From the highway, you can see Sargans Castle (Schloss Sargans in German) looming over a little hill. Located in Sargans municipality of St. Gallen, this castle houses a museum.
Sargans Castle has been managed by the Sargans Municipality since 1899. There’s a museum in the castle that opened in 1966; it was called Sarganserland Museum in 1983.
Count Jörg and Countess Anna have prepared a fun trail for kids with 15 exciting stations inside the castle tower. With help from nobility, kids can find out what life was like before at this museum.
Overview: Sargans Castle
| Age Group | All ages |
| Category | Indoor |
| Expected Duration | 2 hours |
| Cost | - Adults - CHF 10.- - Kids (6 to 16 years) - CHF 5.- - Students and groups - CHF 8.- |
| Address | Schloss Sargans / Museum Sargans Schlossstrasse 7320 Sargans |
| Website | https://www.museumsargans.ch/ |
| Opening Hours | Tuesdays - Fridays: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM Saturdays - Sundays 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Public Transport | Sargans, Rose (Bus) Sargans (Train) - 10 to 15 minutes walk |
In the Rhine river valley, the castle of Sargans is easily visible and accessible by a moderate walk from Sargans train station.
Sargans’ Old Town is great. Nearby is a Roman ruin that was probably destroyed by a landslide or a storm.
Short History of Sargans Castle
In the Holy Roman Empire, Sargans used to be part of the County of Werdenberg within the Duchy of Swabia. It split from Werdenberg in 1260.
Sargans Castle used to be the ancestral seat of the Werdenberg Counts. The oldest wall is said to date no earlier than 1150. However, in 1483, the Earl of Sargans, Count Jörg, sold the fortress to the seven old cantons of the Swiss Confederation.
In the middle ages, the medieval structure was repeatedly besieged. Throughout the years, the castle has been torn down and repaired, as well as redesigned.
Located in Heidiland, the castle sits at the junction of the Alpine Rhine valley. The castle is located at the foothills of Gonzen (1,830m), which has an amazing view of Sargans. It’s also next to a vineyard.
Sargans Castle Kids Trail
The museum gives kids a card with Count Jörg and Countess Anne that they can fill out while inside Sargans Castle. Count Jörg of Sargans and Countess Anne were medieval occupants of this castle.
It’s easy for kids to find the sections per room because the card’s colors, blue and yellow, stand out. I’d suggest you start at the lowest floor and work your way up.
NOTE: Please note that some of the stairs are steep and narrow, so if your kids are still little, keep an eye on them.
Children can do 15 exciting posts in the castle tower. There’s a short description (in German) for each post, explaining an idea, and telling children what to do.
Some of the following things can be done on the trail:
- Playing with sand to create a castle
- Designing their own flag
- Answering a few questions
- Wearing medieval costumes
- Listening to stories
- Sitting on a throne with a crown
- Watching a film
At the museum entrance, children will be able to get a gift for completing the card. You can simply hand it over upon exiting.
Final Thoughts: Sargans Castle Kids Trail
Sargans Castle might not be pretty well known, but it’s definitely worth checking out. Both historical and contemporary depictions of local life are explained in the museum.
On the castle grounds, you’ll find a wine-pressing cellar, a museum, and a restaurant. There’s a terrace at the castle where you can relax and enjoy the sun in the summer.
Visiting Sargans Castle with kids is a blast. I recommend this activity for kids 4 and older. Smaller kids are welcome too. However, it helps if they’re already going up and down the stairs independently.
Both adults and children will surely have a fun time at Sargans Castle. We have been here already twice and will come back again. Don’t forget to hand over your sheet to the ticket desk once completed and get your surprise.
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