Top 20 Castles in Vorarlberg
Best castles in Vorarlberg offer a glimpse into the region's rich past, showcasing a range of historical sites from medieval fortresses to Renaissance palaces and ruins. Vorarlberg, Austria's westernmost state, features diverse landscapes that complement these historical landmarks. These sites provide insights into regional history and architecture.
Best castles in Vorarlberg
- The most popular castles is Alt-Ems Castle Ruins, a castle that is the longest medieval castle in Austria. It offers expansive views over the Rhine Valley from its elevated position.
- Another must-see spot is Tosters Castle Ruins, a castle with a tower visible from far away. Visitors can explore the ruins of this hilltop castle, which was rebuilt after being damaged in the Appenzell War.
- Visitors also love Welsch-Ramschwag Castle Ruins, a castle ruin with a beautiful view. The site features the remains of a complex built between 1270 and 1290, with restoration efforts undertaken in recent decades.
- Vorarlberg is known for medieval fortresses, Renaissance palaces, and picturesque ruins. The region offers a variety of castles and historical sites to explore.
- The castles in Vorarlberg are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 500 photos and over 240 upvotes across 27 highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Alt-Ems Castle Ruins
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Schattenburg Castle
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The Schattenburg towers over the city and was the seat of the Counts of Montfort until the end of the 14th century. The keep, the highest part of the Schattenburg, is a viewing platform and allows a view over the whole of Feldkirch. It is particularly interesting for castle enthusiasts, as the complex has been preserved almost unchanged despite some extensions. Here you will also find the Schattenburg Museum and an inn, which invites you to linger and is famous for its giant schnitzel.
Text: Tourist and ticket office, Feldkirch
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Deuringschlössle
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Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins
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Oberes Tor (Upper Gate) and Bludenz City Museum
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City fortification Oberes Tor
The Oberes Tor was built in the 15th century. The three-story gate building with a hipped roof protrudes slightly beyond the line of the city wall. The gate is a pointed arch gate, on the upper floor there is a row of loopholes. The fresco of Duke Friedrich V of Austria, who confirmed the town privileges of Bludenz in 1420, is by the painter Hubert Fritz from 1948. On the city side, a fresco shows Archangel Michael fighting Satan.
"Through this gate, Duke Friedrich V of Austria entered his city, which remained loyal to him despite excommunication and ban, on the night of March 31, 1416, while fleeing from Constance."
City of Bludenz
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Tosters Castle Ruins
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The ruins of Tosters are the ruins of a hilltop castle on a north-facing foothill of the Schellenberg, bordered by rocky steep slopes, in the Feldkirch district of Tosters in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg.
The castle was built around 1260 by the Counts of Montfort and inhabited by a branch of the family. Count Hugo VII received the castle and the dominion of Tosters around 1331/32.
The castle complex was taken during the Appenzell War on November 25, 1405 by the citizens of Feldkirch, allied with the Appenzellers. The fire destroyed everything except the tower.
After 1408 it was rebuilt and at the beginning of the 16th century the main gate was moved to the southern corner by removing part of the ring wall and converting it into a recessed flank gate. From the old castle gate, a wooden bridge was used to cross the wide moat in front of it.
Since 1616 the complex fell into disrepair. The tower was restored in 1838/39 and in the years 1974 to 1980 the existing walls were completely renovated.
Text from Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruine_Tosters#:~:text=559%20m%20%C3%BC.,Tosters%20im%20%C3%B6sterreichisches%20Bundesland%20Vorarlberg.
