Rotzberg Castle (Ruin) (Ennetmoos)

The exact construction date of Rotzberg Castle is unknown, but it is believed to have been built a few decades after 1197, the year the “Rozziberg” was mentioned in an Engelberg urbarium without any reference to a castle. Historical sources, particularly the White Book of Sarnen from 1470, mention the castle in the context of the liberation sagas and the destruction of lordly strongholds. A more detailed account of its storming in 1308 is provided by chronicler Aegidius Tschudi, who reports a ruse involving a maidservant who granted the Confederates access to the fortress. Archaeological excavations in 1899 under Robert Durrer uncovered significant parts of the complex. In the 18th century, the ruin was inhabited by hermits and served as a high watchtower during the Sonderbund War. In 1910, the Swiss Confederation acquired the hill and placed the preserved structural elements under federal protection.

The Rotzberg ruin is on a conical hill near Stans in the municipality of Ennetmoos in the Canton of Nidwalden, Switzerland, at an altitude of approximately 667 m above sea level.

Visitors can explore the preserved remains of the castle complex. The encircling wall, in particular, is still clearly visible. A dry moat to the west, which once protected the access, is also still discernible.