Top 7 Castles around Alt St Johann und Unterwasser
Best castles around Alt St Johann und Unterwasser are found in the scenic Toggenburg region of Switzerland, known for its picturesque natural landscapes and outdoor activities. While Alt St. Johann itself is more recognized for recreation, the surrounding area features historical sites with significant pasts. These locations offer insights into medieval history and provide panoramic views over the valleys. The region combines natural beauty with historical exploration, making it a destination for those interested in both.
Best castles around Alt St Johann und Unterwasser
- The most popular castles is Historic Old Town of Werdenberg, a historical site that boasts being the smallest town in Switzerland with well-preserved medieval houses. This site includes a castle museum and is recognized as the oldest wooden settlement in Switzerland, offering an 800-year history.
- Another must-see spot is Gräpplang Castle Ruins, a castle ruin situated on a rock spur above the Seez valley. This site, built between 1100 and 1200, offers wonderful views of the Churfirsten and Walensee.
- Visitors also love Werdenberg — Old Town, Castle and Lake, a historical site featuring a castle and the smallest town in Switzerland. The castle stands 45 meters above the valley floor, providing a magnificent view over the Rhine valley to the Alps.
- Alt St. Johann is known for castle ruins, historical settlements, and medieval castles. Visitors can explore sites ranging from well-preserved medieval towns with museums to ancient Roman watchtowers and castle ruins.
- The castles around Alt St Johann und Unterwasser are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 315 upvotes and over 250 photos shared.
Last updated: September 29, 2026
Werdenberg — Old Town, Castle and Lake
Highlight • Historical Site
Werdenberg is a town with historical town charter in the eastern Swiss canton of St. Gallen. The town of Werdenberg belongs to the municipality of Grabs and is located 0.5 km west of Buchs. It boasts of being the smallest town in Switzerland with around 55-60 residents. Of the around 40 houses, some only serve as holiday homes. Werdenberg is often visited by tourists because of its very well-preserved medieval houses and the museum in Werdenberg Castle. The Werdenberg Castle Festival has been taking place in Werdenberg Castle since 1985.[
The county of Werdenberg included the castle and town of Werdenberg of the same name, the villages of Grabs, Buchs and Sevelen as well as jurisdiction over the Wartau domain (Wartau Castle and village of Gretschins). The noble family of the Counts of Werdenberg split into several side lines in 1277. The actual county of Werdenberg remained with the line of the Counts of Werdenberg-Heiligenberg.
In 1402 they pledged the County of Werdenberg to the Counts of Montfort-Tettnang, from whom it passed to the Counts of Sax-Misox in 1483. In 1485 the city of Lucerne acquired the county and passed it on to the Barons of Kastelwart in 1493. However, the county remained connected to the Confederation through a castle law with Lucerne, even when the county changed hands again to the Barons of Hewen in 1498. Werdenberg also fought on the side of the Confederates in the Swabian War. In 1517 the Barons of Hewen sold Werdenberg to the canton of Glarus for 21,500 guilders.
Glarus administered Werdenberg very strictly as a bailiwick - the Glarus lords were anything but popular in the Rhine Valley. Because of the confusing legal situation between the counties of Werdenberg and Sargans in the Wartau rule, there were repeated disputes between the bailiffs, which in the “Wartau trade” of 1694/95 were brought up to the federal parliament.
With the fall of the old Confederation and the founding of the Helvetic Republic in 1798, Werdenberg became part of the canton of Linth. When this was dissolved again with the mediation constitution of 1803, Werdenberg became part of the canton of St. Gallen.
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Stralegg Castle Ruins (Roman Watchtower)
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Historic Old Town of Werdenberg
Highlight • Historical Site
Werdenberg is a town with historical town rights in the canton of St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland. The town of Werdenberg belongs to the municipality of Grabs and is located 0.5 km west of Buchs. It boasts of being the smallest town in Switzerland with around 55-60 inhabitants. Of the approximately 40 houses, some are only used as holiday homes. Werdenberg is often visited by tourists because of its very well-preserved medieval houses and the museum in Werdenberg Castle. The Werdenberg Castle Festival has been held in Werdenberg Castle since 1985.[
The County of Werdenberg included the castle and town of Werdenberg of the same name, the villages of Grabs, Buchs and Sevelen, as well as the jurisdiction over the Wartau dominion (Wartau Castle and the village of Gretschins). The noble family of the Counts of Werdenberg split into several side lines in 1277. The actual County of Werdenberg remained with the line of the Counts of Werdenberg-Heiligenberg.
