Hohenrain Castle

The origins of Hohenrain Castle date back to the 12th century, when the Commandery of St. John was presumably founded around 1180 by Knight Rudolf von Hohenrain. It was first mentioned in a document in 1182. In the 13th century, the Commandery experienced its heyday as an important pilgrim hostel and managed extensive estates in the Seetal valley. During this period, the Roten residential tower was also built, which is now considered the oldest secular building and an impressive testament to the knightly era in the Canton of Lucerne. The 14th century was marked by economic difficulties and debt. In 1413, the Commandery was placed under the protection and supervision of Lucerne through a castle law treaty. After the demise of the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1798 and the abolition of ecclesiastical principalities in Germany in 1803, the Canton of Lucerne took over the indebted monastic house to prevent its transfer to a foreign princely house. Following the death of the last Commander in 1819, a cantonal institution for the deaf and mute was opened in the former premises in 1847. Throughout the 20th century, the institution continued to develop and was renamed the current Heilpädagogisches Zentrum Hohenrain (Special Education Center Hohenrain) in 2001.

Hohenrain Castle is situated in the municipality of Hohenrain in the district of Hochdorf, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. It is located at an elevation of approximately 602 meters above sea level.

Today, Hohenrain Castle houses the Heilpädagogisches Zentrum Hohenrain. The historic Roten residential tower, which has been restored, is accessible to the community and the school and accommodates a knight's hall and a library.

• Lieli Ruin (Castle), approx. 3.4 km away
• Horben Castle (Castle), approx. 4.6 km away
• Heidegg Castle (Gelfingen) (Castle), approx. 5.4 km away
• Hitzkirch Castle (Castle), approx. 6.5 km away