Lower Castle (Unterburg) / Lower Town (Unterstadt)

Regensberg is a small walled town in the canton of Zurich, perched on a spur of the Lägern ridge north of the city and overlooking the Furttal and Wehntal valleys. It was founded in the thirteenth century by the barons of Regensberg, and its compact layout still reflects that medieval planning: a single elongated oval on a hilltop, divided into an upper and a lower part. The town is often confused with the German city of Regensburg, but the two have nothing to do with each other.

The Unterburg, or Lower Castle, and the Unterstadt, the lower town, form the southern half of this arrangement, while the Oberburg and Oberstadt occupy the upper end. Where the upper part is dominated by the round tower of the Oberburg, the lower half has a more domestic feel, with a street of closely set houses, small gardens and views over the vineyards on the slopes below. Many of the buildings are half-timbered, and the way they line the lanes produces a harmonious picture that has made Regensberg a favourite subject for photographers and painters.

Walking through the Unterstadt is the main activity. The streets are narrow and the town is small enough to explore in a short visit, but lingering helps: the details are in doorways, carved beams, fountains and the shift in views between each lane. The bastion-like edge of the hill offers outlooks across the Zurich Unterland, and on clear days the horizon opens toward the Alps. There is a sense that the town has changed less than most, and it remains a living community rather than a museum.

The round tower in the upper town, which is the famous landmark of Regensberg, can be visited for the panorama and for the displays inside. Combining the lower and upper town in a single walk gives a clear picture of how a medieval foundation worked, from its defensive heart to its residential streets. Nearby Schloss Regensberg is part of the same story, and the three sections are meant to be read together.

Regensberg suits those who enjoy slow walking and small-town atmosphere. It is easily reached from Zurich by public transport and bus via Dielsdorf, and local restaurants and wine producers add a pleasant finish to a half-day outing.