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Welsch-Ramschwag Castle Ruins
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Welsch-Ramschwag Castle was built between 1270 and 1290 by the Knights of Ramschwag, a noble family from the canton of St. Gallen (CH). Their family castle is in Häggenschwil, Canton St. Gallen. Before 1352 the castle came into the possession of the lords of Landenberg-Greifensee. In 1352 it was sold to Count Rudolf von Montfort-Feldkirch. When the Werdenbergs attacked the castle in 1360 as a result of a feud with the Montfort family, Hartmann von Prasberg from an Allgäu noble family was castellan. He defended the keep for many hours until help came from Feldkirch and the attackers were successfully driven away. In the same year, Welsch-Ramschwag Castle came to the Habsburgs. The castle did not last long, because angry Walgau farmers destroyed it on the evening of September 28, 1405 during the Appenzell War and it has been a ruin ever since. At the same time, other castles in the Walgau (Jagdberg, Blumenegg and Rosenegg) also went up in flames.
The almost square complex had an elevated, central residential tower with simple light slits and a surrounding curtain wall. This was 1.20 meters thick and included the courtyard with an area of about 42 x 38 meters. In the west, two artificial wall-ditch systems were built as obstacles to the approach. As is the case today, the entrance to the main gate was in the east.
The first attempts at restoration date back to 1912. Another attempt failed in 1925/26 due to a lack of funds. In 1947, parts of the ring wall were destroyed by the construction of a ski jump, which is now closed again. From 1997 to 2000 the ruins were restored in several stages by the market town of Nenzing in cooperation with the Federal Monuments Office and volunteers. The Castle Committee of the State Museum Association carried out the graphic reconstruction of the keep and the floor plan.
Text / source: Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH, Poststraße 11, 6850 Dornbirn
vorarlberg.travel/poi/nenzing-burgruine-welsch-ramschwag
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Glopper Castle (Neu‑Ems Castle)
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Jonas-Schlössle, Götzis
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The history of the Jonas-Schlössle in Götzis can only be traced in fragments. The dates on the east side of the Jonas-Schlössle were not attached until 1884.
In the Ems Chronicle of 1616, written by the tutor of the Counts of Ems Georg Schleh, the Jonas-Schlössle is not mentioned, although all other important buildings in Götzi are mentioned. Georg Schleh had access to his master's documents, which were already extensive at the time, so it is surprising that the person otherwise familiar with the area was not mentioned.
In the course of the renovation of the Jonas-Schlössle starting in 2001, wooden beams were examined using dendrochronology. The felling date of the oak trunks used for the construction is therefore between 1582 and 1584. The year 1584 seems to have been used as the start of construction.
As early as the 1970s, the sandstone column on the ground floor of the Jonas Castle was uncovered, which bears a coat of arms cartouche with the Jonas family crest.
The construction was probably started in 1584 by Leonhard Jonas II. Construction was likely to be interrupted soon after that. Leonhard Jonas II died around 1590. Construction only continued around 1595. With the design of the ballroom on the second floor with a magnificent wooden ceiling and wall paneling, the construction was probably completed around 50 years after the groundbreaking.
It is a unique example of a Renaissance mansion in the Lake Constance area. A wooden coffered ceiling from the 16th century is valuable in terms of art history.
It was extensively renovated between 2001 and 2004 and has since provided space for readings, chamber concerts, exhibitions, seminars, conferences and other events.
The square next to the Schlössle is the central event location in the market town of Götzis. The place was named after Dr. Jakob Jonas von Buch und Udelberg (born in Götzis in 1500, died in Abensberg in 1559). dr Jakob Jonas was ennobled in 1541 by Emperor Charles V of Regensburg. In Götzis, Junker Dr. Jakob Jonas built a few houses, improved roads and paths, and the church in St. Arbogast was renovated on his behalf.
The annual Junker Jonas market is held there in honor of the Junker.
Junker Dr. Jakob Jonas died in 1559 without biological descendants. His great wealth therefore fell into the possession of his brother and sister's children.
The Junker-Jonas-Platz goes back to Junker Dr. Jakob Jonas, the adjacent Schlössle was built by the Jonas family and is therefore (only) called Jonas-Schlössle.
