Laudegg Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Ladis, Austria

Laudegg Castle is a fortified structure located in Ladis on a steep slate outcrop at 1,176 meters elevation. The remains occupy this elevated position overlooking the Oberinntal valley and the surrounding Samnaun Alps.

The residential tower dates from the Early Middle Ages and is first documented in 1239, while a ministerialis family of Laudeck appears in 1232. In 1406 Appenzell rebels under Itel Reding burned Ladis and destroyed the castle and its barbican Steinegg. It remained the seat of the Laudeck court until the 17th century, when the administration moved to Ried im Oberinntal and the ruin was abandoned.

The castle is open to visitors once a week in July and August, when the private owners allow entry; adult tickets cost 2 euros. The name Laudegg derives from the medieval ministerialis family von Laudeck, recorded in 1232, seven years before the castle itself was first mentioned in a document.

Access to the ruins can be limited at certain times depending on local conditions and weather. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the path up is steep and the grounds are uneven.

The castle was bought in 1940 for 1,000 Reichsmarks by Harald Reinl, later a film director, and his brother Kurt, who each took half and began restoring it. In 1964 they sold it for 46,000 Deutsche Mark to musicologist Willi Apel, who carried out a major restoration. It remains in the family of his heirs.