Top 20 Castles around Rhäzüns
Best castles around Rhäzüns are situated in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, a region characterized by its mountainous terrain and historical significance. The area features several historical fortifications, often positioned strategically on promontories overlooking river valleys. These structures reflect centuries of regional history and offer insights into past defensive and administrative practices. The landscape around Rhäzüns provides a backdrop for exploring these historical sites.
Best castles around Rhäzüns
- The most popular castles is View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins, a castle that offers views of the ruins from the Via Spluga. This site is known for its interesting history and its position high above Thusis.
- Another must-see spot is Rietberg Castle, a historical site. This castle was the seat of the Lords of Rietberg and has a documented history dating back to 1286, changing ownership multiple times over centuries.
- Visitors also love Reichenau Castle, a historical site. Located at the confluence of the Hinterrhein and Vorderrhein rivers, this 17th-century castle is now used as a winery.
- Rhäzüns is known for its castle ruins, preserved castles, and historical sites. These structures showcase various architectural styles and historical periods, from medieval fortifications to later modifications.
- The castles around Rhäzüns are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 320 upvotes and over 50 photos shared.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins
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Hohen Rätien Castle
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Confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein
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Dominated by Reichenau Castle, the hamlet lies at the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers, making it virtually the birthplace of the Rhine.
It all began 10,000 years ago. Between the Flimserstein (a high plateau) and Piz Grisch, over 10,000 cubic meters of rock broke off and thundered down into the valley. Towards Reichenau, the Vorderrhein valley disappears under a gigantic mass of rubble. From there, the Rhine diligently ate its way through the rock, creating the spectacular Swiss "Grand Canyon" – the Ruinaulta.
Text / Source: myswitzerland.com
myswitzerland.com/de-ch/erlebnisse/route/vom-zusammenfluss-der-rheine-in-die-rheinschlucht
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Rietberg Castle
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Rietberg was the seat of the Lords of Rietberg, who are mentioned in a document dated July 29, 1286 as vassals of the Lords of Sax-Misox and are attested several times in the 13th and 14th centuries. In the course of the 14th century they are mentioned as ministerials of the Bishop of Chur. They owned property in Domleschg, Schams and Chur.
In the marriage contract with his wife Berta von Rhäzüns in 1320, Johann von Rietberg stipulated that Berta should own the castle until her death. In 1343, however, he transferred other property to his wife and in 1348 handed it over to the Lords of Landenberg, who were related to him, along with his fiefdom. Johann von Rietberg died on September 5, 1349. Hermann von Landenberg was unable to enforce his inheritance claims and renounced them in favor of the Bishopric of Chur in 1352.
In January 1354, the bishop issued several documents at the castle. The Lords of Rhäzüns and Lumerins, however, made further claims; the final payment was not made until 1388, after decades of disputes.
The bishop appointed burgraves as administrators; Eglolf von Juvalt is mentioned in 1384. In the following period, a long series of mortgages, with the mortgage amount constantly increasing, ultimately cost the bishop the property. After several changes of ownership, the castle came into the hands of Anton von Travers in 1530, and through his heirs in 1554 to Herkules von Salis (1503–1578). In 1617, the property was divided: one half remained with the Salis, the other went to Pompejus Planta, the leader of the Catholics, who was related to the Salis by marriage. In the turmoil in the Grisons, Planta was murdered on February 25, 1621 by Jörg Jenatsch and his like-minded friends at Rietberg Castle. The crime was later made into a literary work by Conrad Ferdinand Meyer in the novella Jürg Jenatsch. In 1664, Rietberg was sold to Colonel Christoph von Rosenroll from Thusis for 9,000 guilders, and in 1670 to the von Buol family. In 1758, the Buol-Schauenstein family bought Planta's share, thus ending the previous division.
Other owners in 1798 were the Prince-Bishop of Chur, Karl Rudolf, who wanted to set up a seminary there. The invasion of French troops in the Three Leagues prevented the plan. Rietberg was owned by Countess Emilie von Travers in 1802, the Cadonau from Waltensburg in 1803, then Colonel von Bergamin from Obervaz and again by Countess von Travers in 1822. In the same year, Pastor Christian Casparis acquired the castle. In 1917, it passed to the Rudolf Planta-Casparis family through marriage.
Text: Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Rietberg
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Schauenstein Castle
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An episcopal Meierhof as the origin of Fürstenau
The episcopal power in Domleschg was probably already developed in the epoch of the Frankish Empire, in the first millennium. The incompletely preserved Reichsurbar (list of goods and taxes of the imperial rule) from 831 shows that a ministry Tumliasca (bishop's administrative apparatus Domleschg) existed. This faced a vicedominus with judicial authority. It is conceivable that the episcopal administration was originally based in Hohenrätien ob Sils i.D. had, but had been moved to one of the three Carolingian royal courts of Scharans, Almens and Tomils early on. Presumably an administrative officer (Meier) of the bishop took up residence in Baumgartenland Maros near Fürstenau. The name Maros goes back to the Latin word ad majoranem, the accusative of maiora (= dairy farm or farmstead). From this, the name Mairaus developed via ad maioranes, which as a name for Fürstenau first appears in documents in the first half of the 12th century.
