Rapperswil Castle

The castle was built between 1220 and 1230 by Vogt Rudolf von Rapperswil, who had previously resided on the opposite side of the Obersee. From this new location, Rudolf, who was soon elevated to count, could monitor important waterways, pilgrim routes, and cross-traffic at the Seedamm. In 1336, exiled Zurich constables sought refuge here and, with Count Johann II of Habsburg-Laufenburg, planned the Zurich Murder Night, a failed coup attempt. As an act of revenge, Zurich's mayor Rudolf Brun conquered and destroyed the castle and town in 1350. However, Duke Albrecht of Austria immediately had the complex rebuilt. After the extinction of the Habsburg-Laufenburg line, the castle became the property of the city of Rapperswil in 1442. From 1464 until 1798, it served as the seat of Swiss bailiffs. Between 1870 and 1927, it housed the Polish National Museum founded by Władysław Plater, and after a second museum use for contemporary Polish art from 1936 to 1952, a Polish museum has again been located within its walls since 1975.

Rapperswil Castle is located in Rapperswil SG in the See-Gaster district, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. It stands at an elevation of approx. 426 m above sea level.

Today, the castle houses a museum and a restaurant. Visitors can explore the historic complex and enjoy views of Lake Zurich.

• Pfaffikon Castle (Castle), approx. 4.0 km away
• Bubikon Castle (Castle), approx. 4.5 km away
• Grüningen Castle (Castle), approx. 7.6 km away
• Oberes Baliken (Blattenbach) Ruin (Castle), approx. 8.1 km away