Werdenberg Castle

Werdenberg Castle sits above the medieval little town of Werdenberg in the Rhine Valley of the canton of St. Gallen, eastern Switzerland. It belongs to the municipality of Grabs and is listed as a heritage site of national significance. Below it lies one of Switzerland's smallest towns, a row of wooden houses beside the small Werdenbergersee lake.

What is the history of the castle?

The site dates to the early 13th century, when Count Rudolf of Montfort had a tower built to protect trade routes and the surrounding lands. The name Werdenberg first appears in a document in 1289. The Counts of Werdenberg ruled from here until the line died out in the male line in the early 15th century, after which the county changed hands several times.

In 1517 the heavily indebted county was bought by the canton of Glarus for 21,500 Rhenish guilders. Until 1798, Glarus bailiffs, appointed for three-year terms, governed from the castle. In 1695 a fire destroyed the building during a ceremony marking a new bailiff's installation. In the 19th century the Hilty family lived here, and in 1956 the castle was given to the canton of St. Gallen.

What can you see inside?

The castle museum tells the story of the counts, the Glarus bailiffs and the Hilty family, whose private rooms form part of the display. From the 1980s the castle also housed a Rhine museum and a cantonal weapons collection. Since 2007 it has served as a cultural centre, and the Schlossmediale festival of early music, new music and audiovisual art has run here every year since 2012.

In the town, the Schlangenhaus has held a regional museum since 1998. It shows the daily life of ordinary residents, a good counterpart to the rulers' view at the castle. Both belong to Museen Werdenberg.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

The museums close for winter from 1 November to 31 March. From April to October there are guided tours and special events. A combined ticket for the castle and the Schlangenhaus costs CHF 12 for adults and CHF 6 for children and young people up to 18. Check current hours at schloss-werdenberg.ch or call 081 599 19 35 before you go.

How do you get there?

Werdenberg is reached from the Rhine Valley, and a short uphill path leads from the Städtli to the castle. The museums' address is Städtli 31, 9470 Werdenberg. Allow about one and a half to two hours for the town and the castle together.

Frequently asked questions

Is Werdenberg Castle open in winter? No. The museums are closed from 1 November to 31 March.

How much is admission? A combined castle and Schlangenhaus ticket is CHF 12 for adults and CHF 6 for children up to 18.

Who lived in the castle? The Counts of Werdenberg, then Glarus bailiffs from 1517 to 1798, and later the Hilty family.

Are there cultural events at the castle? Yes. The Schlossmediale festival has been held here every year since 2012.