On a sunny day, I suggest a relaxing route by Hallwil Lake, with the added attraction of two castles – Hallwyl and Brestenberg.

The first one is passed after less than two kilometres of pleasant walking among nature. I must admit that Hallwyl Castle is very representative. It has fairy-tale towers and is surrounded by a moat, which is filled by the river Aabach. The castle grounds include a museum and a restaurant.

Hallwyl Castle

Hallwyl Castle was owned by the von Hallwyl family until the 20th century. Its construction began at the end of the 12th century, when a small castle complex was built on the River Aabach at the family’s request. It consisted of a residential tower surrounded on three sides by a moat.

After a while, the tower castle became too cramped for the Hallwyl family, who were making a career in the salons of the Habsburgs. Therefore, around 1265, an additional palace was built on the banks of the stream. Of course, over the centuries the castle was still rebuilt and changed its face many times.

In 1994, the Hallwil Foundation handed over the castle to the Canton of Aargau, which took charge of its restoration and further archaeological excavations. It has been a museum site since 2007.

Brestenberg Castle

A little further on is the small Brestenberg Castle. Hans Rudolf von Hallwyl bought the old estate in 1622 and had it completely rebuilt three years later. The new complex of buildings became the country residence of the Hallwyl lords. However, the castle did not remain in their hands for long.

After several changes of ownership, the estate was acquired in 1844 by the physician Adolf Erismann, who turned it into a spa with baths. Within a few years, the spa became popular all over Europe, although it is said that the patients were not treated leniently. The treatments were not the most pleasant, and the menu was poor too. Starvation and drinking plenty of water were preferred. Nevertheless, guests returned from the sanatorium satisfied.

In later years, Chateau Brestenberg was also used as a hotel. It now belongs to the Winterthur Foundation for Art, Culture and History and is not open to the public.

As the castle gates are closed, I have not led the tour to the buildings themselves. However, I believe that little is lost as the best view is from below, from the path.

Further down the path

Continuing along the lakeshore you pass many places where you can spread out a blanket, have a barbecue and also go for a swim.

The route ends in the small village of Mosen, which belongs to the canton of Luzern. This is because it should be noted that more than 80 per cent of Hallwil Lake belongs to the canton of Aargau and the remaining 20 per cent to the canton of Luzern.

Last but not least, there is a car park at both castles and the route is ideal for walking with a pushchair.