In 1402 they pledged the county of Werdenberg to the counts of Montfort-Tettnang, from whom it passed to the counts of Sax-Misox in 1483. In 1485 the city of Lucerne acquired the county and passed it on to the Barons of Kastelwart in 1493. However, the county remained connected to the Swiss Confederation through a castle right with Lucerne, even when the county changed hands again to the Barons of Hewen in 1498. Werdenberg also fought on the side of the Swiss Confederation in the Swabian War. In 1517 the Barons of Hewen sold Werdenberg to the Canton of Glarus for 21,500 guilders. Glarus administered Werdenberg very strictly as a bailiwick - the Glarus lords were anything but popular in the Rhine Valley. Due to the confusing legal situation between the counties of Werdenberg and Sargans in the Wartau dominion, there were repeated disputes between the governors, which were brought before the Swiss Diet in the "Wartau trade" in 1694/95.
With the collapse of the old Swiss Confederation and the founding of the Helvetic Republic in 1798, Werdenberg became part of the canton of Linth. When this was dissolved again with the Mediation Constitution of 1803, Werdenberg became part of the canton of St. Gallen.
Text from Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werdenberg_SG
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Gräpplang Castle Ruins
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Wildenburg Castle Ruins
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The Wildenburg was built around 1200 by the Barons of Sax. In 1313 it was sold to Count Frederick IV of Toggenburg, and in 1439 it came to the Lords of Raron by inheritance. In 1468 it was sold to the St. Gallen monastery. Shortly after 1660, the Wildenburg was struck by lightning and burned down.
Since 1998 the Wildenburg has belonged to the political municipality of Wildhaus, today Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann.
The southern wall is secured
In January 2011, work began on renovating the completely overgrown ruins of the Wildenburg, which were threatened with decay. Around 80 cubic meters, 60 tons of wood were felled and flown away by helicopter and sold. The deficit was borne by the foundation of a holiday guest from Zurich. The restored Wildenburg was officially opened in July 2013.
Text/Source: Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildenburg_(Wildhaus)
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Tips from the Community
An above-averagely large and well-preserved/maintained castle ruin with beautiful views. Very worthwhile.
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Werdenberg is definitely worth a visit
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A wonderful, picturesque little town. Definitely worth a visit.
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Werdenberg, always worth a visit.
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superb ruin with beautiful barbecue area
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In front of the ruins there is a small but nice barbecue area.
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Werdenberg is the oldest wooden settlement in Switzerland Werdenberg is the oldest wooden settlement in Switzerland and is best known for the castle of the same name, which stands on the hill above the town. The small Werdenberg Lake gives the town additional charm. Werdenberg at a glance Werdenberg Castle can be seen from afar. It stands on the castle hill 45 metres above the valley floor in front of the panorama of the Alpstein and the Alvier group and offers a magnificent view over the Rhine valley to the Alps. Today owned by the canton and of considerable size, it was originally just a single tower. The spacious staircase, the surrounding walls and the castle courtyard with the cistern were added later. In the Middle Ages, the castle was the seat of power of the Counts of Montfort and Werdenberg and from the 16th century it was the seat of the Glarus bailiwick. In addition to being used as a military hospital by French troops during the Napoleonic Wars, it also survived the notorious foehn storms of the Rhine Valley, which often caused fires. At the foot of the castle hill lies the small medieval town of Werdenberg, which has a picturesque market square with arbors. Remains of the archway still indicate the former main entrance. A staircase leads up to the castle through the vineyards. On the valley side, Werdenberg nestles against the small Werdenberg Lake. The defensive city wall once formed the lake front. Today, the remains of the wall serve as an impressive base on which the pretty wooden houses dating from the 15th to 17th centuries were built. A particularly valuable example in architectural terms is the Snake House with its baroque painting. Text / Source: Switzerland Tourism https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-ch/reiseziele/werdenberg/
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Gräpplang Castle, also called Castrum Flumius, is the ruin of a spur castle near Flums in the canton of St. Gallen in southeastern Switzerland. The name Groppa lunga means long rock. The Romansh origin of the word suggests that this language was widespread in this area. Source: Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical sites can I explore around Alt St. Johann and Unterwasser?
