Burgruine Sonnenberg, Medieval castle ruin in Nüziders, Austria
Burgruine Sonnenberg is a castle ruin in Nüziders that sits on a steep rocky outcrop at 614 meters (2,014 feet) in elevation. The main visible remains are the northern wall of what was once a residential tower.
The castle was built between 1100 and 1200 as a local power center. In 1258 it passed to the Counts of Werdenberg-Sargans, before mercenaries from Feldkirch destroyed it in 1473.
The name Sonnenberg refers to its sunny exposure, and the site once served as the seat of local feudal lords. Visitors can explore the remains of this fortification that shaped the region's medieval power structure.
The ruin is accessible year-round by following a marked trail from the village of Nüziders. The local tourist office can provide details about walking routes and current conditions.
Archaeological digs in 1930 uncovered original oven tiles that offer clues about daily life inside the fortress. Restoration work in the 1930s saved the northern wall from further decay.
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