The development of the city
In the course of the 14th century, the sovereign large castle acquired a modest urban character as a result of the denser settlement of the outer bailey. A document from 1383 testifies that the main castle was in front of the bridge to a bailey (lat. atrium). Peasant and artisan subjects lived here, who were responsible for the supply of the lords of the castle, and, as the House of Stoffel shows, apparently also knightly servants.
Architectural and political developments are interrelated. In the middle of the 14th century, the diocese of Chur not only managed to obtain market privileges, but also a place of jurisdiction for blood justice. King Charles IV had Bishop Ulrich V (1331-1355) present a diploma on May 13, 1354, which gave Fürstenau the right to jail, sticks and gallows, as well as the holding of two annual markets on St. Michael's and St. George's Day . This meant that Fürstenau had also become a city in a legal sense. Its expansion from 1354 coincides with that of the castle mentioned in 1272.
The town was not only of great importance as a trading and market place, it had also risen to become the center of princely possessions in the upper part of the Domleschg. So the castle has clearly proven itself as a strong attraction.
Around 1300, a territorialization process began in the Graubünden area, which had a significant influence on political events up until after 1450. Noble dominions such as that of the Lords of Rhäzüns supplemented or overlaid the episcopal dominion. Neither party had a closed territory.
As early as the first half of the 14th century, Fürstenau was drawn into the maelstrom of the episcopal power struggles. The few surviving documentary mentions of Fürstenau should be seen in this context: In 1333 the bishop promised the lords of Rhäzüns 1000 marks, four hundred of them through Fürstenau Castle, which was then pledged. In 1347 the castle served as security so that the bishop would go back into the captivity of the Count of Tyrol, from which he had been released. Fürstenau was then handed over to Walter von Stadion. In 1351 an arbitral tribunal had to decide the dispute over Fürstenau Castle between the bishop and the Counts of Montfort. Finally, in 1367, Fürstenau was occupied by the cathedral chapter and the bishop's vassals. In 1387 it regained great importance in connection with the expansion of the Septimer Pass by Johann von Castelmur.
Text: City of Fürstenau
fuerstenau.ch/Portrait/History
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Ruinaulta Rhine Gorge The Ruinaulta, or Rhine Gorge, is a gorge of the Vorderrhein River, up to 400 meters deep and approximately 13 kilometers long, between Ilanz and the mouth of the Hinterrhein River near Reichenau in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. The Romansh name 'Ruinaulta' is composed of the two words ruina (scree slope, quarry) and aulta (high). The Ruinaulta was formed after the Flims Landslide almost 10,000 years ago. At that time, over 10 billion cubic meters of rock broke off between the Flimserstein and Piz Grisch, burying the Vorderrhein Valley between the present-day villages of Castrisch and Reichenau under a mass of debris several hundred meters thick. Because the Vorderrhein River could no longer drain away, a lake was dammed over a length of approximately 25 kilometers. Over time, the river cut deep into the landslide, and the resulting lake drained away completely. What remained was the Ruinaulta, with its steep limestone scree cliffs in impressive erosion formations. Text / Source: Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruinaulta
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Ruinaulta Rhine Gorge The Ruinaulta, or Rhine Gorge, is a gorge of the Vorderrhein River, up to 400 meters deep and approximately 13 kilometers long, between Ilanz and the mouth of the Hinterrhein River near Reichenau in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. The Romansh name 'Ruinaulta' is composed of the two words ruina (scree slope, quarry) and aulta (high). The Ruinaulta was formed after the Flims Landslide almost 10,000 years ago. At that time, over 10 billion cubic meters of rock broke off between the Flimserstein and Piz Grisch, burying the Vorderrhein Valley between the present-day villages of Castrisch and Reichenau under a mass of debris several hundred meters thick. Because the Vorderrhein River could no longer drain away, a lake was dammed over a length of approximately 25 kilometers. Over time, the river cut deep into the landslide, and the resulting lake drained away completely. What remained was the Ruinaulta, with its steep limestone scree cliffs in impressive erosion formations. Text / Source: Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruinaulta
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Confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein, Reichenau Dominated by Reichenau Castle, the hamlet lies at the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers, making it virtually the birthplace of the Rhine. It all began 10,000 years ago. Between the Flimserstein (a high plateau) and Piz Grisch, over 10,000 cubic meters of rock broke off and thundered down into the valley. Towards Reichenau, the Vorderrhein valley disappears under a gigantic mass of rubble. From there, the Rhine diligently ate its way through the rock, creating the spectacular Swiss "Grand Canyon" – the Ruinaulta. Text / Source: myswitzerland.com https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-ch/erlebnisse/route/vom-zusammenfluss-der-rheine-in-die-rheinschlucht/
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Confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein, Reichenau Dominated by Reichenau Castle, the hamlet lies at the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers, making it virtually the birthplace of the Rhine. It all began 10,000 years ago. Between the Flimserstein (a high plateau) and Piz Grisch, over 10,000 cubic meters of rock broke off and thundered down into the valley. Towards Reichenau, the Vorderrhein valley disappears under a gigantic mass of rubble. From there, the Rhine diligently ate its way through the rock, creating the spectacular Swiss "Grand Canyon" – the Ruinaulta. Text / Source: myswitzerland.com https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-ch/erlebnisse/route/vom-zusammenfluss-der-rheine-in-die-rheinschlucht/
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A magical place. Admission is paid via Twint, CHF 5 per adult.
