Burg Falkenstein, Medieval castle ruins in Grisons, Switzerland

Burg Falkenstein is a castle ruin in Grisons that stands on a rocky outcrop with several stone structures spread across the site. The remains include residential towers and defensive walls built over different periods, showing how the fortress evolved over time.

Written records of the castle's history are lacking. It appears as Valkenstein in a document of 11 December 1338 and as Falkenstain in the 1410 "Buoch der vestinen". Ulrich von Falkenstein is mentioned between 1365 and 1389, but whether he was a nobleman is unclear. A 1645 catalogue of Bishop Johann VI Flugi von Aspermont lists Falckenstein and Fackelenstein for the same castle, the latter a later alteration of the name. When the castle was abandoned is unknown.

The name Falkenstein appears in records as Valkenstein in 1338 and Falkenstain in 1410; a 1645 catalogue of Bishop Johann VI Flugi von Aspermont lists Falckenstein and Fackelenstein for the same ruin. Around 1500 Kury Butyg of Zizers, not of noble birth, adopted a coat of arms with two torches (Fackeln) to match the altered name Fackelenstein. No noble family named after the castle can be documented.

The ruin sits on a ridge and is reached by walking uphill from the base. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground and sections that may be partially collapsed.

The north wall of the palas holds a narrow loophole with a vaulted niche and a stone bench, plus a small basin with a spout. The tower measures about 12 by 8 metres with walls 1.9 metres thick, and the adjoining palas 12 by 13.5 metres, partly in opus spicatum.