In the heart of Sarganserland lies the historic Sargans Castle, which stands out not only for its exposed location, but also for its deep roots in regional culture and history. Following the end of the more than 30-year era of the Kaiser family as innkeepers, a new foundation board was established to reorganize the operation of Sargans Castle with its restaurant and museum. Daniel Gut, former mayor of Buchs and vice president of Sarganserland-Werdenberg RSW, was elected president of the foundation board. Daniel, who was already the founding president of Schloss Werdenberg and a long-standing board member of the regional cultural promotion foundation Südkultur, is now contributing his expertise and passion to the further development of Schloss Sargans.

Daniel, what motivated you to take on the position of President of the Board of Trustees of Schloss Sargans?

My motivation comes from personal drive and curiosity. A few years ago, the people involved in the castle - in particular the local community as the owner, the political community and the Sarganserland Historical Association, but also the canton of St. Gallen - agreed that changes were necessary and good. The castle itself is an impressive building with enormous potential. The opportunity to make a significant difference after my retirement, in an area that is already close to my heart, was extremely appealing. That's why I didn't hesitate for long when Jörg Tanner, Mayor of Sargans and former RSW colleague, asked me to take on this task.

What personal significance does Sargans Castle have for you?

Sargans Castle not only has a special significance for me as a regional landmark, but also on a personal level. I grew up in the Zurich Oberland and remember admiring the castle during school trips or on the way to ski camp - always from the train. I even had craft sheets of Sargans Castle at home. It is a special privilege for me to be able to help breathe new life into this important cultural monument today. I am also pleased that the castle is located in a wine-growing region. Before my political career, I worked in agricultural research, including in the field of viticulture. That's why I'm particularly pleased that the St. Gallen Wine Association is reopening the Schlosstorkel.

Where do you see Sargans Castle in five years' time?

We are currently at the beginning of a transitional phase in which new content is being developed for the castle and gentle structural adjustments are being planned, taking into account the preservation of historical monuments. In five years' time, Sargans Castle should be a natural meeting place for the local population and a national tourist destination. It would be great if the castle were regularly used by clubs and event organizers for events and the number of visitors to the museum were to increase significantly. After the transition phase in five years' time, a decision will be made on how to proceed with Sargans Castle and whether structural measures should be implemented, depending on developments.

Does Werdenberg Castle serve as a role model?

Werdenberg Castle certainly serves as a role model in terms of process design, but we will go our own way in terms of content. It is important that we learn from the experiences of others, but Sargans Castle will by no means become a copy. We are striving to complement and not compete with neighboring castles. On the contrary: I would welcome it if we could also realize joint projects - with Werdenberg Castle, for example, but also with Gutenburg Castle in Balzers in neighbouring Liechtenstein, where changes are also currently being planned.

What organizational changes are currently taking place at Sargans Castle?

The foundation started its work at the beginning of 2024. The new leaseholders of the Sargans Castle restaurant are also very important: the experienced and innovative restaurateurs Thomas and Katharina Dolp from the region have taken over the restaurant and have already successfully reopened it. They are also planning cultural events and functions; they see themselves as part of the overall work of art that is Sargans Castle. The museum operations are now also in the hands of the foundation, with the Sarganserland Historical Society continuing to play a key professional role. We greatly appreciate the close cooperation and extensive expertise of the Historical Society. A varied cultural program, which was also developed in collaboration with the Sarganserland Historical Society, will soon be launched.

What highlights can visitors expect in the current cultural program?

There are several highlights on the program, for example the art project "Tableaux vivants": schoolchildren from Sarganserland recreate famous works of art in photographs and present the works at the castle. The vernissage will take place on Friday, June 14. In addition, the Gänsehoch association will be holding its popular open-air cinema in the castle courtyard for the first time on Saturday, June 8. A castle day is planned for the beginning of October. Among other things, visitors can marvel at old instruments, listen to a minstrel and try out historical recipes. The museum team is already in full swing with the preparations.

{Sargans Castle will reopen on the weekend of June 7 and 8, 2024. What is planned for the invited guests at the official opening on Friday?

Particularly worth mentioning is the minting of a Graf Jörg taler by the castle fools, which symbolizes the local connection. We are also looking forward to the speech by the St. Gallen Minister of Culture, Laura Bucher. The canton is significantly involved in the realization of the "New Castle". We are also looking forward to the speech by Mathias Bugg, President of the Sarganserland Historical Society. With his humorous manner, he will bring the rich history of the castle to life for the audience. There will also be a musical program - but I don't want to give everything away just yet.

What can the public expect at the "Castle Festival" on Saturday, June 8, 2024?

On Saturday, the entire population is cordially invited to join us in celebrating Sargans Castle and the start of its new era. The castle festival should be a day full of community and joy and show that Sargans Castle can be used for clubs and festivities. The program includes activities for all age groups. There will be a special program for children from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the Oberrhi scouts. Visitors interested in history and culture can take part in free guided tours of the castle. A wine tasting organized by the St.Gallen Wine Association also offers insights into the regional winegrowing culture. The festival will be musically enriched by performances from the Sargans Music Society, the band Kopfnote and the Scottish Sound of Grey Union Pipe Band. Finally, the Swiss comedy "Bon Schuur Ticino" will be shown at 9 pm in the open-air cinema organized by the Gänsehoch association. }

All information at www.schloss-sargans.ch