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Sax Castle Ruins

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Sax Castle Ruins (Switzerland)

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The Sax Castle ruins, also known as Hohensax, are impressively situated on the eastern slope of the Alpstein massif above Sennwald in the Canton of St. Gallen. The fortress was built around 1200 by the Barons of Sax, one of the most influential noble families in the Alpine Rhine Valley during the High Middle Ages. The castle served as a strategic checkpoint over transport routes in the Rhine Valley and was the family's ancestral seat before the lineage split into various branches. In 1393, the castle was destroyed by the Appenzellers during the Appenzell Wars, but it was later rebuilt and expanded. In the 16th century, the lordship came under the influence of the Swiss Confederates, after which the castle lost its military significance and gradually fell into decay. Today, the massive remains of the residential tower and parts of the surrounding walls are preserved through extensive restoration efforts. The ascent to the ruin also features a far-reaching view over the Rhine Valley to the Vorarlberg Alps.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-5-1481314141060-4
Rain mm927091931471731691851211039193

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Sax ruins near Sennwald are freely accessible and can be visited year-round. They lie on a hill in the Rhine valley and testify to medieval feudal rule.
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Typical hours
As the ruins are outdoors, they are usually accessible at any time. In heavy rain, the climb may be muddy; sturdy footwear is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the site. The best view of the ruins and the Rhine valley is from the upper wall remnant.
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Time needed
A visit to the ruins takes about 20-30 minutes. The short climb is worth it for the view and the historical atmosphere.
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Combine with
Combine the ruins with a hike through the Rhine valley or a visit to the municipality of Sennwald. Nearby Altenrhein and Lake Constance are also worthwhile destinations.
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Getting there
The ruins are a 10-minute walk from the parking area in Sax. Follow the hiking path up; the route is signposted.
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Insider tip
Bring binoculars to watch the birds in the Rhine valley. The visit can be well combined with a wine tasting at one of the local wineries.

Geography

Coordinates
47.24720, 9.49720

Facts

  • The castle was built around 1200 as the seat of the Barons of Sax.
  • In 1393, the Appenzellers burned down the Hohensax Castle.
  • The residential tower features an impressive wall thickness of 2.5 meters.
  • The Lordship of Hohensax belonged to the city of Zurich from 1615 onwards.
  • The ruin stands on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 750 meters.
  • A support association secured the ruins between 2004 and 2008.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BangserfeldBangserfeld1 km · EExplore →
Gamprin Bus Terminal 8Gamprin Bus Terminal 82 km · SExplore →
Nofels-GrenzeNofels-Grenze3 km · EExplore →
Gamprin Viewpoint 8Gamprin Viewpoint 83 km · SEExplore →
Under AuUnder Au3 km · SExplore →
HinterschellenbergHinterschellenberg4 km · EExplore →
RofenbergRofenberg4 km · SEExplore →
Parish Church of St. Peter and PaulParish Church of St. Peter and Paul5 km · SEExplore →

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 Sax Castle Ruins (9)

Burg Forstegg🏰 castle

Castle ruins in Salez, canton of St. Gallen.

Galgen Galgenmad

Archaeological site of a former execution place near Salez.

Alte Wagenspur

Historic cart track preserved as an archaeological feature in Sennwald.

Kirche Salez

Church building in Sennwald, canton of St. Gallen.

Rot Spitz

Mountain in Switzerland, a peak in the Alpstein massif.

Reformierte Kirche

Church building in Sennwald, canton of St. Gallen.

St. Fridolin

Roman Catholic church in Liechtenstein, dedicated to Saint Fridolin.

Naturschutzgebiet Gampriner Seelein

Nature reserve with a small lake in Liechtenstein.

Naturschutzgebiet Schneckenäule

Nature reserve in Liechtenstein, protecting wetlands and species.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an observation platform at the Sax ruin?
Yes, a platform with panoramic views has been built on the residential tower.
Where is the Hohensax ruin located?
It is located above Sax in the municipality of Sennwald, St. Gallen.
Is the path to the castle strenuous?
It is about a 45-minute hike from Sax; it's steep but rewarding.
When was Sax Castle built?
It likely dates back to the early 13th century.
Is there an entry fee?
No, the ruin is freely accessible at all times.
Sax Castle Ruins: where is it located?
Sax Castle Ruins is located in Switzerland.
Sax Castle Ruins: what is there to see?
Highlights include Burg Forstegg, Galgen Galgenmad, Alte Wagenspur.
Sax Castle Ruins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Sax Castle Ruins: why is it worth visiting?
The Sax Castle ruins, also known as Hohensax, are impressively situated on the eastern slope of the Alpstein massif above Sennwald in the Canton of St.
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