Text/Source: Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonas-Schl%C3%B6ssle
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Neuburg Castle Ruins (Koblach)
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The hilltop castle is located in the middle of the Rhine Valley near the Kummenberg. Although only the extensive ruins remain today, visitors still get an impression of the former size of the fortified castle. When it was built is unknown. In a document from 1152 it is mentioned as the property of the Staufers. The oldest part of the castle is the so-called keep. It was probably built in the second third of the 12th century and was more of a fortified residential building, a tower house. An entrance carved into the rock was found at the entrance to the basement of the palace. On the top of the castle section gate, dripstones, or more precisely stalactites, have formed. These are formed from dripping water, which indicates that water is seeping through the wall above, which is not particularly good for its durability. Note: There is a special occurrence of dripstones very close to the Neuburg, in the Kalkofenhöhle. These were discovered during the construction of the motorway and unfortunately largely destroyed by unreasonable people.
There is a vineyard near Neuburg. In 1685, the chronicler Prugger wrote of it: "Good wine grows there and is ripe 14 days earlier than in other places every year." A Negrelli map from the 19th century still shows that there were vines there at that time.
Text / Source: Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH, Poststraße 11, 6850 Dornbirn
vorarlberg.travel/poi/koblach-burgruine-neuburg
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Friedrich walked through this gate.
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The Deuringschlössle (also Deuringschlößle) is a former residence in the upper town of Bregenz. The core of the three-story manor house dates back to the 14th/15th century and is located in the southwest corner of Bregenz's upper town, a short distance from the city wall. In 1539, the small manor house belonged to Hans von Wolfurt. In 1647, it was damaged by the Swedes during the capture of Bregenz. Johann Albert von Deuring acquired the manor house in 1660 and had it significantly enlarged by 1702, building up the open space between the manor house and the city wall. The gun tower at the southwest corner of the city wall was raised, given an onion dome, and incorporated into the building. An extension was added to the southeast side in 1698, and the "Torkel" (wine cellar) was built to the east in 1702. Michael and Johann Georg Kuen may have significantly influenced this structural redesign. The Deuring family were wealthy timber merchants from Bregenz who were raised to the knightly nobility in 1621. The Deuringschlössle remained in the family's possession until 1801. The next owners were the governor and district captain Johann Jakob von Vicari, and twenty years later, the Imperial and Royal Rent Master Christoph Anton Kayser, who established the Rent Office here. After his death, the building was inherited by the Swiss architect Johann Anton von Tscharner-Merhart, who commissioned an interior renovation in the historicist style in 1915. In 1927, the upper floor of the former wine press was converted into an artist's studio, the so-called Knight's Hall. From 1989 to 2015, the Deuringschlössle was used as a gourmet hotel.
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Around 1100, the Count of Bregenz built the castle on a rocky outcrop of the Gebhardsberg, high above the city. "Sunken in holy enthusiasm..." begins a poem inspired by Hohen Bregenz Castle. In 1143, the castle passed to the Counts of Pulllendorf, and shortly thereafter, around 1170, to Count Palatine Hugo II of Tübingen (father of Hugo I, Count of Montfort). The upper part of the castle was sold to the Habsburgs in 1451, and the lower part in 1523, and the castle became the seat of Austrian bailiffs. Converted into a fortress at the beginning of the 17th century, the Swedes blew up large sections of the castle during the Thirty Years' War. The circular wall and parts of the palace survived. The attached church became a popular place of pilgrimage in honor of Saint Gebhard. The old sacristan's house, which has since been converted into a restaurant, looks forward to your visit. Even today, the fantastic view over the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance attracts numerous visitors.
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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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A manor house was built here between the 14th and 15th centuries. Around 1700, the gaps between the house and the city wall were closed.
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Archduke Friedrich IV of Tyrol fled to Bludenz through this gate after his condemnation at the Council of Constance in 1416
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Beautiful old walls. Good acoustics. A lovely place for smaller events!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles in Vorarlberg offer the best panoramic views?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting the Alt-Ems Castle Ruins, which offer expansive vistas over the Rhine Valley. The Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins also provide stunning views of Lake Constance and the Alps, and Glopper Castle (Neu‑Ems Castle) boasts views encompassing three countries and Lake Constance.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit in Vorarlberg?
