Knowledge & culture

The “Knight's way to the Gestelnburg ruin” audio tour

Hear how it felt to be living in the Middle Ages – in an authentic setting. A witness from those times – the tuff cornerstone – tells you the exciting story of Gestelnburg Castle.

Built over the course of the 12th and 13th centuries, for 200 years Gestelnburg Castle was the residence of the Barons of Turn, an important feudal dynasty in the Valais region. The audio tour immerses you in those times of conflict, creating a vivid picture of the canton’s history. On the way to the ruins, you will encounter the former owners of the castle personally – in the form of hand-carved wooden knights.

Coronavirus notice Please take note of the protection plan and any restrictions set by the provider.

Availability Today (Thursday) open

The tour is accessible all year round.

Subject to change without prior notice

Rates

The audio tour can be undertaken free of charge.

Notes

Audio tour

You can enjoy an individual audio tour at any time and immerse yourself in medieval life.

An iPod including an informative route map is available for hire from either of the two restaurants in Niedergesteln. Simply leave your ID as a deposit and set off on the tour.
The route map leads you through the narrow streets of the village up to the ruins of Gestelnburg Castle.
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and is easy to manage even for those unused to walking long distances.

Background information on Raron

The village of Raron, located in the Upper Valais, is known for its two churches: the Church of St. Roman on a rocky ledge, where the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke is buried, and the unusual 500-seat “Felsenkirche” (an underground church hewn into the rock).