Schloss Regensberg

Schloss Regensberg crowns a ridge spur of the Lägern in the canton of Zurich, north of the city, and it is the symbol of the small hilltop town that grew up around it. The town should not be confused with the German city of Regensburg or with Regensdorf in the Furttal; Regensberg is its own place, and the name goes back to the noble family that founded it, the barons of Regensberg, who built the first castle in the thirteenth century as the centre of their lordship in the Zurich lowlands.

The barons of Regensberg were one of the more powerful noble families of the region, and their castle was meant to dominate the surrounding valleys and routes. The lords of Regensberg lost their influence over time, and the town and castle passed through several hands before the city of Zurich took control in the early fifteenth century. For centuries afterwards the castle served as the seat of a Zurich bailiff who governed the district on behalf of the city, a role that lasted until the end of the old order in the late eighteenth century. That history explains why the town has such a clear administrative character, with the castle on the highest ground and the town laid out below it.

The most recognisable part of the complex is the round keep, a tall tower that can be climbed for views over the Zurich Unterland. From the top, the eye follows the ridge of the Lägern, the Furttal and Wehntal valleys, patches of forest and farmland and, on clear days, the line of the Alps far to the south. The tower is the best place to understand why this position was chosen: nothing in the neighbourhood is higher, and the view in every direction is open.

Beyond the tower, the surrounding area is made up of walls, courtyards and old buildings that have been adapted for modern uses. The interior of some buildings is not open to the public, so exploring means walking around the exterior and enjoying the setting. A walk through the town lanes below completes the picture, including the half-timbered houses, small fountains and the vineyards that cover the slope.

Regensberg is easily visited as a half-day trip from Zurich by train and bus. It suits history lovers, photographers and walkers, and a hike along the Lägern ridge makes a good extension for those who want more than a stroll.