Ruin Mülenen castle and Letzi, Medieval castle ruin and rampart in Reichenbach im Kandertal, Switzerland
Mülenen Castle is a medieval ruin featuring a rectangular tower and a walled courtyard, both still partially standing today. The Letzi was a defensive wall system that blocked access through this mountain passage and controlled who could enter the valley.
The site was first documented in 1269 when the Freiherr von Kien family built it to guard the alpine pass. Construction occurred across multiple phases during the 12th and 13th centuries as the fortification was expanded and reinforced.
The fortification shows how medieval inhabitants controlled movement through this alpine valley and defended their territory. Walking around the ruins, you can sense how important this location was for local power and trade routes.
The ruin sits along a hiking trail through the valley and is easily reached on foot. The site has minimal facilities, so it helps to plan ahead and bring water and snacks for your visit.
The Letzi wall remained hidden underground until road construction work in 1990 brought it to light, revealing how well these defenses had survived centuries buried. Careful excavation and restoration work through 1996 slowly uncovered the full extent of the medieval fortification.
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