Alt Wädenswil Castle

Richterswil, Switzerland, Switzerland

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Alt Wädenswil Castle is a medieval ruin situated on a hill between Richterswil and Wädenswil in Switzerland's canton of Zurich, first documented around 1130 as the stronghold of the Barons von Wädenswil.

Built in the late 12th century with a massive residential tower and later expansions, it became an Order castle of the Knights of St. John in 1287 after the barons sold it due to lack of male heirs, serving as a commandery with a hostel for pilgrims until the Reformation.

Demolished in 1557 by order of the Swiss Confederation to prevent Zurich's dominance, the site now offers hikers a Swiss heritage site of national significance with remnants of walls, towers, and archaeological finds from the 13th to 16th centuries.