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Graubünden

Mutten

Top 14 Castles around Mutten

Castles near Mutten Switzerland are primarily found in the broader Viamala region and the canton of Graubünden, as Mutten itself merged with Thusis in 2018. This area is characterized by its mountainous landscape and rich historical significance, offering numerous historic sites and ruins. The region provides a diverse range of historical fortifications, from ancient settlements to medieval castles.

Best castles around Mutten

  • The most popular castles is View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins, a castle and historical site that…

Last updated: June 22, 2026

View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins

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From here you have on the Via Spluga a great view of the ruins Hohen Rätien

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Riom Castle

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Check the fortified church's opening hours in advance—it's not always open. Concerts and events take place regularly.

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Rietberg Castle

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The castle Rietberg stands above the municipality Pratval in the Domleschg in the Swiss canton of Graubünden on the edge of the Rietbach-Tobel on the border to the neighboring municipality sledge.

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Schauenstein Castle

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Fürstenau - town in miniature
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 …

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Sins Castle

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Sins Castle in Paspels
A castle with a changing face: Sins Castle in Paspels, which is just over 300 years old.
Paspels Castle was probably built by Jahn Victor von …

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Richi Lüchinger
September 22, 2024, Hohen Rätien Castle

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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The Höhen Rätien Castle is a hilltop and church castle high on the rock at an altitude of 946 metres above the entrance to the Viamala Gorge. It is located in Sils im Domelschg Hinterrhein Graubünden. It is one of the oldest cultural and settlement sites in Switzerland.

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Rietberg Castle stands above Pratval in Doleschg Graubünden. It was built in 1225 as a hilltop castle at an altitude of 723 metres.

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Sins Castle in Paspels Domleschg Graubünden was rebuilt between 1646 and 1725 by Johann Viktor Travers von Ortenstein as a hilltop castle at a height of 660 metres above the previous building.

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Paul
May 19, 2024, Schloss Sins

Sins Castle in Paspels A castle with a changing face: Sins Castle in Paspels, which is just over 300 years old. Paspels Castle was probably built by Jahn Victor von Travers-Ortenstein around 1695. Parts of the main wing probably date from this time, although they can no longer be identified. Around 1730, the builder's son of the same name seems to have carried out extensive reconstruction. This reconstruction is probably the basis for the overall layout of the current complex, especially the staircase. It is considered the presumed birthplace of Pompejus Planta, who became known as an opponent of Jürg Jenatsch. Further modifications were carried out by Lieutenant General Victor von Travers, who also had the chapel built on April 25, 1760 in honor of the names of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The last major renovation took place in 1892/93 under Colonel Freidrich von Tscharner (later at Ortenstein) with a redesign of the exterior. The architect was Nicolaus Hartmann sen., St. Moritz. In 1911, ownership was transferred to Minister F. von Salis-Soglio. Sins Castle was run as a hotel until 2012. Text / Source: Viamala Tourism, Bodaplatz 4, 7435 Splügen https://www.viamala.ch/de/ausflugsziele/schloss-sins

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Rätia Ampla Castle in Riom The Romans already had a settlement in Riom. In the early Middle Ages, a royal court developed. Following the episcopal bailiffs, the land bailiffs lived in what was then one of the largest castles in the canton of Graubünden. After the village fire in 1864, all the wood from the fortress was used to rebuild the village. Until 1977, when a roof was rebuilt, the castle eked out a miserable existence as a ruin. Today's theater house houses Graubünden's largest theater and cultural festival. The Origen Festival takes place every summer in July and August. Rätia Ampla Castle in Riom was probably built around 1250. It quickly changed hands from the old lords to the Bishop of Chur. In 1552, the valley was bought free from episcopal rule. The castle was used as a conference venue and as a prison. Text / Source: Tourism Savognin Bivio Albula AG, Stradung 42, 7460 Savognin https://www.valsurses.ch/de/excursions/burg-riom

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Rätia Ampla Castle in Riom Rätia Ampla Castle in Riom is the largest castle in Surses. After the village fire in 1864, all of the fortress's wood was used to rebuild the village. The former bishop's castle, built in 1227, can be viewed from the outside. Text / Source: Tourismus Savognin Bivio Albula AG, Stradung 42, 7460 Savognin https://www.valsurses.ch/de/ausflugsziele/burg-riom

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Paul
August 30, 2023, Schloss Schauenstein

Fürstenau - town in miniature 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 https://www.fuerstenau.ch/Portrait/History/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of historical sites can I explore near Mutten?

