The castle was built at the beginning of the 13th century by the Barons of Sax. The castle of Clanx is first mentioned in an uncertainly dated document from the Pfäfers monastery from 1219/20. Rebellious Appenzell farmers triggered the Appenzell Wars of Liberation with its destruction in 1401.
Opposite the ruins, the Alpstein massif stretches out in a spectacular format and seems almost close enough to touch. This is exactly where the following story took place.
The scattered Appenzeller Hüüsli
The big, brave giant Sänti lived in the Säntis region. His bed was in the Weissbachtal, his pillow on the Eglisalp. Where he pressed his elbows into the ground, the Seealpsee was formed. He carried his food by the handful from the herds of the Rheintal farmers and from Lake Constance to the Weissbachtal. When he was looking for a bite to eat in the Montafon, he was particularly fond of the little houses there. He impetuously filled his sack with the little houses. A clever farmer who ended up in the giant's sack opened the seam with his scythe and the giant lost house after house. The giant angrily threw his sack over the ridge into Toggenburg, where a few houses remained. Only then did he notice how beautiful the work he had done looked. So he left the scattered houses where they were. Even today, people are amazed when they see the little houses scattered around Appenzellerland.
Access
In the village of Gais, turn right into Gaiserstrasse in the direction of Appenzell. Follow this road to the hamlet assembly point. Park here, or turn right into Lehnstrasse shortly after the assembly point, then turn right again onto Mendleweid and after 250 meters turn left onto Weesenstrasse. After another 450 meters, continue straight on Burgstockstrasse, which leads to the "Burg" farm. From here, the castle can be reached on foot in 5 minutes.
