Top 19 Castles around Vaz/Obervaz
Best castles around Vaz/Obervaz are found in a municipality within the Albula Region of Graubünden, Switzerland. This area is historically connected to the powerful Lords of Vaz, an influential noble family in the Alpine region. The landscape features strategic rocky ridges and valleys, offering sites with early medieval defensive architecture and later expansions. The region provides access to various historical castle sites.
Best castles around Vaz/Obervaz
- The most popular castles is View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins, a castle that offers a view of the ruins Hohen Rätien from the Via Spluga. This site is known for its historical significance and its position high above Thusis.
- Another must-see spot is Riom Castle, a castle that is the largest in Surses. The former bishop's castle, built in 1227, can be viewed from the outside.
- Visitors also love Episcopal Court, a castle and historical site. This court district includes the episcopal castle and the cathedral, forming a significant historical core in Chur.
- Vaz/Obervaz is known for its castle ruins, well-preserved ruins, and historical seats of noble families. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from ancient foundations to more intact structures.
- The castles around Vaz/Obervaz are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 320 upvotes and 55 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins
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Riom Castle
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Episcopal Court
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At the top left the square is closed off by the episcopal castle. The secular counterpart to the cathedral received its current shape under Bishop Joseph Benedikt von Rost (r. 1728-54). The complex is built around an inner courtyard. The façade, which only has three window axes, is divided by rising pilasters into two wide and a narrow central section, with the two side parts being crowned by gables and the middle part by a hatch-like attachment. For reasons of symmetry, a counterpart was added to the left portal on the right, which, however, only forms the entrance to a carriage house. On the doors, bronze lion masks serve as ring holders. Doors and windows have stucco decorations. Joseph Benedikt von Rost came from Tyrol and it is not surprising that his work is influenced by the Austrian Baroque. The bishop managed to remove the building from the shadow of the cathedral and give it a dominant accent. Nowhere else in Graubünden can we find such rich sculptural outdoor decoration.
Text / Source: Chur Tourismus, Bahnhofstrasse 32, 7001 Chur, Switzerland
chur.graubuenden.ch/de/uebersicht-ausflugsziel/bischoefliches-schloss-hof
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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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Tips from the Community
The first building was constructed after 1272, following the consecration of the cathedral. Its current appearance dates back to the Baroque redesign of 1732/33 under Bishop Joseph von Rost, a Tyrolean native (serving as Bishop of Chur as Benedikt von Rost from 1728 to 1754), who incorporated architectural ideas from his homeland into the building. The cookbook "Ein schön Kochbuch 1559" (A Beautiful Cookbook 1559) was created in the Episcopal Palace between 1559 and around 1610. It is considered the oldest cookbook in Switzerland. In 2020, the Cathedral Treasury Museum, featuring the cathedral treasury and the death pictures dated 1543, will open in the Episcopal Palace. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisch%C3%B6fliches_Schloss_(Chur)
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Not only is the ensemble above the old town of Chur very impressive as a whole building and bulwark, the view is also wonderful!
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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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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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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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Court district with its canon houses, the episcopal castle and the cathedral At the top left the square is closed off by the episcopal castle. The secular counterpart to the cathedral received its current shape under Bishop Joseph Benedikt von Rost (r. 1728-54). The complex is built around an inner courtyard. The façade, which only has three window axes, is divided by rising pilasters into two wide and a narrow central section, with the two side parts being crowned by gables and the middle part by a hatch-like attachment. For reasons of symmetry, a counterpart was added to the left portal on the right, which, however, only forms the entrance to a carriage house. On the doors, bronze lion masks serve as ring holders. Doors and windows have stucco decorations. Joseph Benedikt von Rost came from Tyrol and it is not surprising that his work is influenced by the Austrian Baroque. The bishop managed to remove the building from the shadow of the cathedral and give it a dominant accent. Nowhere else in Graubünden can we find such rich sculptural outdoor decoration. Text / Source: Chur Tourismus, Bahnhofstrasse 32, 7001 Chur, Switzerland https://www.chur.graubuenden.ch/de/uebersicht-ausflugsziel/bischoefliches-schloss-hof
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Vaz/Obervaz offer the best views?
