Surrounded on 3 sides by Lake Zurich, the old town of Rapperswil and its 13th-century castle once played a vital role in controlling the passage of ships on the water.Rapperswil Castle is the landmark of the picturesque “City of Roses”.The castle, which was built towards the end of the 12th century and subsequently renovated on a number of occasions, can be seen from far away. It towers high above the town, perched atop a long rocky hill called the Lindenhof.Over time, the triangular-shaped keep fell into disrepair and in 1870, it was leased by a Polish emigrant named Count Wladyslaw Broel-Plater. The count restored the castle and opened it as the Polish National Museum. Touring the museum offers you a rare glimpse of interiors from state rooms to dungeons, all restored to their original medieval glory.The southern flank of the hill is known as the Schlossberg. This area is home to the oldest vineyard on Lake Zurich, which cultivates wonderful Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir) grapes.
