Ruined Castle at Feldkirch Tosters
The castle ruin in Feldkirch Tosters is one of those places only the locals know about. Tourists rarely find or visit it. Mainly because there’s the Schattenburg, another castle in Feldkirch, which is in a much better condition and easily accessible by car.
There’s not much known about this ruined castle, but it does have some remarkable properties, as you’ll see further down.
Tosters, by the way, is a district of Feldkirch, a city in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg.
The castle was originally build by the count of Montfort around 1260. It occupied an unusually large area of 121×64 meters, providing plenty of space for garrisons, still it was destroyed during the Appenzell war on 25. November 1405.
It was rebuild around 1408. The last recorded reconstructions date back to the early 16th century, at which the main gate was relocated to the castle’s south corner.
The castle’s keep is also remarkable: It occupies a space of 12.40×12.70 meters and is six stories high. It’s original entrance was at the third floor, while a battlement was surrounding the fifth floor; Its bar holes are still nicely visible. The top floor was a originally surrounded by merlons and served as a defensive platform.
Unfortunately the castle was left for decay at around 1616. The remaining of the castle’s keep were renovated 1838/39. The walls were renovated between 1974 til 1980. The ruin is in a very desolate state.
Visit the Ruined Castle at Feldkirch Tosters
The ruined castle at Feldkirch Tosters is freely accessible throughout the year. If you’re in the area, you might also want to visit Wildpark, a small zoo with local, alpine animals. Admission to Wildpark is also free of charge. Here’s a link to Wildpark’s website, which is available in German language only, so be sure to use a browser that’s capable of translation.
Recommendation: Schattenburg Feldkirch
The castle ruins at Feldkirch Tosters provide a nice view over to Schattenburg, the landmark castle of Feldkirch. If you’re in the area, be sure to visit it.
Schattenburg houses a little museum that shows various aspects of medieval life, historical weapons and and one of the biggest collection of medieval locks. For sure worth a visit.
