Schloss Sihlberg

Nestled atop Sihlberg hill, Schloss Sihlberg stands as a testament to Zurich’s rich history. Schloss Sihlberg, originally known as Villa Sihlberg, was once the home of the Hürlimann brewing family. Albert Heinrich Hürlimann, the second owner of the Hürlimann brewery, moved the brewery from Feldbach to Enge in 1866. He then commissioned the construction of Schloss Sihlberg in 1897. The architect, August Heinrich Müller, a student of the renowned Gottfried Semper, designed the villa in the style of the French Renaissance with hints of late Gothic. The surrounding park was designed by landscape architect Evariste Mertens. The schloss boasts an impressive 1750 square meters of living space and sits on a 4000 square meter estate. It truly is one of Zurich’s grandest residences. Schloss Sihlberg’s architecture is a fascinating blend of styles. Its picturesque form incorporates towers, verandas, and a dynamic roofscape. The facade features a variety of window shapes and is clad in luxurious Lägern limestone. Sandstone elements, glazed tiles, and intricate sculptures adorn the exterior. Look closely, and you’ll find hero heads framed by foliage on the east tower and gargoyles on the southwest tower. Even the heads of all six of Albert Heinrich Hürlimann’s children are immortalized in stone beneath the windows of the children’s and sewing rooms. Inside, the rooms are arranged around spacious halls and connected by a grand staircase. The interior design reflects various styles, with the dining room, salon, and main staircase evoking the spirit of 18th-century Zurich. The men’s study and lady’s boudoir, however, showcase distinct personalities. The men’s study is decorated in restrained Baroque style with light oak, while the lady’s boudoir is warm and inviting with reddish mahogany and a green fireplace. After the last Hürlimann resident, Martin Hürlimann, passed away, the schloss was sold to architect Edgar Schwyn in 2005. He undertook extensive renovations, and some rooms are now available for rent. In 2007, the city of Zurich designated Schloss Sihlberg as a protected historical monument. Today, Schloss Sihlberg continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of architectural styles and its connection to Zurich’s brewing legacy.