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Upper Castle Ruins
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Landmark
The Upper Castle Ruins of Schellenberg, also known as Neu-Schellenberg, is the larger of the two medieval fortress ruins located in the municipality of Schellenberg, Liechtenstein. Constructed around the year 1200 on a prominent rocky ridge, the castle was designed to control the strategically important road through the Rhine Valley. The first documentary evidence of the site dates back to 1317, when it was held by the Lords of Schellenberg. By the 16th century, the castle had lost its military significance and gradually fell into decay after being abandoned as a residence. Today, the ruins are owned by the Princely House and managed by the Historical Society of Liechtenstein, which conducted extensive conservation work between 1960 and 1964. The site features the remains of a massive keep, the inner bailey, and an extensive outer ward, providing visitors with a detailed look at regional medieval military architecture.
- Location: Schellenberg, Liechtenstein
- Top sights: Biedermannhaus · Ruine Alt-Schellenberg · Ruine Neu-Schellenberg
- Nearby: Eichen (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 Upper Castle Ruins in Schellenberg are the larger of the two castle ruins and are freely accessible. Visitors can explore the remains of walls and towers and enjoy the view.
Typical hours
As a free ruin, there are no opening hours; it is accessible at any time. The best time to visit is during daylight to appreciate the details of the ruin and the view.
Photography
Photograph the ruin from various angles, especially towards evening when the light warms the stones. The surrounding hilly landscape provides nice contrasts.
Time needed
A visit to the ruins takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend exploring and enjoying the panorama. A relaxed walk takes half an hour.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the Lower Castle Ruins, just a few minutes' walk away. The nearby Ruggeller Riet nature reserve is also suitable for a combination.
Getting there
The Upper Castle Ruins are reachable on foot from Schellenberg via a hiking trail. Parking is available in the village, from where a marked path leads up to the ruins.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the path to the ruins is partly uneven and steep. A picnic on the castle grounds is allowed and features a nice break with a view.
Geography
Facts
- Built around the year 1200
- First mentioned in documents in 1317
- Donated to the Historical Society in 1956
- Extensively restored between 1960 and 1964
- Located at an altitude of 630 meters
- Largest medieval castle complex in Liechtenstein
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 Upper Castle Ruins (10)
Eschnerberg
Mountain ridge in Liechtenstein and Vorarlberg, a popular hiking area.
Kapelle zu den Heiligen Martin und Magnus
Building in Feldkirch, Austria, a chapel.
Naturschutzgebiet Ruggeller Riet
Wetland in Liechtenstein, an important bird protection area.
Kapelle Mariahilf
Building in Feldkirch, Austria, a chapel.
St. Corneli
Church with cemetery in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg.
Naturschutzgebiet Schneckenäule
Protected area in Liechtenstein with special plant life.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach the Obere Burg Schellenberg?
The ruin is easily reached via a short walk from the center of Schellenberg village.
Is entrance to the castle ruin free?
Yes, the site is freely accessible year-round with no entrance fee.
Is picnicking allowed on the grounds?
Yes, there are barbecue pits and benches available, making it convenient for a family picnic.
How old is the Obere Burg?
The castle was built around 1200 and is the larger of the two ruins in Schellenberg.
Are there toilets available?
There are no toilets directly at the ruin; the nearest ones are in the village center.
Upper Castle Ruins: where is it located?
Upper Castle Ruins is located in Schellenberg, Liechtenstein.
Upper Castle Ruins: what is there to see?
Highlights include Biedermannhaus, Ruine Alt-Schellenberg, Ruine Neu-Schellenberg.
Upper Castle Ruins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Upper Castle Ruins: why is it worth visiting?
The Upper Castle Ruins of Schellenberg, also known as Neu-Schellenberg, is the larger of the two medieval fortress ruins located in the municipality of Schellenberg, Liechtenstein.
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Vorderschellenberg
The western settlement area on the Eschnerberg in the municipality of Schellenberg.
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The district around the Biedermann House, the oldest preserved wooden house in Liechtenstein in Schellenberg.
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History & landmarks
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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.
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A small animal park near Planken showing local alpine animals.