Grünenberg Castle (Ruin) (Hitzkirch)

The Grünenberg ruin near Hitzkirch is a castle ruin in the Lucerne Seetal. The Grünenberg Castle, or Untere Lieli as it was called after its later owners, which now only exists as a ruin, has a checkered history.

Construction

In 1237, Grünenberg Castle was built by the Counts of Kyburg. Its creation was related to the emergence of the trade route through the Seetal to Lucerne and over the Gotthard at that time. With its excellent location, it dominated the wide surroundings and secured sovereign rights in the upper valley.

Further Development

• Around 1360: The castle comes into the possession of the Lords of Lieli
• In 1386, the castle, like the town of Richensee at its feet, was destroyed by the Lucerners in the run-up to the Sempach War. After the destruction, only the tower remained, which was subsequently also exposed to decay
• Around 1437, Grünenberg passed to the Lordship of Heidegg
• Around 1700: The Canton of Lucerne acquires Heidegg and thus also Grünenberg
• In the 18th century, the castle fell victim to a fire