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Schwarzenberg

Top 9 Castles around Schwarzenberg

Best castles around Schwarzenberg offer a journey through history, with several notable fortifications to explore. The region features historical sites, including castle ruins and former residences, providing insights into past eras. These structures are often situated in scenic locations, offering views over valleys and natural landscapes. The area's castles contribute to its cultural heritage, showcasing architectural styles and historical significance.

Best castles around Schwarzenberg

  • The most popular castles is Alt-Ems Castle Ruins, a castle that is the longest medieval…

Last updated: April 27, 2026

Alt-Ems Castle Ruins

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It is the longest medieval castle in Austria and is a true highlight at 740m above sea level. The view over the Rhine Valley and the remains of the castle are a true reward for the ascent.

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Upper Town Gate (Oberstadt Gate), Bregenz

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The climb to the upper town is steep but rewarding. Just the view through the city gate and the streets with half-timbered houses behind are great.

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Deuringschlössle

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The Deuringschlössle is a former residence in the upper town of Bregenz. The building is a listed building.

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Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins

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A few looped castle walls have defied the time and from some sides you can still get an approximate impression of the complex. Today it is more of a gastronomic spot on the Känzele hike.

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Very nice hike to see a lot

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Kristian
June 25, 2025, Deuringschlössle

The Deuringschlössle (also Deuringschlößle) is a former residence in the upper town of Bregenz. The core of the three-story manor house dates back to the 14th/15th century and is located in the southwest corner of Bregenz's upper town, a short distance from the city wall. In 1539, the small manor house belonged to Hans von Wolfurt. In 1647, it was damaged by the Swedes during the capture of Bregenz. Johann Albert von Deuring acquired the manor house in 1660 and had it significantly enlarged by 1702, building up the open space between the manor house and the city wall. The gun tower at the southwest corner of the city wall was raised, given an onion dome, and incorporated into the building. An extension was added to the southeast side in 1698, and the "Torkel" (wine cellar) was built to the east in 1702. Michael and Johann Georg Kuen may have significantly influenced this structural redesign. The Deuring family were wealthy timber merchants from Bregenz who were raised to the knightly nobility in 1621. The Deuringschlössle remained in the family's possession until 1801. The next owners were the governor and district captain Johann Jakob von Vicari, and twenty years later, the Imperial and Royal Rent Master Christoph Anton Kayser, who established the Rent Office here. After his death, the building was inherited by the Swiss architect Johann Anton von Tscharner-Merhart, who commissioned an interior renovation in the historicist style in 1915. In 1927, the upper floor of the former wine press was converted into an artist's studio, the so-called Knight's Hall. From 1989 to 2015, the Deuringschlössle was used as a gourmet hotel.

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Around 1100, the Count of Bregenz built the castle on a rocky outcrop of the Gebhardsberg, high above the city. "Sunken in holy enthusiasm..." begins a poem inspired by Hohen Bregenz Castle. In 1143, the castle passed to the Counts of Pulllendorf, and shortly thereafter, around 1170, to Count Palatine Hugo II of Tübingen (father of Hugo I, Count of Montfort). The upper part of the castle was sold to the Habsburgs in 1451, and the lower part in 1523, and the castle became the seat of Austrian bailiffs. Converted into a fortress at the beginning of the 17th century, the Swedes blew up large sections of the castle during the Thirty Years' War. The circular wall and parts of the palace survived. The attached church became a popular place of pilgrimage in honor of Saint Gebhard. The old sacristan's house, which has since been converted into a restaurant, looks forward to your visit. Even today, the fantastic view over the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance attracts numerous visitors.

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Michael
December 11, 2024, Deuringschlössle

A manor house was built here between the 14th and 15th centuries. Around 1700, the gaps between the house and the city wall were closed.

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Mo
September 16, 2024, Deuringschlössle

Well-preserved old buildings, the likes of which are no longer found in the lower town.

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Whether it is a shark from Lake Constance, a not so ancient tower keeper from St. Martin, an Amazon who decided the war, a gallows bell or a “prison house”: Bregenz’s upper town fascinates us thanks to its medieval buildings, most of which have far more than just a story to tell.

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The Deuringschlössle and the Martinsturm dominate the silhouette of Bregenz's upper town. The mighty bastions of the city wall and the round corner tower still show the original defensive strength. The former gun tower was extended to an octagonal shape in the 17th century and given a slightly oversized onion dome, in keeping with the spirit of the Baroque era.

