Belfort castle ruin, Medieval castle ruin in Brienz/Brinzauls, Switzerland
Belfort castle ruin sits on a rocky ridge east of Brienz/Brinzauls and preserves the remains of a medieval fortification with thick stone walls. The ruins still show a five-sided floor plan with a central courtyard and traces of a multi-story residential building.
The fortress was founded in 1222 by the Lords of Vaz and soon expanded with additional structures and defenses. It was destroyed in 1499 during the Swabian War and left in ruins ever since.
The castle served as a seat of regional power and shaped life in this mountain valley for centuries. Today you can still trace the layout of living quarters and fortifications that show how people once occupied and controlled this area.
Access is by hiking trails that are open year-round, though snow and ice may make them harder to navigate in winter. Sturdy hiking shoes are a good idea since the path crosses rocky terrain and the ruins themselves have no safety railings.
The castle featured a dual configuration with separate upper and lower sections that served different purposes within the fortification. Remains of a round cistern in the courtyard can still be seen today, showing how water was stored for the residents.
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