Top 11 Castles around Flums
Best castles around Flums offer a journey through centuries of history in the Sarganserland region. This area, situated in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen, features a landscape shaped by the Seez valley and surrounding mountains. The castles provide insights into medieval power struggles and architectural evolution. Visitors can explore these historical sites, which are often located on strategic rocky spurs overlooking ancient trade routes.
Best castles around Flums
- The most popular castles is Gräpplang Castle Ruins, a castle that is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. This ruin is situated at 450 meters above sea level, offering views of the Seez valley.
- Another must-see spot is Wartau Castle Ruins, a castle. The ruins are notable for their impressive height, with some sections reaching 22 meters.
- Visitors also love Werdenberg — Old Town, Castle and Lake, a historical site. This location is renowned for being Switzerland's smallest town with historic city rights and a well-preserved medieval old town.
- Flums is known for castle ruins, well-preserved medieval castles, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from ancient origins to later medieval constructions.
- The castles around Flums are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 250 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Werdenberg — Old Town, Castle and Lake
Highlight • Historical Site
Werdenberg is a town with historical town charter in the eastern Swiss canton of St. Gallen. The town of Werdenberg belongs to the municipality of Grabs and is located 0.5 km west of Buchs. It boasts of being the smallest town in Switzerland with around 55-60 residents. Of the around 40 houses, some only serve as holiday homes. Werdenberg is often visited by tourists because of its very well-preserved medieval houses and the museum in Werdenberg Castle. The Werdenberg Castle Festival has been taking place in Werdenberg Castle since 1985.[
The county of Werdenberg included the castle and town of Werdenberg of the same name, the villages of Grabs, Buchs and Sevelen as well as jurisdiction over the Wartau domain (Wartau Castle and village of Gretschins). The noble family of the Counts of Werdenberg split into several side lines in 1277. The actual county of Werdenberg remained with the line of the Counts of Werdenberg-Heiligenberg.
In 1402 they pledged the County of Werdenberg to the Counts of Montfort-Tettnang, from whom it passed to the Counts of Sax-Misox in 1483. In 1485 the city of Lucerne acquired the county and passed it on to the Barons of Kastelwart in 1493. However, the county remained connected to the Confederation through a castle law with Lucerne, even when the county changed hands again to the Barons of Hewen in 1498. Werdenberg also fought on the side of the Confederates in the Swabian War. In 1517 the Barons of Hewen sold Werdenberg to the canton of Glarus for 21,500 guilders.
Glarus administered Werdenberg very strictly as a bailiwick - the Glarus lords were anything but popular in the Rhine Valley. Because of the confusing legal situation between the counties of Werdenberg and Sargans in the Wartau rule, there were repeated disputes between the bailiffs, which in the “Wartau trade” of 1694/95 were brought up to the federal parliament.
With the fall of the old Confederation and the founding of the Helvetic Republic in 1798, Werdenberg became part of the canton of Linth. When this was dissolved again with the mediation constitution of 1803, Werdenberg became part of the canton of St. Gallen.
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Sargans Castle
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The Sarganserschloss was first read in a document as early as 1282. In 1386 its owner, Count Johann I (called "Count Hans" for short) fought on the side of Austria near Sempach against the Confederates. Two years later he planned to take part in the battle against the Glarus people at Näfels, but luckily he did not appear with his people on the Kerenzerberg until the meeting had already been decided.
After the Old Zurich War, Sargans became subject to the Confederates. From then on (from 1459 to 1798) they administered this property as a common rule. 181 bailiffs replaced each other one after the other in the Sarganserschloss (each after a two-year term of office). The order of their appearance can still be read on the coat of arms that adorns the city side of the mansion: Zurich, Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Zug and Glarus. (After the Villmerger Wars, from 1712, also Bern.)
The castle has belonged to the local community of Sargans since 1899. Architect Eugen Probst renovated it sensibly at the turn of the century. In 1969/70 the facade, the ring walls and the retaining walls were subjected to another renovation with the help of Heimatschutz and the federal government and the canton of St. Gallen. A visit to the old manor house and the Sarganserländisches Heimatmuseum in the tower are worthwhile!
Text: Pedagogical Publishing House LLZ
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Wartau Castle Ruins
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Historic Old Town of Werdenberg
Highlight • Historical Site
Werdenberg is a town with historical town rights in the canton of St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland. The town of Werdenberg belongs to the municipality of Grabs and is located 0.5 km west of Buchs. It boasts of being the smallest town in Switzerland with around 55-60 inhabitants. Of the approximately 40 houses, some are only used as holiday homes. Werdenberg is often visited by tourists because of its very well-preserved medieval houses and the museum in Werdenberg Castle. The Werdenberg Castle Festival has been held in Werdenberg Castle since 1985.[
The County of Werdenberg included the castle and town of Werdenberg of the same name, the villages of Grabs, Buchs and Sevelen, as well as the jurisdiction over the Wartau dominion (Wartau Castle and the village of Gretschins). The noble family of the Counts of Werdenberg split into several side lines in 1277. The actual County of Werdenberg remained with the line of the Counts of Werdenberg-Heiligenberg.
