Ehrenfels Castle (Sils im Domleschg)

The origins of Ehrenfels Castle likely date back to the first half of the 13th century, when the central keep was constructed. The Lords of Ehrenfels, who gave the castle its name, are only mentioned once in a document from 1257 as witnesses. Later generations of the family were connected to the Lords of Schauenstein. In 1423, the castle is mentioned in the Domleschger Bundesbrief, stating that Junker Hermann von Ehrenfels had to serve the confederation with his fortress. Towards the end of the 15th century, the castle passed into the possession of Cazis Monastery but continued to be inhabited by members of the Ehrenfels-Schauenstein family. After 1600, the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 1933, the Swiss Castles Association acquired the ruin and began reconstruction work, which lasted until 1936. Since 1953, the castle has been used as a youth hostel.