Burgstelle Multberg

Burgstelle Multberg is a wooded hilltop above the village of Pfungen in the canton of Zurich, where a small medieval castle once stood. No walls remain above ground, but the summit platform, the defensive ditches and the story of the Wart family make it a rewarding short hike from Winterthur.

What is Multberg?

Multberg rises southeast of Pfungen in the lower Töss valley, in the Winterthur district. A castle crowned its forested summit; today only the outline of the site survives, known in German as a Burgstelle. The top is a level plateau of roughly 45 by 25 metres, at about 550 metres above sea level, with steep slopes falling away on every side.

Who built it, and what happened?

Excavation findings place construction around the middle of the 13th century, and the work looks hurried and improvised. The builders are thought to be the Freiherren von Wart, the barons who held the Pfungen fief at the time. The castle's original name is unknown; "Multberg" is simply the name of the hill.

In 1309 the Habsburgs destroyed it in retaliation for the murder of King Albrecht I, in which Rudolf III von Wart had taken part. The chronicler Johannes von Winterthur described two castles burning that day, generally identified as Wart and Multberg. The castle was never rebuilt. Swiss sources also mention traces of Bronze Age settlement on the hill.

What will you see today?

Archaeologists dug here in 1953, and no masonry is visible now. What you can still make out:

• a flat, wooded summit with clear edges,
• defensive ditches on the west and east sides that once cut the castle off from the ridge,
• steep slopes protecting the remaining flanks.

There is no information board and no food or drink on the hilltop, so read up on the history before you set off.

How do you get to Burgstelle Multberg?

From Winterthur, take the S41 train to Pfungen. A marked trail leads from the station up the hill, steeply and over many steps, in about 30 minutes. The path is not suitable for wheelchairs. Entry is free and the site is open at all times.

When should you go?

Pick a dry day between late spring and autumn, when the steps and forest path are not slippery. Bring sturdy shoes and your own water. The climb pairs well with a walk along the Töss valley or a visit to Winterthur.

Frequently asked questions

Are any castle walls still standing on Multberg? No. After the 1953 excavation no masonry is visible; the ditches and the summit platform are what remain.

How long is the walk from Pfungen? About 30 minutes on a marked trail, mostly steep and with many steps.

Is there an entrance fee? No, access is free with no time restrictions.

Is there an information panel or café at the top? Neither. The summit has no sign explaining the castle and no catering.