Burg Grafenberg, Medieval castle ruins in Fläsch, Switzerland
Burg Grafenberg is a castle ruin situated on a rocky spur overlooking the route between Saint Luzisteig Pass and Liechtenstein. The weathered stone remains form the core of this former fortification that once commanded views of the surrounding land.
The fortress was first documented in 1579, though it played a role during the Swabian War of 1499 when forces clashed between the Confederates and Imperial armies. A medieval fire eventually caused the complete abandonment of this strategic stronghold.
Local tales gave this fortress the name Mörderburg, stemming from legends of lords who robbed merchants and pushed them over the rocky cliff. These stories have shaped how people in the area understand the castle.
The ruins sit on an exposed rocky location and can be reached via hiking routes that pass between the pass and the border region. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and take care with uneven stones and steep edges.
The passage between Luzisteig Pass and Liechtenstein was an important trade route, which made this castle a desired location for controlling transit traffic. The ruins still stand at this strategic point today, bearing witness to the historical importance of this alpine trade path.
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