🏰 From Medieval Stones to Crispy Poultry — A Journey at Attinghausen’s Ruins & the Pouletburg
If Swiss history and hearty comfort food had a lovechild, it would probably be the experience you get when visiting the Burgruine Attinghausen
⛰️ A Castle Born Around 1100
Perched on a rocky rise in the village of Attinghausen (canton Uri), the Burgruine Attinghausen stands as a tangible echo of medieval times. The earliest fortified structure here dates back to before 1100, and by the 13th century, the mighty stone castle — complete with a large tower and defensive ring walls — dominated the village skyline.
Visitors today can still climb around the ruins and imagine how life might have been inside those thick walls — from the hearth-warmed rooms with ornate tiled stoves to the panoramic views that once scanned the Reuss Valley below. Archaeological digs have turned up fascinating relics from daily life in the castle as well as hints of its dramatic past, including layers of burnt debris suggesting a fire might have brought its end around the mid-1300s.
The founders of Attinghausen Castle are unknown. Around 1240, the barons of Attinghausen/Schweinsberg, originally from the Emmental region, took over its construction. Prominent members of the family were Knights Werner II and Johannes. Both also served as Landammanns (chief magistrates). From 1337, Johannes held the Imperial Court in Flüelen. Another branch of the family resided in the nearby Schweinsberg tower house. The tower was built around 1200, and the palace and the surrounding wall approximately 50 years later. During excavations in 1887/99 and 1979, numerous archaeological finds were collected and compiled. The finds are now exhibited in the Historical Museum of Uri, Altdorf. It encompasses the thematic groups of weapons, household goods, crafts, clothing, and pouches. Most of the finds could be classified and dated to the castle’s main construction phases around 1100 and 1200 to 1250. The core of the complex is the 11.6×11.6 meter tower, which formerly had a high entrance. <the tower was probably once at least 22to 25 meters high.
Part of what makes Attinghausen special isn’t just its stone ruins, but that the castle isn’t isolated on a distant hilltop — it literally watches over the village and all who pass under it.
🍗 A Name With Local Flair: Pouletburg
Just a short stroll from the ruin’s base, you’ll find Pouletburg, a restaurant whose name is a playful nod to the old castle (“burg” means “castle” in German, and “Poulet” means “chicken”). It’s as if locals and visitors alike have taken the spirit of the place — historic, communal, rooted — and given it a deliciously modern twist.
Pouletburg has been welcoming diners for decades with its signature dish: traditional Poulet im Chörbli — chicken served in that famous Swiss-style basket with the sauce that has become something of a culinary institution in Uri.
This founding year (1905) comes from directory data — it may reflect when the business entity was established in some form, but detailed historical background (like when it first started serving its iconic Poulet im Chörbli) isn’t widely documented online in authoritative sources.
Many travel and review sites focus on the tradition and decades-long popularity of the restaurant’s chicken specialty rather than its precise history. Some external travel/food blogs mention it’s been serving its signature dish for around 60+ years, but they don’t cite formal founding documents.
Whether you’re stopping by after a day of hiking or simply exploring central Switzerland, it’s hard to resist the combo of storybook scenery and comfort food.
🪵 A Perfect Day Out
Here’s how you might plan your visit:
Morning at the Ruin: Wander the ruins of Burgruine Attinghausen, explore the old tower remains, soak up views of the valley and the Alps, and maybe even have a little picnic on the grassy spots beside the old walls.
- Afternoon Feast at Pouletburg: Walk down to Pouletburg — the walk itself is a gentle reminder of how life has moved downhill from castle defenses to laid-back meals. Feast on classic poulet dishes in cozy dining halls (or on the terrace when the weather’s right).
- Explore More of Uri: With plenty of other landmarks nearby — from lakeside trails to local museums — your day can easily stretch into an unforgettable Swiss adventure.
📸 Why This Pairing Works
What makes this combo unique is the juxtaposition:
👑 Ancient history — stepping into a ruin that once housed knights and nobles.
🍽️ Laid-back tradition — ending up in a local restaurant where generations have shared chicken dinners and good stories.
It’s a reminder that history isn’t just preserved in stone — it’s carried on in local food, names, and community traditions too.
Where & When
Address: Kirchweg 6, 6468 Attinghausen, Uri, Switzerland
Hours: Open daily from early morning (around 09:00) with warm kitchen service typically from about 11:30 – 22:30. Tel. +41 41 870 21 84
The place is often busy on weekends, so reservations are recommended if you want a better seat.
Your blogging friend Ulrich Koepf
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