Plizio Visual Lab
Lower Castle Ruins
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Lower Castle Ruins of Schellenberg, frequently referred to as Alt-Schellenberg, is the smaller of the two castle ruins in the municipality of Schellenberg. It was likely built around 1250, approximately 50 years after the Upper Castle, and served to secure the lordship's influence in the area. The first documented mention of the castle occurred in 1317, alongside the Upper Castle. Given its location and construction style, it is believed that the site was intended more as a noble residence than a major defensive fortification. By 1550, the castle was already considered abandoned and falling into ruin. Since 1956, the ruins have been owned by the Historical Society of Liechtenstein, which ensures the preservation of the remaining masonry. The layout is characterized by its compact form, with the foundations of the rectangular residential building and parts of the curtain wall still clearly visible today.
- Location: Schellenberg, Liechtenstein
- Top sights: Eschnerberg · Kapelle zu den Heiligen Martin und Magnus · St. Corneli
- Nearby: Badäl (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -5 | -1 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 0 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 92 | 70 | 91 | 93 | 147 | 173 | 169 | 185 | 121 | 103 | 91 | 93 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The lower castle ruins are freely accessible and located outdoors. Visitors can explore the site without any restrictions as there is no entrance fee.
Typical hours
The ruins are typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no fixed opening times as the site is open air.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the entire site. The panoramic view from the hill gives impressive shots.
Time needed
A visit typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to explore the surroundings, you can plan for one hour.
Combine with
The ruins combine well with a walk on the Eschnerberg. The nearby Schellenberg Castle is also worth a visit.
Getting there
Access is via a short hiking trail from the parking lot at the foot of the hill. By car you reach the starting point via a country road.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the path to the ruins can be uneven. A visit in the late afternoon has the most beautiful light.
Geography
Facts
- Built around the year 1250
- First mentioned in documents in 1317
- Documented as abandoned by 1550
- Site dimensions are approximately 50 by 20 meters
- Owned by the Historical Society since 1956
- Located at an elevation of roughly 600 meters
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lower Castle Ruins (10)
Kapelle Mariahilf
Building in Feldkirch, Austria.
Ruine Neu-Schellenberg🏰 castle
Castle in Liechtenstein.
Ruine Tosters🏰 castle
Ruin in Feldkirch, Austria.
Biedermannhaus🏛 museum
Museum in Liechtenstein.
Naturschutzgebiet Ruggeller Riet
Wetland in Liechtenstein.
Neue Pfarrkirche Hl. Cornelius und Cyprian
Parish church with cemetery in Feldkirch, Austria.
Ruine Alt-Schellenberg🏰 castle
Castle ruin in the municipality of Schellenberg, Liechtenstein.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference from the Obere Burg?
The Untere Burg is smaller, slightly younger (c. 1250), and located further down the slope.
Can the Untere Burg also be visited for free?
Yes, like the Obere Burg, it is accessible at any time and free of charge.
Is it worth visiting both ruins?
Yes, a pleasant hiking trail connects both, offering great views over the Rhine Valley.
Is there food available there?
Not directly at the Untere Burg; you can find restaurants in nearby Schellenberg.
Is the path to the Untere Burg steep?
The path is well-maintained but has some inclines. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Lower Castle Ruins: where is it located?
Lower Castle Ruins is located in Schellenberg, Liechtenstein.
Lower Castle Ruins: what is there to see?
Highlights include Eschnerberg, Kapelle zu den Heiligen Martin und Magnus, St. Corneli.
Lower Castle Ruins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Lower Castle Ruins: why is it worth visiting?
The Lower Castle Ruins of Schellenberg, frequently referred to as Alt-Schellenberg, is the smaller of the two castle ruins in the municipality of Schellenberg.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Liechtenstein →
Nearby cities
Platta
A flat plateau area in Schellenberg, ideal for farms and scattered residential houses.
Vorderschellenberg
The western settlement area on the Eschnerberg in the municipality of Schellenberg.
Loch
A lower-lying small depression on the Eschnerberg in Schellenberg.
Gantenstein
A wooded hill area in Schellenberg that extends to the Austrian border.
Hinterschellenberg
The eastern part of the municipality of Schellenberg, known for its historic castle ruins.
Biedermann-Areal
The district around the Biedermann House, the oldest preserved wooden house in Liechtenstein in Schellenberg.
Eichholz
A shady forest area, formerly dominated by oaks, on the southern slope of Schellenberg.
Mittelschellenberg
The center of the municipality of Schellenberg with the municipal administration and modern facilities.
St. Georg
The area around the historic chapel in Schellenberg, which represents an important cultural asset.
Nofels-Grenze
The immediate border area in the north of Ruggell to the Austrian Nofels.
Feldkirch
Feldkirch is a medieval city in Vorarlberg on the border with Liechtenstein.
Rüttistein
A prominent point in Planken, known for its large erratic boulders from the Ice Age.
Rankweil
Rankweil is a historic market town in the Rhine Valley, primarily known for its prominent basilica perched atop the Frauenberg hill.
Buchs SG
An important border town in the Rhine Valley of the Canton of St.
Gaflei
One of the highest settlements in Liechtenstein, known for the former health resort.
History & landmarks
Upper Castle Ruins
The larger of the two castle ruins in Schellenberg, freely accessible to visitors.
Gafadura Hut
A managed alpine hut at 1428m altitude, popular among hikers.
Walser Museum
The Walser Museum in Triesenberg documents the unique history and culture of the Walser settlers who arrived in the 13th century.
Nature
More places
🗺️
Schellenberg Adventure Park 9
An exciting adventure park for children in Schellenberg with many play areas.
Roman Estate Maurerberg
Archaeological site of a former Roman estate on the Maurerberg.
Gamprin Adventure Park 8
An exciting adventure park for children in Gamprin with many play areas.
Eschen Animal Park 4
A small animal park near Eschen showing local alpine animals.
🗺️
Mauren Industrial Park 5
A modern industrial park in Mauren hosting high-tech companies.
Sax Castle Ruins
The ruins near Sax in the municipality of Sennwald testify to the feudal presence in the Rhine valley during the Middle Ages.
Gamprin Animal Park 8
A small animal park near Gamprin showing local alpine animals.
Planken Animal Park 10
A small animal park near Planken showing local alpine animals.