Yes, several castles in Vorarlberg are suitable for families. Schattenburg Castle in Feldkirch has a museum that guides visitors through city history, making it an engaging experience. The Oberes Tor (Upper Gate) and Bludenz City Museum is also listed as family-friendly. Additionally, Jonas-Schlössle, Götzis and Tosters Castle Ruins are popular with families.
Which castles in Vorarlberg have museums or offer insights into regional history?
Schattenburg Castle in Feldkirch houses a comprehensive museum across 18 rooms, detailing Feldkirch's city history, medieval life, and folk culture. The Oberes Tor (Upper Gate) and Bludenz City Museum also provides historical context for the region. Hohenems Palace, while privately owned, occasionally opens for tours offering unique insights into noble life and is notable as the discovery site of original Nibelungenlied manuscripts.
Can I find restaurants or cafes at or near the castles in Vorarlberg?
Yes, you can. Schattenburg Castle is renowned for its restaurant, famous for its 'giant schnitzel.' The Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins also feature a restaurant, making it an ideal spot for a meal with a view. Hohenems Palace offers an on-site restaurant with a medieval ambiance.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Vorarlberg?
Vorarlberg's diverse landscapes offer many outdoor activities near its castles. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Villages-Cities Route' or the 'Rhine Valley cycle path,' which are great for exploring the region. For those who prefer gravel biking, options like the 'Bregenzerwald Cycle Route' are available. Mountain hiking enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'Kanzelwandbahn Mountain Station – Fellhorn Summit loop.' You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling in Vorarlberg, Gravel biking in Vorarlberg, and Mountain Hikes in Vorarlberg guides.
Are there any castles in Vorarlberg that have been converted into hotels or unique accommodations?
Yes, Glopper Castle (Neu‑Ems Castle), originally built in 1343, has been renovated and now operates as a luxury hotel. This allows visitors to experience a unique stay in medieval-style rooms equipped with modern comforts.
What is the best time of year to visit castles in Vorarlberg?
The best time to visit castles in Vorarlberg generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring ruins and walking castle grounds. Summer provides warmer weather for outdoor activities and longer daylight hours. While some castles may have limited access or different operating hours in winter, the region's snowy landscapes can offer a unique, picturesque backdrop for castle visits.
Which castles in Vorarlberg are known for their architectural significance?
Hohenems Palace stands out as one of the most significant Renaissance buildings in western Austria, featuring a beautiful courtyard and a majestic knights' hall. Alt-Ems Castle Ruins are notable as the longest medieval castle in Austria, showcasing impressive scale. Schattenburg Castle is considered one of Central Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses.
Are there any castles in Vorarlberg that are currently undergoing restoration or transformation?
Yes, Schloss Wolfurt, first documented in 1217, is currently undergoing renovations to be transformed into an event location. Upon completion, guided tours are expected to resume, offering insights into its rich heritage.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles in Vorarlberg?
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning views from castles like Alt-Ems Castle Ruins and Welsch-Ramschwag Castle Ruins. The historical depth and well-preserved nature of sites like Schattenburg Castle, with its museum and medieval atmosphere, are also highly appreciated. The opportunity to combine history with outdoor activities and enjoy local cuisine at castle restaurants adds to the overall appeal.
Are there any castle ruins in Vorarlberg that are particularly extensive or historically significant?
The Alt-Ems Castle Ruins are exceptionally extensive, representing the longest medieval castle in Austria and one of Central Europe's largest castle complexes. Its history dates back to around 900 AD. The Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins, built around 1100, also hold significant historical importance, despite being largely destroyed during the Thirty Years' War.
How accessible are the castles in Vorarlberg by public transport?
Many castles in Vorarlberg are accessible via public transport, often requiring a combination of bus or train and a short walk. For instance, Schattenburg Castle is located above Feldkirch, a town well-served by public transport. Similarly, the Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins are near Bregenz, which has good public transport links. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes to each castle.
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