Obere Burg, Medieval castle ruins in Schellenberg, Liechtenstein.
Obere Burg, also called Ruine Neu-Schellenberg, is a ruined hilltop castle at about 670 m on the Eschnerberg, just west of the Hinterschloss hamlet in Schellenberg. Its triangular core sits on a steep hill, protected on the south by a neck ditch; in the centre stands the bergfried, reached by a high entrance, with an inner and outer courtyard, two residential buildings, a cistern in the north corner and a shield wall east of the tower. Parts of the core walls still rise high, alongside conserved remains of a dry-stone wall, a zwinger and outbuildings.
Construction began around 1200 and the fortress was first documented in records from 1348. It held strategic importance as part of the region's medieval defense network.
The name Obere Burg (Upper Castle) distinguishes it from Alt-Schellenberg, the lower ruin about a kilometre west; locals also call it Burg Neu-Schellenberg. Since 1999 the castle ditch and adjoining ground have served as the municipality's youth campsite. From 2012 to 2026 the Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo, a military music and dance show under the patronage of Prince Hans-Adam II, took place here every two years in September, with a stand for 576 spectators.
The ruins are open year-round and accessible without fees, allowing visitors to explore independently at their own pace. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the terrain is uneven and parts can be steep.
The castle ditch and adjoining ground have served since 1999 as a youth campsite run by the municipality of Schellenberg. From 2012 to 2026 the Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo was held on the grounds every two years in September, under the patronage of Prince Hans-Adam II, with a stand for 576 spectators.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,963 contributors worldwide.