The region around Mutten, particularly the broader Viamala and Graubünden areas, is rich in historical sites. You can explore various medieval castles, ancient ruins, and even settlements with thousands of years of history. Notable examples include the ancient site of Hohen Rätien, the former bishop's castle Riom Castle, and the historically significant Rietberg Castle.

Which castles offer the best scenic views?

For breathtaking views, Ehrenfels Castle (now largely a ruin) offers expansive vistas of the Domleschg valley. The View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins also provides a great perspective from its strategic location high above Thusis.

Are there hiking trails that lead to castles in the Viamala region?

Yes, several castles are accessible via hiking trails. Ehrenfels Castle, for instance, is located directly on the Domleschg Castle Trail. For more general hiking opportunities near Mutten, you can explore routes like the 'Muttner Höhi – Viamala hiking paradise' or the 'Wooden Church of Obermutten – Muttner Horn loop' found in the Hiking around Mutten guide.

Can I visit a castle that hosts cultural events?

Absolutely! Riom Castle, a former bishop's castle built in 1227, is now home to Graubünden's largest theater and cultural festival, the Origen Festival, which takes place every summer in July and August. It's a unique way to experience history and culture combined.

What is the history behind Rietberg Castle?

Rietberg Castle was historically the seat of the Lords of Rietberg and later changed hands many times, involving the Bishopric of Chur and various noble families. It gained notoriety as the site where Pompejus Planta was murdered by Jörg Jenatsch in 1621, an event later immortalized in literature. The castle stands above the municipality Pratval in the Domleschg.

Are there any ancient settlements or unique historical sites in the region?

Yes, Hohen Rätien is a particularly unique site. While not a typical noble castle, it's considered one of the oldest continually used settlements in Switzerland, with a history spanning over 4000 years. Its dramatic location above the Viamala Gorge offers a fascinating glimpse into millennia of human habitation and fortification.

Which castles offer insights into medieval defensive architecture?

Obertagstein Castle, though a ruin, provides a clear example of medieval defensive architecture. Its strategic location on a small rock outcropping in Thusis highlights its historical importance as a hill castle from the 13th century. You can learn more about its structure and history on Wikipedia.

What outdoor activities are available near the castles?

Beyond castle visits, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as those in the Hiking around Mutten guide. For runners, there are options like the 'Thusis Railway Station – Vitaparcours Zurich loop' in the Running Trails around Mutten guide. More challenging mountain hikes are also available, for example, the 'Cliffside Ladder loop' in the Mountain Hikes around Mutten guide.

Is it possible to stay overnight in a historic castle setting?

Yes, Ehrenfels Castle, though largely a ruin, has been partially rebuilt and has served as a youth hostel for groups since 1954. This offers a unique opportunity to experience a historic castle setting firsthand.

What is the largest castle complex in the 'valley of castles and palaces'?

Ortenstein Castle, located in Tomils, is described as the largest castle complex in the 'valley of castles and palaces' and majestically overlooks the Domleschg valley. Its imposing presence suggests a significant historical past and impressive architecture.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Mutten?

Visitors appreciate the diverse range of historical fortifications, from ancient ruins to former bishop's castles and noble seats. The unique history and architectural features of each site, combined with the scenic mountainous landscape, make for a captivating experience. The komoot community has shared over 55 photos and given more than 320 upvotes, highlighting the region's appeal.

Are there other notable castles besides the most popular ones?

Yes, beyond the most popular, you can also explore Schauenstein Castle, which played a significant role in the development of Fürstenau as a medieval town. Another interesting site is Sins Castle in Paspels, a hilltop castle with a rich history of modifications and ownership changes, including a connection to Pompejus Planta.

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Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Mutten:

SursesVaz/ObervazTiefencastelAlbula/AlvraLantsch/LenzBergün Filisur

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