Sargans Castle

The first documented mention of Sargans Castle dates back to 1282. As early as the beginning of the 13th century, under Count Hugo von Montfort, a presumably existing small complex was expanded. The keep with its crenellated curtain wall represents the oldest preserved part. In the mid-13th century, under Hartmann I, the castle became the ancestral seat of the Counts of Werdenberg-Sargans, with the addition of the palas on the west side, the largest building of the complex. After an earthquake in 1459 caused the palas to collapse, reconstruction began in 1460. In the eastern area, the rear castle was built, but it was demolished after 400 years due to the risk of collapse and replaced by today's viewing terraces. From 1483, the Sargans county became a subject territory of the Confederates, who used the castle as the official residence for their bailiffs until 1798. After the French Revolution, the castle became the property of the Canton of St. Gallen and briefly served as a schoolhouse after a town fire in 1811. In 1834, Johann Georg von Toggenburg acquired the castle, which subsequently fell into disrepair until it was purchased by the local community of Sargans in 1899 and extensively restored.

Sargans Castle is located in the municipality of Sargans in the Sarganserland district, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, at an elevation of approx. 519 m above sea level.

Today, Sargans Castle houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Sarganserland region and was recognized as the European Museum of the Year in 1983. Additionally, a restaurant invites visitors to linger. The complex is accessible to the public.

• Gutenberg Castle (Castle), approx. 5.1 km away
• Spilberg Ruin (Bad Ragaz) (Castle), approx. 5.7 km away
• Grafenberg Ruin (Maienfeld) (Castle), approx. 5.8 km away
• Freudenberg Ruin (Bad Ragaz) (Castle), approx. 6.2 km away