The region offers a mix of well-preserved medieval towns, castle ruins, and ancient watchtowers. For example, you can visit the Historic Old Town of Werdenberg, which is recognized as the smallest town in Switzerland with an 800-year history, or the Gräpplang Castle Ruins, situated on a rock spur above the Seez valley.
Are there any family-friendly castle experiences in the area?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The Historic Old Town of Werdenberg and Werdenberg — Old Town, Castle and Lake are both listed as family-friendly, offering museums and historical exploration. The Stralegg Castle Ruins (Roman Watchtower) is also noted as family-friendly.
What natural features can I enjoy alongside visiting castles?
Many castle sites offer stunning natural views. For instance, Gräpplang Castle Ruins provides wonderful views of the Churfirsten mountains and Walensee. Werdenberg — Old Town, Castle and Lake features a picturesque lake and panoramic views over the Rhine valley to the Alps.
Are there hiking trails near the castles?
Yes, the Toggenburg region is excellent for hiking. You can find various routes, such as the 'View of Säntis – Gräppelensee loop' or 'View of the Alpstein – View of the Churfirsten loop', which can be combined with visits to nearby historical sites. For more hiking options, explore the hiking guide for Alt St. Johann and Unterwasser.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles and ruins?
The region's castles and ruins are generally best visited during the warmer months, from spring to autumn, when hiking trails are clear and the weather is pleasant for outdoor exploration. Winter visits are possible, but some paths might be snowy, and the focus shifts more towards winter sports in Alt St. Johann itself.
Can I visit the historic Starkenstein Castle in Alt St. Johann?
Historically, Alt St. Johann was home to Starkenstein Castle, built around 1200. However, current information indicates that Starkenstein Castle does not remain as a visible structure or a visitable ruin with preserved features. The village is now known more for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation.
Are there any castle ruins with good viewpoints?
Absolutely. The Gräpplang Castle Ruins offer wonderful views of the Churfirsten and Walensee. Similarly, the Wildenburg Castle Ruins provide a great vantage point over the surrounding landscape. The castle at Werdenberg — Old Town, Castle and Lake also stands 45 meters above the valley floor, offering magnificent views over the Rhine valley.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles and historical sites in this region?
Visitors appreciate the well-preserved medieval architecture, the rich history, and the panoramic views offered by many of the sites. The combination of historical exploration with the stunning natural landscapes of the Toggenburg region is a major draw, as evidenced by over 315 upvotes and 250 photos shared by the komoot community.
Are there cycling routes that pass by or near these castles?
Yes, the region offers gravel biking opportunities. While not always directly passing castles, routes like the 'Gräppelensee – Gamplüt Mountain Inn loop' can be found in the vicinity of some historical sites. You can find more options in the gravel biking guide for Alt St. Johann and Unterwasser.
How long should I plan for a visit to a castle or historical town?
For a site like the Historic Old Town of Werdenberg, with its museum and charming streets, you might want to allocate a few hours. For castle ruins such as Gräpplang or Wildenburg, the visit duration depends on whether you combine it with a hike, but the ruins themselves can be explored in an hour or two.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castle ruins to discover?
While the main highlights are well-regarded, the Stralegg Castle Ruins (Roman Watchtower), though not extensively preserved, offers a unique historical perspective as a former Roman watchtower later rebuilt in the Middle Ages. Its location above Lake Walen provides a scenic, less-traveled experience.
What kind of historical significance do the castles in this region hold?
The castles and ruins in the area, such as those in Werdenberg and the Wildenburg, reflect centuries of regional history, including periods under the Counts of Werdenberg, Montfort, and later various cantonal administrations. They served as seats of power, defensive structures, and administrative centers, offering insights into medieval life and conflicts in eastern Switzerland.
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