Top 3 Castles around Celerina/Schlarigna
Best castles to visit near Celerina/Schlarigna are situated in the Upper Engadin valley, a region characterized by its alpine landscape, clear lakes, and historic architecture. The area is known for its well-preserved cultural heritage, including several historic sites and castles. Celerina/Schlarigna itself is a village in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, offering access to various historical structures that reflect the region's past. These sites provide insight into the architectural and historical development of the Engadin.
Best castles around Celerina/Schlarigna
- The most popular castles is Crap da Sass Castle, a castle that is an important example of late historical architecture in Graubünden. It is privately owned and can be admired from the outside, noted for its location on the lake.
- Another must-see spot is Spaniola Tower, a well-preserved pentagonal residential tower built around 1210. Visitors can view the tower from the outside, noting its round-arched high entrance and toilet extension.
- Visitors also love Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, a man-made monument with a castle-like character due to its distinctive shape, crenellations, and corner turrets. It is a 5-star hotel with architecture similar to that of an ancient castle.
- Celerina/Schlarigna is known for its historical castles, residential towers, and castle-like hotels. The area offers a variety of structures ranging from medieval ruins to grand palatial buildings.
- The castles around Celerina/Schlarigna are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 60 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Crap da Sass Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Spaniola Tower
Highlight • Historical Site
The name Spaniola (in Roman spagniöl = Spanish) seems to be of more recent origin. The edge is directed towards the mountain to protect against avalanches and rockfalls, but also for strategic reasons. The round-arched high entrance and the toilet extension on the second floor are clearly visible and unique. The tower can be viewed from the outside. The tower was built around 1200, but there are no written documents.
Text / Source: Pontresina Tourism, Via Maistra 133, Pontresina
pontresina.ch/de/guide/unser-pontresina/ausflugsziele-im-ueberblick/kultur-architektur/spaniolaturm
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
Highlight • Monument
In the mid-1880s, Caspar Badrutt purchased the Hotel Beau Rivage in St. Moritz, built in 1872. Over a four-year renovation, he transformed the small inn into the palatial Badrutt's Palace Hotel, which opened in 1896. His father, Johannes Badrutt, had already been active in the hospitality industry: as the proud owner of the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, he was the founder of the Badrutt hotel dynasty.
For decades, prominent guests from around the world appreciated the hotel's exclusive atmosphere. Following the construction of Badrutt's Palace Hotel by the Zurich architects Alfred Chiodera (1850-1916) and Theophil Tschudi (1847-1911), the hotel underwent several expansions and renovations. In 1907, the building was raised by one full story and an attic; a little later, a three-story west wing was added, housing a dining room and tennis hall. Extensive renovations were carried out towards the end of the 20th century. Its location on the steep slope above Lake St. Moritz and its distinctive shape, with crenellations and corner turrets, give Badrutt's Palace Hotel its unmistakable, castle-like character to this day. A striking main tower with a pyramidal roof rises on the west side. The building rests on a two-story base of rustic stonework. Above this is a light-filled ground floor with public areas, restaurants, boutiques, a veranda, and a large terrace. The upper floors contain guest rooms, and the tower's apex houses a suite that was rebuilt after the tower fire of 1967. From the very beginning, the facade and interior have displayed a great diversity of design. The neo-Gothic motif of the facade, with its English pointed arches, continues inside the hotel. Intricate wooden walls and imposing Renaissance-style coffered ceilings, along with neo-Baroque ceiling paintings, characterize the public areas. Despite numerous renovations, great care has always been taken to preserve the original structure; for example, the original stamped graffiti on the facade was uncovered in 2006. Badrutt's Palace Hotel has been a member of Swiss Historic Hotels since 2006.
Text / Source: Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Via Serlas 27, 7500 St. Moritz
swiss-historic-hotels.ch/hotels/badrutts-palace-hotel
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Guardaval Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of Crap-da Sass Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Celerina/Schlarigna
Cross-country skiing fever in the Graubünden region
Between water and rock - Via Engiadina
Trails with spectacular alpine panoramas – Engadin MTB region
A tranquil and inspiring hike through the Engadin – Via Engiadina
Go with the flow — bike trails in Switzerland’s Engadin valley
Via Engiadina and Bernina Tour – long-distance hiking in the Engadine
Made for mountain biking — Switzerland
400 kilometres of flow trails in Engadin
MTB Trails around Celerina/Schlarigna
Cycling around Celerina/Schlarigna
Other adventures around Celerina/Schlarigna
Tips from the Community
Badrutt's Palace Hotel, St. Moritz In the mid-1880s, Caspar Badrutt purchased the Hotel Beau Rivage in St. Moritz, built in 1872. Over a four-year renovation, he transformed the small inn into the palatial Badrutt's Palace Hotel, which opened in 1896. His father, Johannes Badrutt, had already been active in the hospitality industry: as the proud owner of the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, he was the founder of the Badrutt hotel dynasty. For decades, prominent guests from around the world appreciated the hotel's exclusive atmosphere. Following the construction of Badrutt's Palace Hotel by the Zurich architects Alfred Chiodera (1850-1916) and Theophil Tschudi (1847-1911), the hotel underwent several expansions and renovations. In 1907, the building was raised by one full story and an attic; a little later, a three-story west wing was added, housing a dining room and tennis hall. Extensive renovations were carried out towards the end of the 20th century. Its location on the steep slope above Lake St. Moritz and its distinctive shape, with crenellations and corner turrets, give Badrutt's Palace Hotel its unmistakable, castle-like character to this day. A striking main tower with a pyramidal roof rises on the west side. The building rests on a two-story base of rustic stonework. Above this is a light-filled ground floor with public areas, restaurants, boutiques, a veranda, and a large terrace. The upper floors contain guest rooms, and the tower's apex houses a suite that was rebuilt after the tower fire of 1967. From the very beginning, the facade and interior have displayed a great diversity of design. The neo-Gothic motif of the facade, with its English pointed arches, continues inside the hotel. Intricate wooden walls and imposing Renaissance-style coffered ceilings, along with neo-Baroque ceiling paintings, characterize the public areas. Despite numerous renovations, great care has always been taken to preserve the original structure; for example, the original stamped graffiti on the facade was uncovered in 2006. Badrutt's Palace Hotel has been a member of Swiss Historic Hotels since 2006. Text / Source: Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Via Serlas 27, 7500 St. Moritz https://swiss-historic-hotels.ch/hotels/badrutts-palace-hotel
15
0
A very beautiful vantage point above Madulain, easily accessible on foot or by bike (the last few meters are on foot). A fire pit and bench are located near the ruins.
