Rudenz Castle

Rudenz Castle (Burgruine Rudenz) is a ruined medieval tower on a small hill in Giswil, in the Swiss canton of Obwalden. It is the easternmost of Giswil's three castles and is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national significance. Entry is free, and a visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

What is Rudenz Castle?

The tower was probably built around 1200, though some sources place it in the first half of the 13th century. It was a plain residential tower rather than a large fortress. Its builders were the lords of Rudenz, a family from the Haslital valley in the Bernese Oberland who served the lords of Brienz-Ringgenberg. Over time they built up influence in Obwalden and married into Uri nobility, including the barons of Attinghausen.

What can you see today?

Wall remains stand roughly 4 to 5 metres high. There are no decorations, so the appeal lies in the atmosphere: a quiet ruin on a hillock with views over the valley floor. There is no ticket office, exhibition or cafe, and the site is not accessible by wheelchair.

What is the history of the tower?

Between 1361 and 1366 the Rudenz family sold their Obwalden holdings and moved to Uri. The tower stayed inhabited into the 16th century. It is not known exactly when it was abandoned, and its stones were later reused as building material. Excavations in 1850 turned up arrowheads, spearheads and stirrups, and similar finds surfaced in 1887 during construction of the Brünig railway.

How do you get to Rudenz Castle?

The hill lies about 500 metres south of Giswil railway station, between the Brünigstrasse road and the railway line. Giswil is on the Lucerne–Interlaken line (Zentralbahn), so the ruin makes an easy stop on a trip through central Switzerland. From the station it is a short walk.

When should you visit?

The site is open all year, since it has no opening hours. Late spring to autumn offers the driest paths; in winter the approach can be slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, the ruin is free to visit.

Is this the same castle as Rudenz in Flüelen? No. In the canton of Uri, at Flüelen, stands a separate, well-preserved tower of the same name, which the family acquired later. The Giswil ruin is in Obwalden.

How long does a visit take? Usually 15 to 30 minutes, and the walk from the station takes only a few minutes.

Are there other castles in Giswil? Yes, the village has three, including Hunwil. Rudenz is the easternmost.