Best castles around Flerden are found within the broader Graubünden region of Switzerland. While Flerden itself is a small municipality known for natural landscapes, the surrounding canton offers a rich historical landscape with numerous castles. This area provides opportunities for exploring historical sites and offers various walking routes. Visitors interested in history and architecture can find several notable castles within a reasonable distance.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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The history of the castle continued after its purchase by the Swiss expatriate community. In 1958, Hovag Domat/Ems, under Dr. Werner Oswald, bought Rhäzüns Castle. Since 1984, it has been owned by Ems-Chemie AG, with residential rights granted to the family of Silvia and Christoph Blocher. Therefore, it is not possible to visit the castle.
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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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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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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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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 view from up there is magnificent
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While Flerden itself is a small municipality, the broader Graubünden region is rich in historical castles. Some notable examples include View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins, offering great views from the Via Spluga, and Rietberg Castle, known for its significant history as the seat of the Lords of Rietberg. Other important sites in the region are Ortenstein Castle, the largest castle complex in the 'valley of castles and palaces', and the medieval Bernegg Castle Ruin.
Yes, Schauenstein Castle has transformed into a culinary stronghold, boasting a 19-Gault-Millau-point chef, offering a unique blend of history and gastronomy. Additionally, Sins Castle, built around 1695, has undergone several reconstructions and was run as a hotel until 2012, showcasing its adaptability over centuries.
The castles in Graubünden, such as Rietberg Castle, have deep historical roots, often serving as seats for noble families, bishoprics, or playing roles in regional conflicts. Rietberg, for instance, was the site of the murder of Pompejus Planta in 1621, a significant event in Grisons history. Many castles, like Marschlins Castle, date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, reflecting the region's strategic importance.
While many castles and ruins are accessible, some are privately owned. For example, Rhäzüns Castle above the Hinterrhein, despite its spectacular location, is currently owned by Ems-Chemie AG, with residential rights granted to a family, making it not possible to visit. Always check specific castle websites for visitor information before planning your trip.
The region around Flerden offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including options for touring bicycles and gravel biking. For example, the 'Domleschger Runde' is a moderate cycling route. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'Plazzas Trail'. For more details on routes, you can explore the Cycling around Flerden, Gravel biking around Flerden, and MTB Trails around Flerden guides.
Yes, many castles are situated in scenic areas perfect for hiking. For instance, the View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins is accessible via the Via Spluga, offering a great viewpoint. While specific hiking routes directly to every castle aren't detailed here, the general area provides ample trails. You can find various hiking routes in the broader Flerden region that might pass by or offer views of these historical sites.
The best time to visit the castles in the Graubünden region is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During this period, the weather is more favorable for exploring ruins, enjoying viewpoints, and combining visits with outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Winter can offer a picturesque, snow-covered landscape, but some sites or access roads might be less accessible.
Marmels Castle ruins are uniquely situated under an overhanging rocky outcrop above the Marmoreras reservoir, which provided natural protection and led to the preservation of rare medieval finds. Reichenau Castle is notable for its location at the confluence of the Vorder and Hinterrhein rivers, offering a distinct geographical setting.
Visitors to the castles around Flerden and the wider Graubünden region appreciate the rich history, the stunning natural settings, and the opportunities for exploration. The komoot community has shared over 55 photos and given more than 320 upvotes for these sites, highlighting their visual appeal and historical significance. The blend of historical architecture with scenic landscapes is a major draw.
While Flerden is a small village, the larger towns in Graubünden, such as Thusis or Chur, serve as hubs for public transport. From these towns, you can often find bus connections to villages near the castles. For specific castles, it's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider a combination of public transport and a short walk, as some castles are located on hillsides or in more remote areas.
While the guide highlights popular spots, exploring the smaller ruins like Bernegg Castle Ruin in Calfreisen, which is a landmark of its village, can offer a more intimate historical experience away from larger crowds. Many of the region's numerous castles, even if not widely publicized, hold significant local history and charm.


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