Schattenburg Castle

Around 1200, Schattenburg Castle was built by Count Hugo (III of Tübingen, I of Montfort), the founder of Feldkirch. In the 14th century, it became the center of the County of (Montfort-)Feldkirch and served as the ancestral seat of the Counts of Montfort until 1390. Despite sieges, including one in 1345 by Emperor Louis the Bavarian, the castle remained unconquered until the Appenzell War. In 1375, Burgrave Rudolf IV of Montfort sold the dominion of Feldkirch to Duke Leopold III of Habsburg. In the autumn of 1405, during the Appenzell War, allied Swiss and Feldkirch forces besieged the castle, conquering and burning it down on January 29, 1406, after 18 weeks of continuous bombardment. After its reconstruction two years later, it suffered partial damage again in 1415 and 1417. Count Friedrich VII of Toggenburg received Schattenburg as collateral in 1417 and had it extensively renovated, leading to the construction of the three distinctive wing buildings. After his death in 1436, the castle reverted to the Habsburg administration. Further alterations were made in the 15th and 17th centuries. In 1647, during the Thirty Years' War, Swedish troops occupied the castle without resistance; its destruction was averted by hefty contributions. Subsequently, Schattenburg lost its military significance. From 1778 to 1825, it served as a prison. In 1825, the city of Feldkirch acquired the castle, which was then used as a barracks and later as a poorhouse. The Museum and Heritage Protection Association, founded in 1912, saved the castle. Since 1916/17, it has housed the Feldkirch Local History Museum. Nazi plans to convert it into a military fortress were not implemented. After World War II, the castle was returned to the city in 1953.

Schattenburg Castle is situated at approximately 483 m above sea level, above the city of Feldkirch in the Feldkirch district, Vorarlberg, Austria.

Today, Schattenburg Castle houses a museum and a restaurant, which is very popular with visitors. The complex is publicly accessible and well-preserved.

• Palais Liechtenstein (residence), approx. 0.2 km away
• Tschitscher-Schlößchen (castle), approx. 0.8 km away
• Ansitz Rosamichl (manor and estate), approx. 1.4 km away
• Schloss Amberg (castle), approx. 1.9 km away