Grynau Castle (Tuggen)

The Counts of Rapperswil constructed the still-standing tower of Grynau Castle in the early 13th century. It served to control the Linth river crossing between their territories in Uznach and the March. In 1337, Grynau was the site of a battle between Zurich and a noble alliance led by Count Johann I of Habsburg-Laufenburg. After the Rapperswil counts died out, the castle passed through the Habsburgs to the Toggenburgers in 1343, and finally to the Canton of Schwyz in 1437. Ownership of Grynau allowed Schwyz to control traffic between Eastern and Central Switzerland, as well as between Zurich and Chur. After the Old Zurich War, Grynau remained with Schwyz, which had the castle administered by a bailiff who collected tolls, ferry, bridge, and fishing fees. In the 17th century, the complex was converted into a castle. Following the abolition of internal customs duties in 1848, the Canton of Schwyz sold the castle to the Kälin family, who still own it today. During World War II, the Grynau fortress played a role in securing the Linth crossing.

Today, Grynau Castle houses a restaurant. The original tower and the castle, converted into a country inn, remain in the possession of the Kälin family.