The original upper castle consisted of a gatehouse and three story main tower on the north wall.

During the late 13th century Walter Vatz von Vaz allied himself with the Habsburgs against the Bishop of Chur and other local nobles.

In 1332 another representative of the Bishop, Ulrich von Marmels, was executed at the castle, probably after being captured in a battle near Filisur.

[4] When Frederick VII von Toggenburg died in 1436, the Belfort lands declared themselves free and joined the League of the Ten Jurisdictions.

However, the residents of the area refused to acknowledge Austrian authority and in 1471 he was forced to sell his interest to the Matsch family.

Six years later, in 1477, the Austrian Duke bought Belfort from the Matschs, triggering another round of protests and rebellion.

[3] Portions of the outer walls, a main tower, a five-story tall residential wing and a gate house are still standing.