Alt-Falkenstein Castle, Medieval castle in Klus, Switzerland
Alt-Falkenstein is a medieval castle in the Klus gorge near Balsthal, in Switzerland, set on a rocky spur above a narrow valley passage. Several buildings and walls make up the complex, fitted tightly between steep rock faces on either side.
The castle was built around 1100 to control the trade and travel route through the Klus passage. It remained inhabited and was modified over many centuries before eventually falling into disuse.
The castle holds a local history museum with archaeological finds and weapons from different periods. The collection also covers how people lived and worked in the Thal valley over the centuries.
Guided tours run from April through October, giving visitors access to the fortress and museum inside. The paths are steep and involve several sets of stairs, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
The castle sits so tightly between the cliffs that rock walls close it in on nearly three sides. This was no accident, as the builders chose the spot precisely because the terrain itself did most of the defensive work.
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