Schloss Rapperswil
This picturesque castle perched on the hill of Rapperswiler peninsula is one of the most important historical monuments of Lake Zurich. With a castle, historical wooden bridge, museums, churches, a deer park and it's lovely setting on Lake Zurich, one has to wonder why more attention isn't paid this lovely destination.
Archeologists have found signs of human habitation of this area dating back as far as 4300 BC. Rapperswil was founded in 1220 (at the latest) in association with the opening of the North-South axis over the Gotthard. Rapperswil is first mentioned in 1233.
After the extinction of Rapperswil line with Countess Elizabeth in 1309, the territorial sovereignty was divided among the sons of her second husband, Johann I von Habsburg-Laufenburg. The city and castle were destroyed in 1350 when the Mayor of Zurich put down a coup. In 1354 Duke Albrecht II von Habsburg gained control of Rapperswil. He completely rebuilt the town and castle, strengthened the autonomy of the citizenry, and (1358-60) had a wooden bridge built to accomodate traffic (stage stop for the pilgrims) to Einsiedeln. Economy and culture revived.
The castle has served several functions since the time of Duke Albrecht II, including a contonal jail from 1820 to 1869. From 1870 to 1927, the castle housed the Polish National Museum, which was built by Polish immigrants under the leadership of Count Ladislas Plater. The Polish Museum was reopened in 1975. The castle is owned by the local community of Rapperswil. It underwent complete restoration in 1988. Since 1868, the Polish Column of Liberty stands at the castle as a sign of Swiss solidarity with people who struggle for their freedom.
Polish Museum
Opening hours: April-October Daily 1pm-5pm
March/November/December Saturday-Sunday 1pm-5pm
Closed: January, February, 24/25/26 December, Easter Sunday
Fees: Adults 5CHF, Students 4CHF, Children (7-16 years) 3CHF
Contact Info: Polenmuseum
Schloss Rapperswil
8640 Rapperswil
Phone 055 210 18 62
Fax 055 210 06 62
Schloss Restaurant Rapperswil
Opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11:30am-11:30pm
Closed between lunch and dinner.
Schloss Restaurant Rapperswil also provides concerts, cooking courses and Sunday Brunch. Several rooms within the castle and an open courtyard are available for special events.
Contact Info: Schloss Restaurant Rapperswil
8640 Rapperswil
Phone 055 210 18 28
http://www.schloss-restaurant.ch/
For informational purposes only. I am not responsible for any losses incurred during the use of this info. Always contact our destination directly to confirm opening hours and admission fees. Sites may close for special events and renovations or charge additional fees for entrance to exhibitions.