Above Lake Zurich, near Küsnacht, you can hike to the remains of the former Wulp Castle from the High Middle Ages. The surrounding area and the fascinating ravine are perfect for barbecuing, hiking or just relaxing.
Story
The castle was first mentioned sometime in the middle of the 15th century, but it is actually much older. Followers of the Counts of Lenzburg are said to have settled in the castle as early as the 12th century. A ring wall dating from the 11th century has even been preserved to this day. The second castle complex on the same site was then built by the Barons of Regensberg, but was never fully completed. In the 13th century, an unusual teardrop-shaped keep was built here. However, the castle site was abandoned before the end of the century. On May 5, 1267, Count Rudolf of Habsburg and the city of Zurich took the castle during the Regensberg Feud.
Pre-Christian traces were discovered on the hill near the ravine. During the excavations, archaeologists found shards from the late Bronze Age. Despite the discovery of coins from the Roman period, there are no traces of Roman settlement.
legend
The constant flooding and devastation found expression in the legend of "The Dragon of the Küsnachter Tobel". The story tells of a dragon that repeatedly breaks out of its cave in the ravine and devours everything it encounters. A knight defeats the ghost with the help of his wife, who ties the dragon to the rock with a diamond chain.
Position
The Küsnachter Tobel is spectacular not only because of the castle. The Wulpbach meanders wildly and romantically down the hill in steps. Starting from Zumikon, the Tobelweg takes you past a dragon's cave and a beautiful waterfall of the Küsnachter Dorfbach. The hike from Zumikon to Küsnacht is spectacular and worthwhile thanks to the huge boulders.