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This castle is located 250m above the Oden valley. It is privately owned and is very well preserved. Inside there is seating and a fireplace. Entrance fee is 5 francs to help maintain this beautiful castle.
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When you cross the bridge you have a beautiful view of the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein. From here on the river is called just the Rhine and flows until it flows into the North Sea.
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The Vorderrhein is one of the two source rivers of the Rhine. Its catchment area of 1512 km² lies mainly in the canton of Graubünden. At around 77 kilometers, the Vorderrhein is a good 5 percent longer than the Hinterrhein. However, the Vorderrhein is somewhat smaller with an average water flow of 53.8 m³/s. The Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein meet here. As if they were fighting over who has the right of way, they join forces and set off as the Rhine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Rhäzüns Castle?
Rhäzüns Castle is privately owned by Ems-Chemie AG and is generally not open to the public. Its impressive structure and historical significance can be appreciated from a distance, but public access to the interior is restricted.
What are some other notable castles to see around Rhäzüns?
Beyond Rhäzüns Castle, you can explore several other historical sites. Consider visiting Rietberg Castle, which has a documented history dating back to 1286, or Reichenau Castle, a 17th-century site now used as a winery at the confluence of the Hinterrhein and Vorderrhein rivers. Another option is Schauenstein Castle, part of the historic town of Fürstenau.
Are there any castle ruins I can view near Rhäzüns?
Yes, you can find the View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins. This site offers excellent views of the ruins from the Via Spluga and is known for its interesting history high above Thusis.
What kind of history do the castles around Rhäzüns have?
The castles in the Rhäzüns area boast a rich history, reflecting centuries of regional power struggles and strategic importance. Many, like Rhäzüns Castle itself, have origins dating back to the early Middle Ages, serving as feudal seats, defensive strongholds, and administrative centers. They showcase various architectural styles and have changed hands numerous times, including periods under Habsburg rule, and have been the setting for significant historical events.
Are there family-friendly activities or castles to visit with children?
While specific children's activities vary, castles like Reichenau Castle are listed as family-friendly. Exploring the exteriors of these historical sites and the surrounding natural landscapes can be an engaging experience for families. The confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein near Reichenau is also a family-friendly natural monument.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Rhäzüns offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Bonaduz Train Station loop' or the 'Punt Ruinaulta loop'. For cyclists, there are touring and road cycling routes available, including the 'Poppy Field Near Bonaduz – Historic Center of Tamins loop' or the 'Versam Curves – Oberalp Pass loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Rhäzüns and Cycling around Rhäzüns guides.
Are there hiking trails that offer views of the castles?
Yes, many hiking trails in the area provide excellent viewpoints of the castles. For instance, the Via Spluga offers a great view of the View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins. The strategic placement of these castles on promontories means they are often visible from surrounding paths and valleys, allowing for scenic walks.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Rhäzüns?
The best time to visit the castles and enjoy the surrounding outdoor activities is generally during the warmer months, from spring to autumn. This period offers pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, and the landscapes are vibrant. While winter walks can be picturesque, some trails might be less accessible due to snow and ice.
How can I get to the castles around Rhäzüns using public transport?
Rhäzüns is located in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, which has a well-developed public transport network. While specific routes to each castle may vary, local buses and trains often connect the main villages. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most direct routes to the castle vicinities or nearby trailheads.
Are there places to eat or drink near the castles?
The villages and towns surrounding the castles, such as Rhäzüns, Bonaduz, and Reichenau, offer various cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can find refreshments and meals. For example, Reichenau Castle itself operates as a winery, offering wine tastings.
What natural features can I explore in addition to the castles?
The region is rich in natural beauty. A significant natural landmark is the Confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein at Reichenau, considered the birthplace of the Rhine. This area is also near the spectacular Ruinaulta (Rhine Gorge), often called the Swiss 'Grand Canyon', which offers impressive landscapes formed by ancient landslides.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Rhäzüns?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical significance and the strategic locations of the castles, which often provide stunning views of the surrounding valleys and rivers. The well-preserved nature of some structures, like Rhäzüns Castle from a distance, and the rich stories behind sites like Rietberg Castle, are also highly valued. The combination of history and natural beauty makes for a compelling experience.
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