Top 18 Castles around Cazis
Best castles around Cazis are situated in a region rich with historical fortifications and natural landscapes, including the Domleschg Valley and the Viamala Gorge. The area features a blend of ancient castle sites and medieval ruins, reflecting centuries of strategic importance. Its position along historical transalpine routes contributed to its cultural significance. The varied terrain offers opportunities to explore these sites amidst scenic views.
Best castles around Cazis
- The most popular castles is View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins, a castle that offers a great view of the ruins and the surrounding landscape. This historical site reveals an extraordinary 4000 years of continuous settlement, including traces from the Bronze and Iron Ages, a Roman station, and late antique sacred buildings.
- Another must-see spot is Confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein, a natural monument and viewpoint. This location is dominated by Reichenau Castle, which lies at the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers.
- Visitors also love Rietberg Castle, a historical site that served as the seat of the Lords of Rietberg. The castle has a long history of ownership changes and was the setting for events that inspired literary works.
- Cazis is known for its ruined hill castles, ancient castle sites, and rebuilt fortifications. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from medieval strongholds to sites with millennia of history.
- The castles around Cazis are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 320 upvotes and 55 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins
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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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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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Reichenau Castle
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A place of power in a special class
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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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Schloss Reichenau At the confluence of the Hinterrhein and Vorderrhein, at the birthplace of the Alpine Rhine, lies the historic site of Reichenau. Reichenau already had great importance in the past: in the 14th century, as long-distance traffic over the Grisons Alpine passes increased significantly, two bridges and a customs house were built. Reichenau was considered a traffic hub, where all traffic could be controlled. In Reichenau, the routes of the north-south axis separate, along the Vorderrhein into the Oberland towards the Lukmanier and Oberalp passes, and along the Hinterrhein through the Domleschg via the Splügen and San Bernardino. Text / Source: Weinbau von Tscharner & Events Schloss Reichenau, Schloss Reichenau, Reichenauerstr. 59, 7015 Reichenau https://www.reichenau.ch/de/reichenau/geschichte-lage
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At the confluence of the Hinterrhein and Vorderrhein, at the birthplace of the Alpine Rhine, lies Reichenau Castle. Built in the 17th century by the episcopal ministerial family Schauenstein, it looks back on a long history. The last king of France even lived here once.
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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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very nice on sunny days
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of castles around Cazis?
The castles around Cazis are deeply rooted in the region's history, serving as political, judicial, and strategic centers. Sites like Hohenrätien Castle boast an extraordinary 4000 years of continuous settlement, from Bronze Age traces to Roman stations and medieval strongholds. Others, like Heinzenberg Castle, were power bases for noble families, controlling parts of the Domleschg Valley.
Which castles offer the best views of the surrounding landscape?
Hohenrätien Castle, perched dramatically on a rock wall 250 meters above the Viamala River, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Domleschg Valley, Heinzenberg Valley, and the Viamala Gorge. Heinzenberg Castle ruins also provide scenic views from their elevated position.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Cazis?
While many castles are ruins, the historical sites themselves can be engaging for families. Reichenau Castle is listed as family-friendly and is now a winery, offering a different kind of experience. Exploring the ruins of Hohenrätien Castle can also be an adventure, especially with guided tours that share legends like 'Cuno - the last knight'.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
The region offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Tguma circular hike' or the 'Sarn Pleasure Trail', which allow you to explore the scenic landscapes surrounding the castles. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Ascent Heinzeberg loop from Cazis'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Cazis and Road Cycling Routes around Cazis guides.
How can I reach the castles using public transport?
Public transport options vary by castle. Hohenrätien Castle is accessible via the re-established viaSpluga hiking trail, which can be reached by public transport to nearby towns. For specific routes and schedules, it's best to check local public transport information for connections to the villages closest to the castles you wish to visit.
Is there parking available near the castles?
Parking availability can vary. For castles like Hohenrätien Castle, which are often reached via hiking trails, parking might be available in nearby villages or designated trailheads. It is advisable to research specific parking options for each castle before your visit.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Cazis?
The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from spring to autumn, when hiking trails are clear and the weather is pleasant for exploring ruins and enjoying views. Winter visits are possible, but some trails may be challenging due to snow and ice, and facilities might have reduced hours.
Can I stay overnight in a castle near Cazis?
Yes, you can! Ehrenfels Castle, located in Sils im Domleschg, has been rebuilt and serves as a youth hostel for groups since 1954. It offers a unique opportunity to stay within a historic castle setting, making it an excellent base for exploring the Domleschg Castle Trail.
What is the story behind <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6636935" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rietberg Castle</a>?
Rietberg Castle was the seat of the Lords of Rietberg and has a long history of ownership changes and political intrigue. It was the setting for the murder of Pompejus Planta in 1621, an event later immortalized in Conrad Ferdinand Meyer's novella 'Jürg Jenatsch'. The castle's history reflects the complex power dynamics of the region through centuries.
Are there specific hiking trails that connect multiple castles?
Yes, the Domleschg Castle Trail is a notable route that connects several historical sites, including Ehrenfels Castle. This trail offers a fantastic way to explore the region's rich castle heritage on foot, combining historical discovery with scenic hiking.
Where can I find food or accommodation near the castles?
While specific cafes or pubs directly at every castle ruin are rare, you will find options in the nearby villages such as Cazis, Sils im Domleschg, and Thusis. These towns offer various cafes, restaurants, and accommodation choices, including hotels and guesthouses, suitable for visitors exploring the castles and surrounding areas.
What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/504443" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reichenau Castle</a> unique?
Reichenau Castle is uniquely situated at the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers, marking the 'birthplace' of the Alpine Rhine. Beyond its strategic location, it has a rich history, once hosting the last King of France. Today, it functions as a winery, offering castle tours and wine tastings, blending history with local culture.
What is the significance of Heinzenberg Castle?
Heinzenberg Castle, located directly within Cazis, is a ruined hill castle dating back to the 12th century. It was a crucial political and judicial center for a significant part of the Domleschg Valley, serving as the heart of the Freiherr von Vaz family's power. Its remaining pentagon-shaped tower and wall remnants offer a tangible connection to medieval life and local aristocratic power dynamics.
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