Clanx Castle

The first documented mention of Clanx Castle dates back to 1210, but it was already in the possession of the abbots of St. Gallen in the 12th century. It is believed that Ulrich von Sax, Abbot of St. Gallen, expanded the original single-tower structure with a curtain wall and economic buildings. His brother Heinrich was appointed castellan at Clanx, making the castle an important power center for the Sax family. After Heinrich's death in 1249, the castle passed to his grandson Heinrich (II) von Sax. In 1272, following the death of Abbot Berchtold von Falkenstein, a double election occurred in St. Gallen. Rudolf von Habsburg, the later king, advised Abbot Ulrich von Güttingen to strip Heinrich (II) von Sax of Clanx Castle and transfer it to Ulrich von Ramschwag. This marked the end of the Sax family's rule over Clanx. In 1281, a force under Ulrich von Ramschwag besieged the castle and destroyed it by undermining its walls. After the death of King Rudolf von Habsburg in 1291, Abbot Wilhelm von Montfort had Clanx Castle rebuilt as monastic property. In the 14th century, it served as the residence for the St. Gallen bailiffs but was pledged to the city of St. Gallen for two years in 1344. In 1402, during the Appenzell Wars of Independence, the castle was besieged, captured, and permanently destroyed by Appenzellers and St. Gallen citizens.

The castle ruin Clanx is located in Appenzell, in the district of Appenzell, in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland. It stands at an elevation of approximately 976 m above sea level.

The castle ruin Clanx is currently accessible to visitors. The remains of the tower and the curtain wall with the gate are still preserved, providing an impression of the former grandeur of the complex.

• Appenzell Castle (Castle), approx. 1.9 km away
• Wonnenstein Monastery (Sacred Building), approx. 5.7 km away
• Urstein Castle Ruin (Castle), approx. 7.8 km away
• Haggen Castle (St. Gallen) (Castle), approx. 8.3 km away