Best castles around Röthis are found in the Vorarlberg region of Austria, an area characterized by broad valleys and conservation areas. Röthis serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby historical sites. The surrounding landscape offers a blend of natural beauty and historical architecture. This region provides opportunities to discover medieval castles and ruins.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Blatten Castle Ruins, Oberriet / Oberriet's Landmark Obert's landmark, once a proud castle fortress, has a rich history. It was built around 1230 by Abbot Berchtold von Falkenstein to defend his property. The castle has seen several landowners and was set on fire in 1799 during the battle for the Blatten ferry. The surviving remains consist of parts of the tower and the castle ramparts, as well as the vaulted cellar. The castle ruins are located in the southernmost part of the municipality of Oberriet on the Blattenberg, idyllically situated on the edge of the forest. On the fitness trail, which runs almost entirely through the forest, you can practice sports in complete harmony with nature. The castle restaurant is open from April to September. Members of the ski club host guests every Sunday and welcome visitors. The hut can be rented by the public from Monday to Saturday. Tours are welcome on Sundays. Text / Source: Municipality of Oberriet https://www.oberriet.ch/sehenswuerdigkeiten/7474
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Platten Castle, Oberriet Blatten Castle is a ruined castle in the municipality of Oberriet, in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. The square keep stands not far from the Rhine on a rock south of the municipality of Oberriet. The family was first mentioned in 1170 with Burkardus de Blattûn and in 1229 with Ulricus de Blattenn. As chronicler Christian Kuchimeister reports, the castle was built shortly before 1270 by the Abbot of St. Gallen, Berchtold von Falkenstein, as protection against the Counts of Montfort-Werdenberg, in the territory of the Imperial Court of Kriessern, which, along with the Vogtherrschaft (reign of Thurgau and Zürichgau), had been granted to Heinrich Walter von Ramschwag (Lords of Ramschwag) in 1278 for his assistance to King Rudolf in the Battle of Marchfeld. It was then granted to Ulrich von Ramschwag in 1277. Due to his involvement in the Appenzell War, the castle and the lordship were temporarily confiscated as fiefs. In 1458, Walter Heinrich and Ulrich von Ramschwag sold the castle and estate to Jakob Mangold, a citizen of Constance. In 1486, it was repurchased by Abbot Ulrich Rösch of St. Gallen. From 1637 to 1640, Abbot Pius Reher commissioned renovations. The complex then served as the official residence of the Vögte von Kriessern until 1798. The castle was destroyed in the French War of Independence in 1799. Around 1911, part of the complex was used as a quarry. Plaque commemorating the restoration. The Canton of St. Gallen undertook the initial renovation of the tower. Further restorations were carried out on the tower in 1977 and on the surrounding walls and the remains of the castle gate in 1985. Aerial photograph (2016) The castle ruins are known to the people of the Rhine Valley as Blatten Castle. The grounds of the former castle complex and the interior of the tower (there are no longer any floors) are freely accessible. A later-built wooden building stands on top of the preserved vaulted cellar. This building is operated as a castle restaurant by the Oberriet Ski Club from April to September. Text / Source: Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Blatten
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Upper Castle, Schellenberg / Castle Ruins in Schellenberg There are two castle ruins in Schellenberg, the so-called Upper Castle being a very popular tourist destination and accessible after a short walk. The upper and larger complex in the Hinterschloss district of Schellenberg was built from 1200 onwards and already possessed all the important elements of a medieval castle. The Upper Castle was first mentioned in a document dated January 10, 1348. The Lower Castle was built around 1250 as a smaller complex and only reached its final form and size after 1350. The first documented mention of this castle dates back to 1317. Presumably, both castles had been uninhabited since the 16th century and gradually fell into disrepair. Prince Franz Josef II donated the heavily overgrown ruins to the Historical Society in 1956, which subsequently had them researched and preserved. Text / Source: Liechtenstein Marketing / Official Tourism Website of the Principality of Liechtenstein https://tourismus.li/lie/ort/Burgruinen%20in%20Schellenberg/
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The Construction History of Tostner Castle There is a very interesting assumption about Tostner Castle that it was a large, unfinished castle complex, of which only the ring wall, dating from the end of the 12th century/beginning of the 13th century, was built. The present keep, gatehouse, and palace (possibly also outbuildings) were built into these in the second half of the 13th century. This theory is supported primarily by the truly remarkable placement of the palace, which was placed right above the ring wall and occupies a remarkable position within the castle complex. During the Appenzell Wars, which raged heavily in this region, Tostner Castle was also severely damaged in 1405, but was rebuilt after 1408. The very spacious, yet sparsely built castle complex, was abandoned before 1616 and has since fallen into disrepair. The keep was restored in 1938/39, and extensive renovations followed in 1974 and 1980. Text / Source: Tosters Castle Ruins Tourist Information, Schlossergasse 8, A-6800 Feldkirch http://www.burgenkunde.at/vorarlberg/vbg_Burgruine_Tosters/vbg_Burgruine_Tosters.htm
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Well preserved and worth a visit, from here the rock band path is also recommended.
