Top 20 Castles around Koblach
Best castles around Koblach are found in a region rich with historical fortifications. The area is situated in the Rhine Valley, offering views of the surrounding landscape. This location features significant historical sites, including medieval castles that once controlled strategic trade routes. These sites provide a tangible connection to the region's past, with evidence of ancient settlements.
Best castles around Koblach
- The most popular castles is Alt-Ems Castle Ruins, a castle that is the longest medieval castle in Austria, offering views over the Rhine Valley. It is a true highlight at 740m above sea level, providing a reward for the ascent.
- Another must-see spot is Tosters Castle Ruins, a castle built around 1260 by the Counts of Montfort. The ruins are located on a foothill of the Schellenberg, with its tower visible from a distance.
- Visitors also love Grünenstein Castle, a private castle on a vineyard, easily accessible via road and hiking trail. This castle, originally medieval, was converted into a large estate with late baroque and rococo architecture.
- Koblach and the surrounding region feature a mix of well-preserved castles, such as Schattenburg, and significant castle ruins like Neuburg and Alt-Ems. Visitors can explore various historical sites, from ancient origins to medieval strongholds.
- The castles around Koblach are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 500 photos and over 240 upvotes across the highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 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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Grünenstein Castle
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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.
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de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruine_Tosters#:~:text=559%20m%20%C3%BC.,Tosters%20im%20%C3%B6sterreichisches%20Bundesland%20Vorarlberg.
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Weinstein Castle
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More information can be found at schloss-weinstein.ch.
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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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Great castle ruins with a tower visible from far away.
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Weinstein Castle, first mentioned in documents in the 14th century, is beautifully located in the vineyards of Marbach. You can eat, drink and even get married in the castle.
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You can visit the Schattenburg, also with a guide: You can see a "Gothic room", spinning and weaving room (only with a guide), a weapons collection, bailiwick, treasury (only with a guide) and the Palas (small hall).
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Great preserved castle. The Schattenburg built in the 13th century served the guests of Montfort-Feldkirch as a residential and administrative center. After the Montforters died out in 1390, the Habsburg bailiffs resided here. In 1825 the town of Feldkirch acquired the castle.
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Weinstein Castle, Marbach For centuries, Weinstein Castle, which was first mentioned in documents at the end of the 14th century, belonged to rich and politically influential St. Gallen families, especially the Hans Varnbüler zu Weinstein family (1375). Around a hundred years later (1479), Ulrich Varnbüler, one of the leading politicians in the trading city of St. Gallen, rebuilt the castle. Ulrich Varnbüler was an opponent of Abbot Ulrich Rösch. Because of the growing tensions with the city towards the end of the 15th century, Rösch planned to move the monastery to Rorschach and in 1487 the foundation stone of the Marienberg monastery complex was laid. But now there was resistance among the people of St. Gallen and Appenzeller for economic and political reasons. The conflict escalated and in 1489 the monastery complex under construction was destroyed. Since Ulrich Varnbüler played a leading role in the “Rorschacher Klosterbruch”, he was condemned in 1495 and his property, including Weinstein Castle, was confiscated by the Confederates. Only after an imperial word of power did Ulrich Varnbüler's heirs get the castle back in 1498. Around 1550, the stair tower was added to the building, the roof structure was expanded with a knight's parlor and the historic kitchen, which is still preserved today. At the same time, the west extension was built as a storey annex. Various changes of ownership were followed by the ownership period of Schlapparitzi, Högger and Zollikofer. In 1613, the building, which was reminiscent of a residential tower, was expanded to include the east wing, which included the baroque Schlappritzi Hall, named after its builders. In 1841 a “bourgeois” bought Weinstein for the first time, namely Johann Anton Kuster von Altstätten. He added 1.5 floors to the west extension and set up the first bar in what is now the Torkel-Stübli around 1850. The castle barn dates from a similar period. In 1943, Johannes Herzog von Thal bought the entire property including the agricultural business. The purchase price of 175,000 francs advertised at the time raised doubts about profitability among the farmers' association. Text / Source: Weinstein Castle https://www.schloss-weinstein.ch/schloss-weinstein
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of Neuburg Castle Ruins in Koblach?
