Did you know that Rapperswil is not only known for its castle and rose gardens? There are hidden treasures and exciting stories waiting to be discovered in this charming town on Lake Zurich.
Rapperswil is more than just a town – it’s an experience! In this blog post, you’ll discover 8 fun facts that you probably didn’t know yet.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sense of adventure and let Rapperswil enchant you!
Fun facts about Rapperswil that you didn’t know yet!
1. the city of roses
Rapperswil is also known as the “town of roses”. Over 15,000 rose bushes of more than 600 varieties adorn the town’s public gardens, which are in full bloom in June and July.
2. colonised for over 5,000 years
The Rapperswil-Jona region was already a favourite with the Celts and later also with the Romans. Numerous archaeological finds bear witness to early settlement. The oldest archaeological finds show that the area was already inhabited at least 5,000 years ago.
3. foundation of the town in the 2nd millennium
The town of Rapperswil was probably founded around 1200, when the wealthy noble family of Rapperswil moved their ancestral seat from Old Rapperswil to the opposite shore of the lake. The town and castle of Rapperswil were first mentioned in a document in 1229.
4 Rapperswil and Jona united
The municipality of Jona was 12 times the size of Rapperswil and had 17,000 inhabitants. The two municipalities had grown together to such an extent that the boundaries were no longer recognisable. On 30 November 2003, the citizens of Rapperswil and Jona approved the principle of an initiative to unite the two municipalities at the beginning of 2007.
5th coat of arms rose as a gift
At the end of the 12th century, Diethelm VI of Toggenburg married Guta of Rapperswil. The barons of Rapperswil not only gave him the county of Uznach as a dowry, but also one of the three roses from the coat of arms. This is why the coat of arms of Uznach still shows one rose and that of Rapperswil-Jona two roses.
6 The pearl on the Obersee
Rapperswil-Jona is often referred to as the “pearl on the Obersee” due to its picturesque location on Lake Zurich-Obersee.
7. second largest town in the canton of St. Gallen
With a population of around 28,000, Rapperswil-Jona is the second-largest town in the canton of St. Gallen.
8 The Polish Museum
The Polish Museum in Rapperswil was founded at a time when Poland did not exist as a state. To this day, it fulfils the function of a Polish national museum abroad. Due to its history, the Polish Museum sees itself as a museum in the service of a liberal attitude. In an impressive permanent exhibition, the museum presents an overview of the eventful, often dramatic history of Poland over the last 150 years. The museum also exhibits works by Polish artists.
About Rapperswil
Rapperswil is a charming town on Lake Zurich in the canton of St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland. With around 28,000 inhabitants, it is, as already mentioned in the fun facts, the second largest town in the canton after St. Gallen.
Location and surroundings:
Rapperswil is located on the right bank of Lake Zurich, in the middle of a picturesque landscape. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and forests that are ideal for hiking and cycling. Lake Zurich also offers a wide range of opportunities for water sports and boat trips.
History:
The history of settlement in the immediate vicinity of Rapperswil dates back to the 4th millennium BC. The settlement site around the Lindenhof castle hill can be traced back to the late 10th century with historical certainty. The town was first mentioned in a document in 1229.
Places of interest:
In addition to the castle, there are many other sights in Rapperswil, including the castle itself:
- The old town: The old town of Rapperswil with its narrow streets, historic buildings and cosy restaurants invites you to stroll and linger.
- The Capuchin monastery: The Capuchin monastery with its crypt, in which over 4000 people are buried, is another highlight of the town.
- The rose gardens: The rose gardens with over 15,000 rose bushes are a paradise for flower lovers.
- Lake Zurich: Lake Zurich offers a wide range of opportunities for water sports and boat trips.
- The wooden bridge from Rapperswil to Hurden: The wooden bridge offers the opportunity for a wonderful walk across the water.
Events:
Various events take place in Rapperswil throughout the year, including the Christkindlimärt. The Christmas market in Rapperswil is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland.
Rapperswil is a town with a lot of charm and history. The town offers its visitors a variety of sights, activities and events.
Bonus tip: Discover Rapperswil with Foxtrail
Foxtrail is a unique and interactive scavenger hunt that offers visitors an innovative way to discover Rapperswil and its sights. In this adventure, participants are guided through the city in teams, solving puzzles and deciphering clues to find the next location on their way. This experience is designed to not only encourage physical movement through the city, but also to challenge teamwork and logical thinking.
How does Foxtrail work in Rapperswil?
Starting point: Every Foxtrail begins at a fixed starting point, where teams receive their documents and initial instructions. This marks the start of their adventure through Rapperswil.
Solve puzzles: Participants have to solve various puzzles that lead them to hidden messages, unusual places and impressive sights in Rapperswil. The puzzles are designed to encourage participants to take a closer look at their surroundings and engage with the city’s history and culture.
Team experience: Although Foxtrail can be experienced with family, friends or as a team-building activity with colleagues, the focus is on the shared experience. The tasks require communication and co-operation, which makes the whole thing a social experience.
By taking part in a Foxtrail in Rapperswil, visitors get the opportunity to explore the city in a fun way. They not only discover the well-known sights, but also hidden corners and special places that are off the beaten track. At the same time, they learn interesting facts about Rapperswil and its history, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Foxtrail thus offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture and fun, ideal for anyone who wants to discover Rapperswil in a unique and interactive way.
