March 12, 2017

To the Medieval Castle Kyburg near Winterthur

March 11, 2017 -- There are some nice areas to our North near Zurich that are ideal for early Spring hikes with lots of forests and farmlands and castles and look-out towers. On a clear day you can even see the snow-covered peaks of the Alps to the East and South.

This Saturday we picked a trail which took us past the renowned Kyburg Castle, which is a Swiss Heritage Site of National significance, as it is one of the largest remaining medieval castle complexes in Switzerland. (The mighty Habsburg Family from Austria claimed it as their own inheritance after the death of the last count of Kyburg in 1264). Unfortunately for us, the castle complex isn't open for public viewing yet (1st of April, just missed it by a couple of weeks) so we didn't even get to go into the courtyard.

Further along the trail, near our goal of Winterthur, is a 30-m high tower with a viewing platform (165 stairs) and although the day started out blue and cloudless, by the time we got to the tower the air was hazy and we barely could see the white peaks of the Alps.

But Spring is definitely on its way!

Walking through the forests from Kollbrunn to Kyburg

Arriving in the Hamlet Kyburg, with the castle of the same name.

In the village of Kyburg
 
In the village of Kyburg

Heading to the "Gasthof zum Hirschen" for lunch

A good hearty meal (for me, French Fries!) at the rustic "Gasthof zum Hirschen"

After lunch we check out the castle, only to find that it is not yet open to the public.

After lunch we check out the castle, only to find that it is not yet open to the public.

Continuing on our trail, we cross this wooden covered bridge over the River Töss

Spring is coming! Bear Garlic is popping up all over the forest floors (I love the smell...)


This appropriate sign was on the bench where we had our coffee break: "Time for a Break, You have earned it!"

In the forest near Winterthur

From further along the trail, the zoomed view of the castle looks like this.

The 30-m lookout tower near Winterthur

The day was too hazy to have any kind of great view from the tower.
Looks like Carnival is still a happening thing in the city of Winterthur
12-km walk from Kollbrunn to Wintherthur via Kyburg Castle

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