Forstegg Castle

Forstegg Castle is a medieval ruin located in the canton of St. Gallen, featuring stone walls that reveal its original fortification design from the early medieval period. The remaining structures include fragments of outer walls and foundations that outline the shape and scale of the original stronghold.

Construction began around 1200 as a defensive stronghold within the Werdenberg territory during the High Middle Ages. The structure gradually declined over subsequent centuries until it became the ruin visible in the landscape today.

The ruins reflect how medieval lords displayed their authority over the valley and surrounding communities. Today visitors can walk among the stones and sense the social order that once centered around such structures.

Access is provided via marked hiking trails from Sennwald that are passable year-round and require no special equipment. Informational signs at the site help explain the ruin's history and construction.

The ruin sits on a location chosen specifically for its wide views over the valley, allowing those who lived here to monitor movement and routes through the land. This positioning reveals how seriously medieval rulers took surveillance of their territories.

Location: Sennwald

Location: Werdenberg Constituency

Location: canton St. Gallen

Inception: 1200

Address: Schloss Forstegg, Salez

GPS coordinates: 47.24560,9.49583

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26