Wartenstein castle ruins

The ruins of Wartenstein Castle in Pfäfers, built in 1206, contain the remains of the residential tower and the cistern. It is a place of wonder and historical significance. Take care on unpaved paths in wet weather.

In 1206, Wartenstein Castle was built on the site of the old Porta Romana to protect the path and monastery. It was here that none other than Ragaz's first spa doctor, Theophrastus Parazelsus, wrote his scientific treatise on the nearby healing spring.

After an eventful history, the walls were left to decay in the 16th century. In order to obtain stones for the renovation of the Pfäfers monastery buildings, Abbot Bonifaz Tschupp had the castle demolished down to the walls that make up the ruins today.

Early engravings and postcards show it as it still is today. Remains of the residential tower, the cistern and the lower castle have been preserved. In terms of energy, the ruins are a place of wonder, which is hardly surprising. Castles are often located in powerful places. They are not dependent on particularly strong earth forces like a chapel or a church.

Visit the upper and lower castles and get an idea of the interesting fortifications.

Caution: In wet weather there is a risk of slipping on the unsurfaced paths.