Andelfingen Castle

Andelfingen Castle (Schloss Andelfingen) is a former bailiff's seat in Andelfingen, a small town in the canton of Zurich, in the wine-growing Zürcher Weinland. It sits above the Thur bridge and the old mill, and together with the church tower it defines the village skyline.

What is its history?

The castle at Andelfingen is first mentioned in 1361. Zurich acquired the lordship in the 15th century and in 1482 made it a bailiwick of its own, known as the Äusseres Amt. From then on the castle served as the bailiff's office and residence. The complex was rebuilt in 1614, and the building standing today dates from 1780 to 1782.

Which castle is this?

Andelfingen has two similarly named buildings. This page covers the newer Schloss Andelfingen, the former Landvogtei. The older Altes Schloss is a separate structure, so check the name before you plan a visit.

What can you see?

The house is an example of late 18th-century official architecture. Together with the inns and administrative buildings of the village centre, it shows the town's past as a seat of government. The federal ISOS inventory describes Andelfingen as a large, terraced village at a historic Thur crossing, shaped by its fortified church precinct and the castle. A garden by the castle invites a rest, and the Haldenmühle mill lies just below.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

Andelfingen lies in northern Zurich canton, near Winterthur and the German border. The castle stands in the village centre above the bridge, so the easiest approach is to park or arrive by public transport and explore on foot. Spring to early autumn is best, when the garden is pleasant and the surrounding vineyards are green or at harvest.

Frequently asked questions

Does Andelfingen have just one castle? No. Schloss Andelfingen is the former bailiff's seat; the other is Altes Schloss.

When was the current building constructed? Between 1780 and 1782. An earlier complex was recorded in 1361 and rebuilt in 1614.

Can I walk in the castle garden? Yes, there is a garden by the castle for relaxing, and the Haldenmühle mill is below.

What else is nearby? The Thur bridge, the church with its distinctive tower, and the vineyards of the Weinland.