Swiss Castle Day- A treasure hunt at Lenzburg Castle

We spent Swiss Castle Day at Lenzburg Castle on a treasure hunt. There were 60 participating castles in Switzerland. After asking the Instagram universe which castle we should choose, we decided on Lenzburg Castle. This is also one of the closest castles to Zürich. So off we went to figure out what Swiss Castle day is all about.

It was pouring rain when we headed out at 9am. I was hellbent on making it to Lenzburg Castle for the 10am treasure hunt as described online. We ended up leaving around 9:30am after forgetting things like car keys, house keys, and phones. At 10am were the only ones in the parking lot. How could this be? Swiss Castle Day? Closest castle to Zürich and the lot was empty?Translating German websites into English works pretty well, until it doesn’t. I thought the treasure hunt started at 10am. I think it opened at 10am. We were definitely the first ones there. The information area had a lovely woman who explained the treasure hunt to us and then we started our adventure. I thought that there would be a big group hunt at 10am. But a family hunt was absolutely perfect and off we went at our own pace.

The girls had to find things and answer questions along the way. All of this took us on a tour of the castle, which was gorgeous. I could see myself moving in and the girls each claimed the princess bed for themselves. They declared we needed to go bed shopping immediately. The gift shop is super cute and has lockers to keep all the big coats, umbrellas and backpacks.Our favorite part of the castle tour was the children’s museum. With plenty of dress up and play areas, a good-sized coloring area, reading nook, and so much more. I can imagine coming to Lenzburg Castle for a playdate just for the children’s museum. Though I wouldn’t call it a museum, it is a fantastic children’s play area. I would like to go back on a Wednesday after school or on the weekend.  

My misconception about Swiss Castle Day was I thought it would be FREE. I don’t know why, I just thought Swiss Castle Day meant all the castles were open to the public, free. Right?! When we entered and paid 35chf, I was a little surprised. Although, in Swiss terms, 35chf is not a lot to pay for…anything.

The activities were the treasure at the end (candy and a little gem), a scroll with their name written in calligraphy, the girls waxed their scrolls closed the old-fashioned way (whatever that’s called, it was super cool watching them do it themselves), and the treasure hunt activity. I have heard there are really cool medieval markets here, so I’d love to come back to check those out.

Lenzburg Castle is about 30-40 minutes from Zürich by car. This is an easy day out. Park at the parking lot (the signs are very well done and easy to find your way). Walk maybe a minute or two up to the castle. Pay at the entrance and aim for the children’s museum. We left at noon, so less than two hours in the castle total. This is an easy Wednesday afternoon early school release excursion. After the castle we went to the Frey Chocolate Factory in Buchs. It’s easy to add on the Frey Chocolate Factory tour as it’s about 5 minutes away from Lenzburg. Such an easy day out!

Next year for Swiss Castle Day, I want to spend the weekend in Bellinzona and see their 3 UNESCO World Heritage site castles. I have heard it’s amazing. Have you been? Did you go to Swiss Castle Day?