Kyburg Castle (German: Schloss Kyburg) is a castle in the municipality of Kyburg and the canton of Zurich southerly of Winterthur in Switzerland. The castle is situated above the river Töss. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
History
The castle it’s first mentioned in 1027 under the name of Chuigeburg (Castle of Cows).
The Counts of Kyburg were the most important noble family in South Germany beside the Habsburg and the House of Savoy.
During the centuries, the castle passed through the hands of various aristocratic families. The Kyburg was destroyed by the forces of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 15th century the city of Zürich bought the county and restored it to its former glory. Since 1999 a society runs it: the Verein Museum Schloss Kyburg.
Museum
The museum brings the castle back to life. As you walk through his chambers you can smell the spices form the medieval cuisine, visit the torture room, the imposing bedrooms or admire the overwhelming weapons collection. You can also try on medieval clothes or find out what happens to thieves.
Every summer the Kyburgiade, an international chamber music festival, takes place in the inner courtyard of the castle.
Museum Opening Hours
During the summer season, that starts from May 1st until the middle of October, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday during the hours of 10.30am to 5.30pm.
In winter, the museum is only open on weekends from 10.30am to 4.30pm.