Falkenstein Castle

Falkenstein Castle is first mentioned in a document dated 11 December 1338 as Valkenstein. In the “Buoch der vestinen” of 1410, it appears under the name Falkenstain. Between 1365 and 1389, an Ulrich von Falkenstein is recorded, although it remains unclear whether he was of noble origin.

The Churwalden register of 1508 contains references to a Falckenstainßwyß and a Falckenstain field. Later, the castle also appears under the names Falckenstein and Fackelenstein, which always refer to the same site. Fackelenstein is a later variation of the original name.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Kury Butyg von Facklenstain, who lived in Zizers, used a coat of arms with two torches, although he was not of noble descent. On 27 September 1518, he is recorded as Chuerin Buttig of Zizers. A noble family permanently named after the castle cannot be confirmed. When the castle was finally abandoned is unknown.

The remaining walls show that the castle underwent at least two construction phases. The older part includes the tower, with a footprint of about 12 × 8 metres and walls 1.9 metres thick. Attached to it is a rectangular palas measuring 12 × 13.5 metres. The opus spicatum masonry and a vertical wall joint indicate later construction phases.

Inside the palas, no traces of internal structures can be found. Notable features include a narrow slit window with a stone bench, a waste chute with outlet, and a door with beam sockets. Below the main building, a curtain wall follows the rock edge. The presumed entrance lay on the eastern side but is now buried under the palace debris.

The site also included a lower outer bailey, whose walls survive only in fragments. These were 0.75 to 1.05 metres thick and are now covered with rubble on the mountain side. In the north-western section, the remains of a gate with a beam channel are still visible.