The Neuburg Castle Ruins are Koblach's landmark and a significant historical site in Vorarlberg. Built around the 12th century, it was once one of the most powerful and largest castle complexes in the region, strategically controlling the Rhine Valley's transport routes. The site also holds prehistoric significance, with evidence of Stone and Bronze Age settlements.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit around Koblach?
Yes, several castles offer family-friendly experiences. Schattenburg Castle in Feldkirch features a museum and an inn famous for its 'giant schnitzel'. The Tosters Castle Ruins and Blatten Castle Ruins are also noted as family-friendly, offering historical exploration in an outdoor setting.
What kind of views can I expect from the castles in the region?
Many castles offer impressive panoramic views. From the Alt-Ems Castle Ruins, you can enjoy rewarding views over the Rhine Valley. The Neuburg Castle Ruins also provide scenic vistas of the surrounding landscape from its location in the Rhine Valley near the Kummenberg. The keep of Schattenburg Castle serves as a viewing platform with views over Feldkirch.
Are there hiking opportunities near the castles around Koblach?
Absolutely. The castles are often integrated into hiking trails. For instance, the Alt-Ems Castle Ruins are a true highlight at 740m above sea level, rewarding the ascent with great views. The Neuburg Castle Ruins are also a popular destination for outings with maintained paths. You can find various routes, including those for gravel biking, running, and cycling, in the area. Explore options like the 'Neuburg Castle Ruins (Koblach) – Netschelweg Trail loop' for cycling, or 'Schloßhügel loop' for running, by checking the Cycling around Koblach or Running Trails around Koblach guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Koblach and Vorarlberg?
While specific seasonal tips for Koblach castles are not detailed, generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring outdoor ruins and hiking. Summer is also suitable, though it can be warmer. Some castle restaurants, like the one at Blatten Castle Ruins, operate from April to September, suggesting these months are popular for visitors.
Can I visit a castle that is still well-preserved or has a museum?
Yes, Schattenburg Castle in Feldkirch is an excellent example of a well-preserved castle. It was once the seat of the Counts of Montfort and houses a museum, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the region's history. The complex has been preserved almost unchanged despite some extensions.
Are there any castles near Koblach that are privately owned or have unique architectural features?
Grünenstein Castle is a private castle situated on a vineyard. Originally medieval, it was converted into a large estate with late baroque and rococo architecture, making it a unique architectural example in the region. It is easily accessible via road and hiking trail.
What are the origins of the castles in the wider Vorarlberg region?
The castles in the Vorarlberg region have deep historical roots. For example, the Neuburg Castle Ruins date back to the 12th century, and the hill it stands on was inhabited as early as the Stone and Bronze Ages. Tosters Castle Ruins were constructed around 1260 by the Counts of Montfort, while Blatten Castle Ruins were built shortly before 1270 by the Abbot of St. Gallen.
Are there any facilities or amenities near the Neuburg Castle Ruins?
The Neuburg Castle Ruins are maintained by the municipality of Koblach and a volunteer initiative, ensuring visitor paths and information boards are available. For further historical context, the nearby Museum für Urgeschichte (Museum of Prehistory) in Koblach showcases artifacts from the early settlements found on the castle hill.
Can I find any lesser-known or hidden castle ruins in the area?
While the Neuburg Castle Ruins are prominent, the wider Vorarlberg region also features lesser-known sites like the Welsch-Ramschwag Castle Ruins, built between 1270 and 1290 by the Knights of Ramschwag. These offer a glimpse into the region's medieval past away from the more frequented locations.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Koblach?
Besides exploring the castles themselves, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, running, and cycling. For instance, the 'Illspitz mouth of the Rhine – Rhine Embankment Cycle Path loop' is a moderate gravel biking route, and the 'Rhine River loop' is a moderate running trail. More options are available in the Gravel biking around Koblach, Running Trails around Koblach, and Cycling around Koblach guides.
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