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Lots of great things, fitness trail, barbecue area and much more...
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Blatten Castle is a castle ruin in the municipality of Oberriet, in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The square keep stands not far from the Rhine on a rock south of the municipality of Oberriet. Source: Wikipedia
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The region around Röthis offers a mix of well-preserved medieval castles and impressive castle ruins. You can visit sites like Schattenburg Castle, which now houses a museum and an inn, or explore the historical remnants of Alt-Ems Castle Ruins, known as the longest medieval castle in Austria.
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. Schattenburg Castle in Feldkirch is family-friendly, offering a museum and an inn. The Tosters Castle Ruins and Blatten Castle Ruins are also listed as family-friendly, providing historical exploration in an outdoor setting.
For panoramic views, Alt-Ems Castle Ruins is an excellent choice, offering expansive views over the Rhine Valley from 740m above sea level. Tosters Castle Ruins, a hilltop castle, also provides great vantage points. The keep of Schattenburg Castle serves as a viewing platform with views over Feldkirch.
The castles around Röthis offer a deep dive into the region's medieval history. Alt-Ems Castle Ruins is significant as Austria's longest medieval castle. Tosters Castle Ruins provides insights into medieval architecture and its rebuilding after the Appenzell War. Schattenburg Castle, with its museum, showcases the cultural heritage of the area.
Yes, Schattenburg Castle in Feldkirch houses an inn famous for its giant schnitzel, inviting visitors to linger. Additionally, the Blatten Castle Ruins has a castle restaurant that operates from April to September, run by the Oberriet Ski Club.
The region around Röthis is ideal for combining castle visits with outdoor activities. You can find various cycling routes, such as the 'Old Rhine – Polderdamm Path' or the 'Ill River Cycle Path', which are detailed in the Cycling around Röthis guide. For mountain biking, explore trails like 'View of the Rhine Valley' in the MTB Trails around Röthis guide. There are also easy hikes, like those around Viktorsberg, available in the Easy hikes around Röthis guide.
The best season to visit the castles around Röthis is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is mild and conducive for exploring outdoor ruins and enjoying the scenic views. The castle restaurant at Blatten Castle Ruins is also open during this period. While some castles might be accessible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to snow or ice, especially for ruins on higher elevations.
While the main highlights are popular, exploring the Blatten Castle Ruins near Oberriet offers a picturesque setting on the Blattenberg, often providing a quieter experience. Its preserved remnants and historical significance make it a rewarding visit away from more crowded sites.
The duration of a visit can vary. For a well-preserved castle like Schattenburg Castle with its museum and inn, you might spend 2-3 hours. Exploring ruins like Alt-Ems Castle Ruins or Tosters Castle Ruins typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on how much you wish to explore the grounds and enjoy the views.
Parking facilities vary by location. For castles like Schattenburg Castle in Feldkirch, there are usually designated parking areas within or near the city. For more remote ruins like Blatten Castle Ruins, parking might be available at the base of the hill or nearby trailheads, often requiring a short walk to reach the site.
Feldkirch, home to Schattenburg Castle and Katzenturm, is well-connected by public transport. From Röthis, you can typically reach Feldkirch by bus or train. Access to more secluded castle ruins might require a combination of public transport and a walk or a short taxi ride.
Yes, Glopper Castle (Neu‑Ems Castle) is a very impressive privately owned building. While you can admire it from a distance, full public access to its interior is generally not available due to its private ownership.


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