There are four castles near the town, of which three are visitable. The best is Schloss Kyburg, some 7km south of Winterthur (March–Oct Tues–Sun 9am–noon & 1–5.30pm; Nov, Jan & Feb Tues–Sun 10am–noon & 2–4pm; Fr.4). Dating from the tenth and eleventh centuries, it’s majestically sited on a hilltop above the Töss river and offers plenty of opportunity for exploration, both inside the castle walls and in the countryside around. The castle plays host in early August to a week of chamber music. Postbus #655 from the SBB station in Effretikon (a suburb of Winterthur) runs to Kyburg.

Schloss Mörsburg is 6km northeast of town, near Stadel (March–Oct Tues–Sun 10am–noon & 1.30–5pm; Nov–Feb Sun 10am–noon & 1.30–5pm; free), although it’s only accessible by car (via Sulz). With a lovely Romanesque chapel and excavated ramparts, the thirteenth-century castle also contains a museum of the Historical Society of Winterthur, with ceramics, handicrafts and weapons on show. Schloss Hegi (March–Oct Tues–Thurs & Sat 2–5pm, Sun 10am–noon & 2–5pm; free; bus #10 or #680 to Schlossacker) is easiest to get to, 3km east of town, but is less engaging; more of a moated mansion than a castle, it dates from the fifteenth century and has much of its interior preserved. It also currently houses the city’s hostel.

The fourth stately home is Schloss Wülflingen, a stout sixteenth-century country house 4km northwest of town, now a conference centre and pricey traditional restaurant (closed Mon & Tues).