Zurich cultural heritage since 1941

The gentle renovation/extension of the castle complex in 2009 and 2010 was a first milestone for the future direction of the castle complex. The Canton of Zurich has set itself the overriding goal of making the castle and the Rhine Falls accessible to the general public as cultural assets in the future. The next step will therefore be to further upgrade the entire complex in terms of its offerings and to operate it extensively both in the main season and in the off-season. Adjustments are also necessary due to the sharp rise in visitor numbers.

The aim for the future is to utilise the synergies between the catering, event and hotel sectors and thus better exploit the potential of Schloss Laufen as a tourist destination. The entire region will benefit from this positive appeal. This requires a comprehensive refurbishment of the buildings on the one hand and a new concept for the catering, event and hotel sectors on the other. With the construction of a new technical centre, all buildings in the area are to be supplied with renewable energy.

The castle area includes the old and new Castle, the wash house, the pavilion facing the Rhine Falls, the round tower, the gate tower and the head building (the service section), which has a restaurant.

In accordance with the two federal inventories ISOS and BLN, the lost symmetry of 1840 is to be restored with a new façade design for the front building and the deconstruction of the Bleuler Hall. The historic round tower can thus be freed up again as a monument and utilised to its full extent. In contrast to today, the first and first floors can be used as hotel rooms. The existing Knights' Hall on the Rhine side of the building will be better integrated for banquets or events. In addition, the visitor centre in front of the building is to be upgraded and adapted to the current needs of tourism and business.

The SV Group has been running the complex since 2009 and, following a public tender in 2020, was awarded the contract by the Canton of Zurich to continue operating the entire facility until at least 2036. Local products and an increase in added value in the region are the basis of the concept.

Contact
Building Department / Real Estate Office Canton of Zurich
Phone: +41 43 259 22 11