Burgruine Alt-Ems, Vorarlberg Travel Guide

4.8 (286)

Explore the historic Burgruine Alt-Ems in Hohenems: a medieval castle ruin offering stunning views and a glimpse into Austria's past.

Home
Travel Guides
Austria
Vorarlberg
Burgruine Alt-Ems

Explore the ruins of Burgruine Alt-Ems, a majestic castle perched above Hohenems, Austria, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and stunning views of the Rhine Valley. This historical site, dating back to the 12th century, invites visitors to wander through the remnants of its once-imposing structure and enjoy the natural beauty of its surroundings.

A brief summary to Burgruine Alt-Ems

Hohenems, 6845, AT
Click to display
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Burgruine Alt-Ems.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trail to the castle can be steep and rocky.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views from the castle ruins.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top while taking in the stunning scenery.
Check the weather before your visit, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Martinsturm

Heilige Kübel von Bregenz

Rappenlochschlucht

Vorarlberg Museum

Unteres Tor (Stadttor)

Explore Burgruine Alt-Ems on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Burgruine Alt-Ems, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Hohenems town center, follow the signs directing you towards Burgruine Alt-Ems. The trailhead is located near the town center, and the hike to the castle is well-marked. The moderate hike takes approximately 40 minutes. Ensure you're wearing appropriate footwear and carry water.
Public Transport

Take a bus from various points in Bregenzerwald to Hohenems. Check local bus schedules for the 'Postbus' service. Disembark at the 'Hohenems Bahnhof' station. From there, you can take a short taxi ride to the base of the hiking trail leading to Burgruine Alt-Ems, costing approximately €10-€15. Alternatively, you can walk to the trailhead, which is about a 30-minute walk from the station. Then follow the walking directions.
Car

From Bregenz, follow the A14 motorway towards Hohenems. Once in Hohenems, follow signs to Burgruine Alt-Ems. You can park at the designated parking area near the entrance to the hiking trail leading up to the castle. Parking may incur a small fee. From the parking lot, the ascent can be started directly. Directly behind the parish church of St. Karl, you can park for free.

Discover more about Burgruine Alt-Ems

Burgruine Alt-Ems, situated 300 meters above the Rhine Valley in Hohenems, stands as a testament to medieval power and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Once one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe, the fortress dates back to the 12th century when it was built by the Welfs. The castle boasts an impressive length of 800 meters and a width of up to 85 meters, featuring seven gates, a drawbridge, and 47 rooms.Over the centuries, Burgruine Alt-Ems has been witness to significant historical events and has housed notable figures. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle served as a prison for King Wilhelm III of Sicily and Archbishop Bruno IV of Cologne. The Emser family, who later took possession of the castle, rose to prominence, and the castle was expanded in the 16th century. However, it was destroyed in 1407 during the Appenzell Wars, before being rebuilt. The castle's strategic importance declined, and it fell into disrepair, with parts of it being dismantled in 1792.Today, visitors can explore the remains of the castle walls and imagine life within this once-mighty fortress. The Konradsbrunnen (Conrad's Well) is visible in the inner courtyard, with a legend attached to its origin. The site is easily accessible via well-marked hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. The views from the ruins are particularly stunning at sunset.