Location: Burggasse 1, Feldkirch Map
Constructed: 1190 by Count of Montfort
Open: May- Oct: 9- 12am, 1:30- 6pm
Jan- Apr: 1-4pm
Entrance Fee: € 6, children €4.50
Tel. +43(5522)71982
Website: www.schattenburg.at
Schattenburg Castle is a medieval fortress perched on a side of a
mountain overlooking a town of Feldkirch below. Schattenburg Castle
was constructed in 1190 by Count Hugo I Montfort who also found a
town of Feldkirch below. Count used it an official seat of his
family as well as to control strategic and quiet lucrative trading
routes to the South and to the East of the castle. During Medieval
Period Schattenburg Castle was unsuccessfully besieged twice. Small
garrison managed to beat back all armies including the one sent by
Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian in 1345. Only with the break out of
Appenzell War (1401- 29) new military technologies finally broke
through the defenses of Schattenburg Castle. Count Friedrich von
Toggenburg brought heavy trebuchets that howled huge boulders
against thick walls, finally breaking them down. After 18 weeks of
constant bombardment Heinrich Walter of Ramschwag along with a
garrison of 38 men had to capitulate on 29 January 1406.
Subsequently Schattenburg Castle was burned down.
Schattenburg Castle was left untouched and without any major
renovations since the early 16th century. Today Schattenburg Castle
houses a and a museum devoted to its history with a collection of
medieval weaponry, religious art and costumes from the time period.