From Habsburg to Lake Hallwil, up to the Eichberg and further on to Muri Abbey. Along this route, you can experience whichever combination of natural and cultural sights you choose. 

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The Habsburg ancestral castle is in the middle of Aargau. According to legend, Count Radbot lost his hawk while hunting and came across the castle’s location by accident while looking for it. The fascinating history of the global empire that followed began 1,000 years ago on the ridge of the Wülpelsberg. Soon after, the Habsburgs not only ruled large parts of Europe, but also areas of Africa and South America. 

Historical hike along the Habsburg Path

In the castle, guests can satisfy their curiosity by learning how the Habsburgs once lived and how they achieved their incredible power. At six audio stations along the royal Habsburg route, visitors can listen in on the secrets of this legendary generation. A large terrace with an expansive view of the surrounding area offers the perfect spot for a coffee and short break. 

The two church towers of Muri Abbey can be seen from afar. The Benedictine abbey was founded in 1027 by Count Radbot of Habsburg and his wife Ita of Lorraine. The history of the Habsburg dynasty lives on here to this day. 

Every year, more than ten guides accompany guests through the abbey complex, the crypt and the cloister. Historian Josef Kunz is one of these guides. He knows the history of the Habsburgs and their attachment to Muri Abbey better than anyone. For five years he has been archiving the letters of the last Habsburg Empress Zita, whose preserved heart was laid to rest in the abbey. During abbey tours, he likes nothing better than to lead his guests through the magnificent baroque church, where the rise of the Habsburgs is illustrated in detail. To this day, Josef Kunz accompanies Habsburg families every year to the graves of their ancestors so that they can pay homage to them. 
During tours, hidden areas of the abbey are opened up to visitors.

The imperial crypt serves as the grave of several generations of Habsburgs. At the same time, it recounts a heartbreaking love story: Emperor Karl and his consort Zita were expelled from Austria in 1918 after the fall of the monarchy. When the 34-year-old emperor died of pneumonia in Madeira four years later, Empress Zita carried her husband's preserved heart in a hat box through half of Europe while fleeing. In 1963, Empress Zita moved from Luxembourg to Zizers. Eight years later, her husband's heart was brought to the Muri tomb in Habsburg, where Karl was laid to rest. After her own death, Zita’s heart was kept in the urn directly below that of her husband. The imperial lovers remain united in the imperial crypt of Muri for all eternity. 

More information on current events at Muri Abbey.

A tradition of hospitality meets modern architecture: the Seerose Resort & Spa, right by Lake Hallwil, is the ideal spot to experience fantastic sunsets. The best place to have dinner is on one of the five terraces, with a perch or lavaret fillet straight from the lake and a glass of regional white wine. Or indulge in a glass of champagne by the pool.