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About this place
Clanx Castle Ruin sits on a wooded hill above Appenzell, the main town of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in eastern Switzerland. Only wall and tower foundations remain, yet the climb is easy and the outlook across the Appenzell basin makes it a rewarding short hike.
Who built Clanx, and when?
The castle appears in records in 1219. The Historical Lexicon of Switzerland credits Abbot Ulrich von Sax of St. Gallen and his brother Heinrich, the abbey's bailiff, with building it. The name comes from the Sax family's estate in the Calanca valley. For the abbey, Clanx served as an administrative base for its lands around Appenzell.
What happened to the castle?
It was destroyed for the first time in 1289 and then rebuilt. In 1402, at the start of the Appenzell Wars, it was torn down for good by the people of the region together with St. Gallen. The Appenzell farmers kept the ruin and the hill afterwards, and in 1491 the abbey sold the site to a private owner. Locally, the ruin came to stand for independence from the monastery.
What can you see today?
Excavations in 1944 and 1949 exposed the foundations of a square main tower, a smaller corner tower and sections of the curtain wall; the gate was reconstructed in 1949. The site has been only partly excavated, so expect a readable outline rather than a complete castle. The real draw is the view: Clanx is the most scenic viewpoint on the Appenzeller Kapellenweg, a circular route linking chapels around the town.
How do you get there?
Take the S-Bahn from St. Gallen to Appenzell and follow the signposted trail. From the Sammelplatz stop the climb takes a little over 30 minutes. Entry is free and the site is open at all times. There is no food or drink on site, so bring water and a snack.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring to autumn, when paths are dry and views are clear. For the full chapel loop, plan half a day and wear sturdy shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee? No. The ruin is freely accessible with no opening hours.
How long is the walk? A little over 30 minutes from the Sammelplatz stop on a signposted trail.
Is there a cafe on site? No. Bring supplies or eat in Appenzell.
When was the castle destroyed? First in 1289, and finally in 1402 during the Appenzell Wars.
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