Feldkirch was first mentioned in writing in the 13th century, around the same time the town’s main castle – Schattenburg Castle – was built. By the 16th century, other buildings such as the church and the town hall were added, but since then, the old town center has hardly changed. If you wish to stay in the town, you can find a list of recommended places to stay in Feldkirch here.
The town has two main attractions worth knowing about: Schattenburg Castle and the Wildlife Park (free entry!).
Schattenburg Castle
The ancient castle was founded in the 13th century by Count Hugo I of Montfort, who was also the founder of the town. It was built on a small hill rising to a height of 480 meters above sea level, overlooking the entire area. Over the years, the castle has undergone renovations and expansions until it reached its current appearance, which has been preserved to this day.
The counts who lived in the castle abandoned it, leaving it deserted and neglected for a long time. Several owners put it up for sale, and at one point, they almost decided to demolish it. In the early 19th century, the city council purchased the castle and later turned it into the local history museum.
The museum in the castle presents the life of the nobility in the Middle Ages. During a tour of the castle, you can see 18 different rooms throughout the building, with furniture and historical objects preserved from the Middle Ages. In addition, there are various exhibits on history and art related to this part of Austria. In one part of the castle, there is also a collection of ancient weapons that belonged to the counts and the wealthy residents of the town. At the end of the tour, you reach a large room with viewpoints over the city.
This is what the castle looks like
Additional Essential Information for Visiting Schattenburg Castle
Opening Hours:
- April to October: Monday to Sunday and holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- November to March:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Friday from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Cost:
- Adult: €8
- Senior (from age 64), Student (up to age 26), Youth (12-17), Disabled person: €6
- Child (6-11): €4
- Child up to age 6: Free.
Official Website
Address: Burggasse 1, A- 6800 Feldkirch
Map:
Wildpark Feldkirch (Wildlife Park)
In the heart of the city, a huge area spreads out with open fields and a dense forest. This is where the city’s wildlife park is located. The park is home to about 150 animals of various species such as deer, wolves, marmots, eagles, lynxes, rabbits, wild sheep, and more.
You can walk around the park at your leisure or join a guided tour offered on-site, where you will receive explanations about the animals and their way of life in the park. You can also watch the animal feeding by the park staff.
Near the animal area, there is a small restaurant with snacks and drinks, and next to it, a playground for children.
Outside the park, there is also a family-friendly walking trail in the forest. The park signposts and maintains the trail well, and it places no fewer than 70 information boards along it about the nature in this area.
This is what the wildlife park looks like
Opening hours:
- Open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Cost:
- Free entry
Official Website (German)
Address: Ardetzenweg 20, 6800 Feldkirch
Map:
Other Attractions in the Feldkirch Area
A 30-minute drive from Feldkirch is the city of Bregenz, the capital of the state of Vorarlberg. Near Bregenz is the large Lake Constance.
