Untere Burg

Untere Burg, also known colloquially as Burg Alt-Schellenberg, is a historic castle ruin situated in the municipality of Schellenberg, Liechtenstein. Perched at the edge of a local forest just north of the main road connecting Vorderer and Mittleler Schellenberg, the site offers a scenic destination accessible to visitors by foot or mountain bike via a local path. Constructed around the year 1250, with its first written record appearing in 1317, the fortress reached the peak of its structural expansion circa 1350. As one of only five castles remaining in the principality and one of three that exist today as ruins, it stands as a significant landmark within the region's limited but rich architectural heritage.

The historical trajectory of Untere Burg saw it function as a residence until approximately the 16th century, after which it was abandoned and gradually lost its military utility, succumbing to the elements over subsequent centuries. By the mid-20th century, the structure had become a heavily overgrown ruin. In a pivotal moment for its preservation, Prince Franz Joseph II transferred ownership of the site in 1956 to the Historical Association of the Principality of Liechtenstein. This organization currently serves as the caretaker, overseeing ongoing research, maintenance, and preservation efforts to protect the remnants of the smaller and newer of the two ruined castles found in Schellenberg.

Today, the site remains freely open to tourists who wish to explore its inner ward and view the ruins from the current access gate. While no longer inhabited or serving a defensive role, the castle provides a tangible link to the medieval history of Liechtenstein. Its condition as a managed ruin allows the public to engage with the past while ensuring the structural remains are stabilized for future generations. The location continues to be a point of interest for those exploring the countryside and historical sights of the principality.