In 1402 they pledged the county of Werdenberg to the counts of Montfort-Tettnang, from whom it passed to the counts of Sax-Misox in 1483. In 1485 the city of Lucerne acquired the county and passed it on to the Barons of Kastelwart in 1493. However, the county remained connected to the Swiss Confederation through a castle right with Lucerne, even when the county changed hands again to the Barons of Hewen in 1498. Werdenberg also fought on the side of the Swiss Confederation in the Swabian War. In 1517 the Barons of Hewen sold Werdenberg to the Canton of Glarus for 21,500 guilders. Glarus administered Werdenberg very strictly as a bailiwick - the Glarus lords were anything but popular in the Rhine Valley. Due to the confusing legal situation between the counties of Werdenberg and Sargans in the Wartau dominion, there were repeated disputes between the governors, which were brought before the Swiss Diet in the "Wartau trade" in 1694/95.
With the collapse of the old Swiss Confederation and the founding of the Helvetic Republic in 1798, Werdenberg became part of the canton of Linth. When this was dissolved again with the Mediation Constitution of 1803, Werdenberg became part of the canton of St. Gallen.
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de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werdenberg_SG
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Gräpplang Castle Ruins
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Wartau Castle is the ruins of an imposing and widely visible hilltop castle located 650 m above sea level east of the hamlet of Gretschins on St. Martin's Hill in the municipality of Wartau in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Source: Wartau Castle - Wikipedia https://share.google/ridKvjCmXcwoSKW4j
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An above-averagely large and well-preserved/maintained castle ruin with beautiful views. Very worthwhile.
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Werdenberg is definitely worth a visit
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A wonderful, picturesque little town. Definitely worth a visit.
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Sargans Castle is definitely worth a visit!
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Werdenberg, always worth a visit.
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Beautiful castle ruins with great views and picnic and barbecue areas.
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superb ruin with beautiful barbecue area
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history behind Gräpplang Castle Ruins?
The Gräpplang Castle Ruins have a rich history, with archaeological finds indicating settlement as early as prehistoric and Bronze Age times. The first castle was constructed between 1100 and 1200 by the Knights of Flums. Its strategic location above the old trade route from Zurich to the Graubünden passes highlights its historical importance in monitoring this thoroughfare. Today, it is a well-maintained ruin owned by the municipality of Flums since 1928.
What makes Werdenberg Castle and its Old Town a unique destination?
Werdenberg — Old Town, Castle and Lake is renowned for being Switzerland's smallest town with historic city rights. Visitors can explore the museum within the castle and stroll through the incredibly well-preserved medieval houses of the old town, offering a unique glimpse into Swiss history. The Werdenberg Castle Festival has also been held here since 1985.
Are there other notable castles to visit in the Sarganserland region near Flums?
Yes, besides Gräpplang, the Sarganserland region offers other historical castles. The Wartau Castle Ruins are notable for their impressive height, with some sections reaching 22 meters. Sargans Castle, first mentioned in 1282, features a museum and a restaurant, offering wonderful views of the valley.
Can I combine a castle visit with outdoor activities like hiking?
Absolutely! The region around Flums offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find many hiking trails that pass by or lead to these historical sites. For example, there are various routes for hiking around Flums, including options near the castles. You can also explore mountain hikes in the area.
Are there family-friendly options among the castles in the Flums area?
Yes, several castles are considered family-friendly. Werdenberg — Old Town, Castle and Lake is a great option, offering a charming old town and a castle museum that can engage children. Sargans Castle also welcomes families and includes a museum. The Wartau Castle Ruins even have small barbecue areas in the courtyard, making it a pleasant spot for a family outing.
What kind of views can I expect from the castles?
The castles in the Flums region are often situated on strategic elevated positions, offering scenic views. From Gräpplang Castle Ruins, you can enjoy views of the Seez valley and the Churfirsten mountains. Sargans Castle provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding valley. Werdenberg Castle overlooks the picturesque Werdenberg Lake and the Rhine valley.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the castles?
Yes, you can find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options near the castles. Sargans Castle has a restaurant on-site. The historic Old Town of Werdenberg also features a bistro in the castle courtyard and other local establishments. For Gräpplang Castle, you'll find various options in the nearby town of Flums.
Is it possible to visit these castles using public transport?
Many of the castles in the region are accessible via public transport, often requiring a short walk from the nearest bus or train station. For specific details on routes and schedules to Gräpplang, Werdenberg, or Wartau castles, it's best to check local public transport information for the Flums and Sarganserland area.
What is the best season to visit the castles around Flums?
The castles can be visited year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for exploring the ruins and surrounding trails. Summer is ideal for combining visits with other outdoor activities. While some castles may have limited accessibility in winter due to snow, a winter visit can offer a unique, serene atmosphere.
Are dogs allowed at the castle sites?
Policies regarding dogs can vary by site. Generally, dogs on a leash are often permitted in outdoor areas of castle ruins like Gräpplang and Wartau. For indoor areas, such as museums at Werdenberg or Sargans Castle, it's advisable to check their specific regulations beforehand. Always ensure your dog is under control and clean up after them.
What kind of historical events are associated with Sargans Castle?
Sargans Castle has a long and eventful history, first documented in 1282. It was involved in conflicts like the Old Zurich War and later served as a common rule for the Confederates from 1459 to 1798, with 181 bailiffs administering the property. The castle also houses the Sarganserländisches Heimatmuseum, which provides further insights into its past.
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