Burg Kropfenstein

Breil/Brigels, Switzerland, Switzerland

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Burg Kropfenstein is a striking medieval cave castle ruin clinging to a sheer cliff face above Waltensburg/Vuorz near Breil/Brigels in Switzerland's canton of Graubünden.

Built in the early 14th century around 1312, it served as the residence of the noble Counts of Kropfenstein, who were prominent judges and had ties to the lords of Rhäzüns, until their line died out by the late 15th century, after which it fell into disrepair.

The three-story structure features an irregular shape following the rock edge, thick walls with visible embrasures, and a natural overhanging cliff as its roof, making it one of the few such "höhlenburgen" used as a noble home rather than a mere refuge.

Accessible via a steep, secured path, the well-preserved ruins offer dramatic views and represent classic Swiss medieval architecture as a protected cultural site.