to get down at the Schloss Laufen to visit the palace.

Approximate Cost

NA

Operating Hours

Open from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM until Saturdays and up to 6:30 PM on Sundays

Any Precautions

The castle is closed during Mondays.

Type

Palace