Lindenhof

Lindenhof in Rapperswil-Jona is a moraine hill above Lake Zurich and the historic heart of Rapperswil, in the canton of St. Gallen. A castle crowns the top, with parkland and footpaths around it. Do not confuse it with the Lindenhof in Zurich, which is a different place.

What is the Lindenhof in Rapperswil?

The Lindenhof is the rise that looks down on the old town. The hill, together with the castle and the museum inside it, is listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national significance (class A). The castle is visible from far away as you approach the town by train or across the water.

What can you see on the hill?

• Rapperswil Castle. It dates from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, with a first mention in 1229, and has been rebuilt several times since. Since 1870 it has housed the Polish National Museum, set up by Polish exiles.
• The castle tower. From the top you look over the old-town roofs and the lake.
• The deer park. Fallow deer have lived on the north slope since 1871, a nod to the town's founding legend. Children usually enjoy it most.
• The old town below. Narrow medieval lanes, the Hauptplatz and Fischmarktplatz squares, and a town museum covering about 800 years of local history.

How do you get to the Lindenhof?

From the railway station, follow Schlossbergstrasse uphill straight to the hill. The walk through the old town takes about a quarter of an hour. Trains from Zurich reach Rapperswil in roughly 40 minutes. The park is open all year and free.

When should you visit?

April to October is the best window, when the nearby rose gardens are open. Rapperswil calls itself the "town of roses", and the main bloom is usually in June and July. Entry to the gardens is free. The castle exhibition is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00, and closed on Mondays. Check hours before you go.

What else is nearby?

Once you are back down, you can cross the lake on the wooden footbridge to Hurden and its Heilig Hüsli chapel. The town also has a Capuchin monastery, and the lakeside promenade is good for an easy stroll after sightseeing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lindenhof free to visit? Yes. The park and paths are open year-round at no charge. You only pay for the castle exhibition.

Is it the same as the Lindenhof in Zurich? No. They are two separate hills in two different towns. This one sits on Lake Zurich in St. Gallen canton.

How long does a visit take? An hour covers the hill, park and views. Add the museum and the old town and plan on half a day.

Is it good for families? Yes. The deer, the tower with its views and the easy train ride from Zurich make it a simple day trip.