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Beautiful castle in the old town, very nicely located. Beautiful old houses 👍

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History of Hohenbregenz Castle. The castle was built in the last quarter of the 11th century (before 1097) by the Counts of Bregenz (Ulriche). The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1209. In 1143 the castle passed to the Counts of Pfullendorf, but only remained in their possession for a short time. Just a few years later (1170) it came to Count Palatine Hugo of Tübingen (father of Hugo I, Count of Montfort). The upper part of the castle was sold in 1451 and the lower part of the castle in 1523 to the Habsburgs, who made the castle the seat of Austrian bailiffs. At the beginning of the 17th century the castle was expanded into a fortress. In 1647, towards the end of the Thirty Years' War, they were able to capture Swedish troops without a fight. They blew up the fortress in the same year by setting off five mines (see Naval War on Lake Constance 1632–1648). Source: Wikipedia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular castles to visit around Schwarzenberg?

Among the most popular castles in the region are Alt-Ems Castle Ruins, known as the longest medieval castle in Austria with stunning views over the Rhine Valley. Visitors also highly recommend Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins, which offers a gastronomic spot on the Känzele hike, and Deuringschlössle, a listed former residence dominating Bregenz's upper town.

Are there any castle ruins that offer great views?

Yes, Alt-Ems Castle Ruins provides fabulous views over the Rhine Valley from its position at 740m above sea level. Additionally, Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins is also a noted viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas.

What historical significance do the castles around Schwarzenberg hold?

The castles in this area, such as Alt-Ems Castle Ruins and Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins, have medieval origins, with some dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. They served various roles, from defensive fortifications to residences, and have witnessed significant historical events, including periods of expansion and destruction, such as the blowing up of Hohenbregenz Castle during the Thirty Years' War.

Are there family-friendly activities or castles suitable for families?

While specific family-friendly categories aren't listed for all castles, the general area offers natural attractions and viewpoints that can be enjoyed by families. For instance, the View of Gebhardsberg, Rhine Valley, Bregenz, and Lake Constance is categorized as family-friendly and includes castle ruins and a restaurant, making it a good option for an outing.

What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?

The region around Schwarzenberg offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, gravel biking trails, and general cycling routes. For example, there are routes like the 'Hittisau Village – View of Sulzberg loop' for road cycling or the 'Bregenzerwald Gravel Tour' for gravel biking. You can explore more options on the Cycling around Schwarzenberg guide.

Are there hiking trails near these castles?

Yes, several castles are integrated into hiking routes. Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins, for instance, is described as a gastronomic spot on the Känzele hike. The ascent to Alt-Ems Castle Ruins is also part of a rewarding trail.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this area?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views offered by many of the castle ruins, particularly the panoramic vistas over the Rhine Valley from places like Alt-Ems Castle Ruins. The historical atmosphere and the opportunity to explore ancient structures are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has shared over 510 photos and given more than 240 upvotes for these highlights.

Can I find restaurants or cafes near the castles?

Yes, some castle sites offer dining options. Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins is noted as a gastronomic spot. The View of Gebhardsberg, Rhine Valley, Bregenz, and Lake Constance also includes a restaurant, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy a meal with a view.

Is there a castle that is privately owned and still impressive?

Glopper Castle (Neu-Ems Castle) is a very impressive privately owned building. While it's a 'hidden treasure' and not always publicly accessible in its entirety, its exterior and surroundings are worth seeing on a hike.

What is the best time to visit the castles around Schwarzenberg?

While specific seasonal recommendations for each castle are not provided, visiting during spring or autumn often offers pleasant weather for exploring ruins and enjoying the scenic views without the peak summer crowds. The views from the castle ruins, especially over the Rhine Valley, are beautiful in various seasons.

Are there any castles that are particularly significant architecturally?

Deuringschlössle is a listed building and a former residence that, along with the Martinsturm, significantly shapes the silhouette of Bregenz's upper town, showcasing notable architectural presence.

Can I combine a castle visit with a lake view?

Absolutely. The View of Gebhardsberg, Rhine Valley, Bregenz, and Lake Constance offers a terrific vantage point where you can see the castle ruins, the Rhine Valley, and Lake Constance all at once. It's an ideal spot for enjoying both historical sites and natural beauty.

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