Gräpplang Castle (Ruin) (Flums)

The origins of Gräpplang Castle date back a long way, with finds indicating prehistoric and Bronze Age settlement. The main castle was probably built in the 12th century. Around 1220, the complex was erected by the Knights of Flums, who served as administrators for the Bishop of Chur. Gräpplang was first documented in 1249, when the Diocese of Chur granted it to Heinrich von Flums. In the 14th century, the name Crepalla appeared, while the current name Gräpplang only became established around 1500. From the late 13th century, the episcopal lordship of Flums was pledged several times, including to the city of Zurich. During the Old Zurich War in 1440, the castle was extorted by the Glarus and Schwyz forces but remained undestroyed. In 1528, the Gotteshausbund sold the castle to Ludwig Tschudi of Glarus, in whose family possession it remained until 1767. Under Josef Anton Tschudi around 1700, the complex underwent structural changes that gave it its current character. After being sold to the Good family in 1767, the castle increasingly fell into disrepair and was approved for demolition in 1804, with its stones and bricks being used for surrounding buildings. Only in the 20th century did efforts begin to preserve the ruin, which was taken over by the municipality of Flums in 1928. Extensive conservation work last took place from 1990 to 1991, and since 1998, the interior of the palas has been accessible to visitors.

The Gräpplang ruin is located in Flums in the Sarganserland district, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, at an elevation of approx. 472 m above sea level.

The Gräpplang ruin is now accessible to visitors and can be explored. The interior of the palas has been equipped with narrow stairs and walkways to facilitate exploration.

• Rittersburg (Castle), approx. 1.6 km away
• Sargans Castle (Castle), approx. 9.9 km away
• Wartau Ruin (Castle), approx. 12.0 km away
• Werdenberg Castle (Castle), approx. 12.2 km away