For impressive vistas, consider visiting View of Hohen Rätien Castle Ruins, which provides a great view of the ruins from the Via Spluga, high above Thusis. Burg Belfort also offers wonderful views over the Albula Valley from its strategic position.
Are there any well-preserved castle ruins to explore near Vaz/Obervaz?
Yes, Burg Belfort is a well-preserved ruin where you can explore robust walls, a main tower, a five-story residential wing, and a gatehouse. A modern steel staircase even leads to the original high entrance of the main tower. It's a popular excursion destination with a picnic area and grill.
What is the historical significance of the castles in the Vaz/Obervaz region?
The castles in this region are deeply tied to the powerful Lords of Vaz, an influential noble family. Burg Nivagl was their oldest seat, dating back to the 10th or 11th century, showcasing early medieval defensive architecture. Burg Belfort later became their main residence, strategically overseeing important routes to the Landwassertal and various Alpine passes.
Which castles are family-friendly to visit?
Burg Belfort is a great option for families. It's easily accessible, located about a 15-minute walk from a car park and a 5-minute walk from a bus stop. The site features a picnic area, grill, and a carefully maintained herb garden, making it pleasant for all ages to explore.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Vaz/Obervaz?
The best time to visit the castle ruins like Burg Nivagl is generally from spring to autumn, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear. Burg Belfort is also enjoyable during these seasons, offering pleasant conditions for exploring the ruins and enjoying the views.
Are there hiking trails that incorporate castle visits in the Vaz/Obervaz area?
Yes, the region offers opportunities to combine castle visits with hiking. Burg Nivagl, for instance, is accessible via marked trails and lies directly on the Via Albula/Bernina cultural route. For more hiking options in the area, you can explore the Hiking around Vaz/Obervaz guide.
How accessible are the castles by public transport or car?
Burg Belfort is quite accessible; it's a short 5-minute walk from a bus stop and about a 15-minute walk from a car park. While specific public transport details for all ruins vary, many are reachable via local bus services or are a short drive from nearby towns.
Can I visit the castles during winter?
While some castle sites may be accessible, conditions can be challenging in winter due to snow and ice, especially on trails leading to ruins like Burg Nivagl. Well-maintained paths to sites like Burg Belfort might be passable, but it's always advisable to check local conditions and accessibility before planning a winter visit.
What other historical sites are worth visiting near Vaz/Obervaz?
Beyond the ruins of Vaz, you can visit Riom Castle, the largest castle in Surses, which was a former bishop's castle built in 1227. Also, the Episcopal Court in Chur, with its episcopal castle and cathedral, forms a significant historical core.
Are there any castles that are still inhabited or privately owned?
While many castles in the wider region are ruins, some, like Ortenstein Castle (not in Vaz/Obervaz itself), are privately owned and not open to the public for interior visits. The castles directly associated with Vaz/Obervaz, such as Burg Nivagl and Burg Belfort, are ruins accessible for exploration.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
The area around Vaz/Obervaz offers various outdoor activities. You can find mountain hikes, such as the 'Cliffside Ladder loop from Donat' or 'Parpaner Rothorn – Gredigs Fürggli loop from Arosa', by checking the Mountain Hikes around Vaz/Obervaz guide. For gravel biking, routes like the 'Polenweg Trail – Alter Schin Historic Trail loop from Sils im Domleschg' are available in the Gravel biking around Vaz/Obervaz guide.
What should I wear when visiting the castle ruins?
Given that many castles are ruins and often involve walking on uneven terrain or trails, comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. Layered clothing is also advisable, as weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly, even during warmer months.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the castle sites?
Burg Belfort is equipped with a picnic area and grill, making it suitable for a self-catered stop. For more extensive amenities like cafes or restaurants, you would typically need to visit the nearby villages or towns such as Brienz/Brinzauls or Vaz/Obervaz itself.
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