0
0
Badrutt's Palace Hotel in St. Moritz features 164 guest rooms, including 35 suites, all offering breathtaking views of the lake or the charming village center. Unique room designs and legendary service distinguish this historic 5-star luxury hotel. Source: https://badruttspalace.com/de/hotel-st-moritz-winter/
3
0
Spaniola Castle Tower, Pontresina The name Spaniola (in Roman spagniöl = Spanish) seems to be of more recent origin. The edge is directed towards the mountain to protect against avalanches and rockfalls, but also for strategic reasons. The round-arched high entrance and the toilet extension on the second floor are clearly visible and unique. The tower can be viewed from the outside. The tower was built around 1200, but there are no written documents. Text / Source: Pontresina Tourism, Via Maistra 133, Pontresina https://www.pontresina.ch/de/guide/unser-pontresina/ausflugsziele-im-ueberblick/kultur-architektur/spaniolaturm
14
0
The inside is also worth seeing, although it is only open to house guests.
2
1
5-star hotel with architecture similar to that of an ancient castle
4
0
Anyone who needs this will find it here.
4
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Celerina/Schlarigna?
Yes, Crap da Sass Castle is categorized as family-friendly. While it's privately owned and can only be admired from the outside, its beautiful location on Lake St. Moritz makes it a pleasant spot for families to visit and enjoy the surroundings.
What kind of historical sites can I see besides traditional castles?
Beyond traditional castles, you can explore unique historical structures like the Spaniola Tower, a well-preserved pentagonal residential tower built around 1210. You can also see Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, a 5-star hotel with a distinctive castle-like character due to its crenellations and corner turrets.
Can I visit any castle ruins in the area?
Yes, Guardaval Castle is a ruin consisting mainly of a tower. It offers a beautiful view over the valley above Madulain and is easily accessible on foot or by bike. There's also a fire pit and bench near the ruins, making it a nice spot for a break.
Are there good viewpoints to see the castles from?
Absolutely. The View of Crap da Sass Castle highlight offers a wonderful perspective of the castle and the lake. Additionally, Guardaval Castle itself, though a ruin, provides a beautiful vantage point over the Engadin valley.
What outdoor activities can I combine with visiting castles?
The region around Celerina/Schlarigna is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling. Many of these routes pass by or offer views of the castles and historical sites, allowing you to combine cultural exploration with active pursuits.
Are there any circular walks that include castles?
While specific circular walks directly encompassing multiple castles aren't detailed, many hiking and biking routes in the area offer opportunities for circular tours that pass by or provide views of these historical sites. For instance, routes around Lake St. Moritz can offer views of Crap da Sass Castle.
What is the best season to visit the castles around Celerina/Schlarigna?
The Engadin valley is beautiful year-round. Summer and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring on foot or by bike, with lush landscapes and clear views. Winter provides a magical, snow-covered backdrop, and you can even walk across the frozen lake to get unique perspectives of castles like Crap da Sass Castle.
Are there any castles open in winter?
Most castles and historical sites in the region, such as Crap da Sass Castle and Spaniola Tower, are primarily viewed from the outside, making them accessible year-round, including winter. The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, being a functioning hotel, is open throughout the winter season.
What should I wear when visiting castles in Celerina/Schlarigna?
Given the alpine environment of Celerina/Schlarigna, it's advisable to dress in layers, regardless of the season. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. For winter visits, warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and accessories like hats and gloves are essential, especially if you plan to explore outdoor viewpoints or walk on the frozen lake.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the castles?
While most historical sites like Crap da Sass Castle and Spaniola Tower do not have on-site facilities, they are located near towns and villages in the Engadin valley where you'll find various dining options. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, being a 5-star hotel, offers multiple restaurants and cafes within its premises.
How accessible are the castles for visitors with mobility challenges?
Many of the castles and historical sites in the region, such as Crap da Sass Castle and Spaniola Tower, are viewed from the outside. Guardaval Castle involves a climb to its tower ruin. While the immediate surroundings of some sites might be accessible, direct wheelchair access to the interior of these historical structures is generally limited or not possible.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Celerina/Schlarigna?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural settings of these historical sites. The location of Crap da Sass Castle on Lake St. Moritz is often highlighted as a 'bijoux.' The panoramic views from places like Guardaval Castle are also highly praised, offering beautiful vistas over the valley.
Are there less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles to visit?
For a potentially less crowded experience, consider visiting Guardaval Castle. As a ruin with a focus on its viewpoint, it might offer a more tranquil visit compared to more prominent sites. The Spaniola Tower, a historical residential tower, also provides a unique and perhaps quieter glimpse into the region's past.
Most popular routes around Celerina/Schlarigna
Most popular attractions around Celerina/Schlarigna
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Celerina/Schlarigna:
