Turm Richensee

The Tower of Richensee (Turm Richensee) near Altwis is a medieval residential and defensive tower in the canton of Lucerne, in Switzerland's Seetal valley north of Lake Baldegg. It stands in the hamlet of Richensee, now part of the municipality of Hitzkirch, next to the village of Altwis. What survives is the heavy lower part of the tower, which visitors can see from outside.

What is the history of Richensee Tower?

The Counts of Kyburg had the tower built between 1237 and 1243 as an administrative seat for the surrounding district. After the Kyburg line died out, the Habsburgs took over, and from 1264 a Habsburg bailiff lived here. They organised the area as the Amt Richensee, a separate administrative district.

A small settlement grew up around the tower, and chronicles often call it a little town. During the Sempach War Richensee sided with the Swiss Confederates, and the Habsburgs destroyed it on 9 February 1386 in retaliation. The area passed to Lucerne after 1415, and the municipality of Richensee merged into Hitzkirch in 1897.

What can you see at the site?

The well-preserved tower base rises about 15.8 m and consists of massive, roughly dressed stone blocks. It is one of the clearest remains of a bailiff's seat in the region. The tower can only be viewed from outside, so a visit takes around fifteen minutes.

The hamlet of Richensee belonged to the parish of Hitzkirch. Neighbouring Altwis is much older than the ruined stronghold: the village is first recorded in 1113. For centuries it belonged to the Richensee district, and from 1350 lower jurisdiction there lay with the lords of Heidegg castle.

How do you get to Richensee Tower?

The tower lies in the Hitzkirch municipality in the Seetal, close to Lake Baldegg and Lake Hallwil. Driving or cycling from Hitzkirch is the easiest option, and local roads and walking paths cross the area. The coordinates are 47.22015 N, 8.2519 E. Because the tower is only seen from outside, there are no tickets or opening hours.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to autumn suits walks around the Seetal. The tower pairs well with a day trip to the lakes or to other castles in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Richensee Tower?

No. Only the lower part of the tower survives, and it is viewed from outside.

Who built the tower?

The Counts of Kyburg, between 1237 and 1243. It later belonged to the Habsburgs.

When was the stronghold destroyed?

On 9 February 1386, during the Sempach War, after Richensee sided with the Confederates.

Is there an entrance fee?

No. You look at the tower from outside, and no tickets are needed.