Castles around Tschappina are situated in the Graubünden region of Switzerland, characterized by its high-altitude landscapes and Walser heritage. While the municipality itself is known for scattered farms, the surrounding area offers several historically significant sites. This mountainous region provides a backdrop for exploring ancient settlements and medieval structures. The area's geography includes dramatic valleys and gorges, shaping the location and history of its castles.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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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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The publicly accessible Splügen castle ruins are located on a rocky peak east of the village of the same name. The castle can only be reached without a motor vehicle; it takes about ten minutes to walk from the village. There are various theories about when the castle was built, but the latest research suggests that it was built around 1340 by the Counts of Werdenberg-Sargans.
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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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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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Worth a detour, small but nice, located on a very beautiful path between Splügen and Sufner
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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 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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The castles in the Graubünden region, though not directly in Tschappina, are rich in history. For example, Hohen Rätien Castle is an ancient settlement site with over 4000 years of continuous history, including a 5th-century early Christian baptistery. Rietberg Castle is known for its medieval origins and its role in the Bündner Wirren conflicts, including the murder of Pompeius Planta in 1621.
Yes, several castles provide stunning vistas. Hohen Rätien Castle, perched on a rock above the Viamala Gorge, offers incomparable views of the Domleschg valley and the Rhine river. Similarly, the Ruins of Splügen Castle provide fantastic views of the town of Splügen and the surrounding mountains from its hilltop location.
Accessibility varies by castle. Hohen Rätien Castle is accessible on foot, about a 35-minute walk from the Domleschg castle trail. The Ruins of Splügen Castle are easily reachable on a small road, about a ten-minute walk from the village of Splügen, though car access is not possible directly to the ruins.
Yes, while some are ruins, others offer more intact structures or unique experiences. Rietberg Castle, for instance, largely reflects its 17th-century renovations and even offers the possibility of spending the night in a lavishly renovated residence. Sins Castle in Paspels also features significant architectural elements from its various reconstructions.
While specific family-friendly trails directly at the castles aren't detailed, the region offers various hiking opportunities that can be suitable for families. Many castles are located along scenic routes. For general hiking options in the area, you can explore the Hiking around Tschappina guide, which includes routes of varying difficulty.
The region around Tschappina and its castles is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate options like the 'Lüschersee Loop'. For more challenging adventures, there are mountain hikes, such as the 'Piz Beverin – Glaspass loop'. Additionally, there are running trails available for those looking for a jog.
Hohen Rätien Castle is particularly significant archaeologically. Recent excavations have uncovered Late Roman church buildings and a 6th-century 'piscine' (baptismal font for adults), adding to its already rich history as a continuous settlement site since the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Rietberg Castle gained notoriety during the Bündner Wirren, a period of conflict between Catholics and Protestants in the 17th century. It was the site of the murder of Pompeius Planta in 1621, an event famously depicted in Conrad Ferdinand Meyer's novel 'Jürg Jenatsch'.
Visitors often highlight the historical depth and the spectacular locations of the castles. The panoramic views from sites like Hohen Rätien Castle and the historical insights offered by places like Rietberg Castle are frequently mentioned. The komoot community has shared 55 photos and given 322 upvotes for the castles around Tschappina, indicating a strong appreciation for their beauty and history.
Schauenstein Castle in Fürstenau evolved from an episcopal Meierhof and, by the 14th century, acquired an urban character. It became a significant trading and market place, and a center for princely possessions in the upper Domleschg, even gaining market privileges and jurisdiction for blood justice in 1354.
Yes, for some castles, such as Hohen Rätien Castle, audiovisual guides are available to provide a deeper understanding of its extensive history and archaeological findings.
Rietberg Castle stands out with its imposing five-story main tower dating back to the 12th or 13th century. Its current appearance largely reflects 17th-century renovations, including a Baroque round tower and a crenelated ring wall. The interior also features typical 'ox eyes' from the 17th century.


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