Freudenberg, medieval castle ruins

Freudenberg Castle ruins stand on the hillside above Bad Ragaz in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen, overlooking the Rhine valley. Listed as a heritage site of national significance, the ruin is a familiar landmark of the spa town. It is free to visit at any hour.

Who built Freudenberg, and what happened to it?

The lords of Wildenberg raised the stronghold in the 13th century, and a record from 1253 names Heinrich von Wildenberg as its owner. Marriage carried the estate to Count Hugo III of Werdenberg-Heiligenberg. The Dukes of Austria received it as a pledge in 1402, and in 1406 it was pledged again to Count Frederick VII of Toggenburg. Austria redeemed it after his death in 1436.

Why is it a ruin?

On 26 May 1437 the castle was taken, looted and burned, with help from Zurich. Accounts disagree on the cause: the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland points to a siege over an inheritance quarrel, while Burgenwelt credits the Confederates with conquering it. After the Confederate victory at Ragaz in 1446, Austria again held the lordship, with Michel von Freiberg as bailiff. The land later fell under the Sargans bailiwick, which passed to St. Gallen in 1803.

What is there to see?

Walls and a keep remain. The tower was restored in 1929, with more conservation in 1977 and 1984-85. Pfäfers monastery bought the site in 1825, and it reverted to the state when the monastery was dissolved in 1838. Since 1985 it has been linked to the municipality of Bad Ragaz. Fire pits stand beside the ruin, but there is no food service, so bring your own picnic. From the walls you look out over the valley and the town below.

How do you get there?

The quickest approach starts at the Pizolbahn valley station: the Wingertweg climb takes about 15 minutes. The path is fairly steep and can be hard for wheelchairs. The castle also sits on stage one of the WALSA trail, which begins in Bad Ragaz and runs roughly 10 km with about 700 m of ascent, around 3 hours 45 minutes.

When should you go?

May to October suits the walk best, when paths are clear of snow. Wear sturdy shoes for the uphill stretch.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. The ruins are free and have no set opening hours.

How long is the walk from Bad Ragaz? About 15 minutes from the Pizolbahn valley station. The full first WALSA stage takes close to four hours.

Can I buy food there? No, but fire pits are available for a picnic or barbecue.

When was the castle destroyed? On 26 May 1437, when it was captured and burned.