Top 3 Castles around Silvaplana
Castles around Silvaplana are situated within the scenic Engadin valley, known for its alpine landscapes and Lake Silvaplana. The region features a mix of historical fortifications and structures built in a castle-like style. These landmarks offer insights into local history and architectural trends. Visitors can explore these sites while enjoying the surrounding natural environment.
Best castles around Silvaplana
- The most popular castles is Crap da Sass Castle, a castle built between 1906 and 1907. This privately owned structure is admired for its exterior and picturesque lakeside setting on Lake Silvaplana.
- Another must-see spot is Torre Belvedere, a man-made monument. This 24-meter-high observation tower above Maloja offers views of the Bergell and houses a small museum.
- Visitors also love Spaniola Tower, a historical site. This well-preserved pentagonal residential tower, built around 1210, can be viewed from the outside.
- Silvaplana is known for historical towers, castle-like hotels, and romantic architectural castles. The area offers a variety of structures that reflect different periods and styles.
- The castles around Silvaplana are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Crap da Sass Castle
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Spaniola Tower
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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
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Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
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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
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Torre Belvedere
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View of Crap-da Sass Castle
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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
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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/
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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/
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The Torre Belvedere is a 24-meter-high observation tower above Maloja in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The tower houses a Pro Natura nature center with various exhibitions. (Wikipedia)
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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
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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
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The inside is also worth seeing, although it is only open to house guests.
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5-star hotel with architecture similar to that of an ancient castle
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most notable castle-like structures around Silvaplana?
The region around Silvaplana features several interesting structures. The most popular is Crap da Sass Castle, admired for its picturesque lakeside setting. Other notable sites include Torre Belvedere, an observation tower with a museum, and Spaniola Tower, a well-preserved historical residential tower.
Can I visit Crap da Sass Castle?
While Crap da Sass Castle is a popular photographic motif and a well-known excursion destination, it is privately owned and not open to the public for internal visits. You can admire its exterior and enjoy the scenic views it provides from the surrounding areas of Lake Silvaplana.
What kind of historical significance do the castle-like structures around Silvaplana have?
The structures vary in their historical context. Spaniola Tower is a genuinely historical site, built around 1210. In contrast, Crap da Sass Castle, built between 1906 and 1907, is an example of 'castle romanticism' architecture, reflecting a historical style despite its more recent origins. Torre Belvedere is an observation tower with a small museum, offering insights into the local area.
Are there any family-friendly castle-like attractions near Silvaplana?
Yes, Torre Belvedere is considered family-friendly. It houses a small, child-friendly museum and offers beautiful views from its observation deck. The exterior of Crap da Sass Castle is also a pleasant sight for families enjoying the lakeside.
What natural features can I see when visiting these castle-like sites?
The castle-like sites are set within the stunning Engadin valley. Crap da Sass Castle is directly on the shores of Lake Silvaplana, offering picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Torre Belvedere provides panoramic views of the Bergell region.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castle-like structures?
The Silvaplana area is excellent for outdoor activities. Near these sites, you can find various routes for hiking and road cycling. For example, there are moderate hiking routes like the 'Lake Silvaplana – Lakeside trail at Silvaplanersee loop from Silvaplana' and road cycling routes such as the 'Julier Pass – Lake Silvaplana loop from Silvaplana'. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Silvaplana and Road Cycling Routes around Silvaplana guides.
Are there hiking trails near the castle-like sites around Silvaplana?
Yes, there are several hiking trails nearby. For instance, a moderate route called 'Crap da Sass Castle – Lakeside trail at Silvaplanersee loop from Silvaplana' starts near Crap da Sass Castle. You can find more detailed hiking information and routes in the Hiking around Silvaplana guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the castle-like structures around Silvaplana?
The Silvaplana region is beautiful year-round. Visiting in different seasons offers unique perspectives; for example, Crap da Sass Castle is particularly captivating in winter when surrounded by snow. The natural beauty of the Engadin mountains and Lake Silvaplana enhances the experience in any season.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castle-like structures in the Silvaplana area?
Visitors frequently praise the picturesque settings and architectural charm. For Crap da Sass Castle, the great location on the lake is a highlight. For Torre Belvedere, the beautiful views of the Bergell from the tower and the small museum are often mentioned.
Are any of the castle-like sites wheelchair accessible?
Information regarding specific wheelchair accessibility for all sites is limited. Crap da Sass Castle is privately owned and viewed from the exterior, which may involve paths around the lake. Spaniola Tower is also viewed from the outside. For Torre Belvedere, it's best to check directly with the Pro Natura nature center for accessibility details regarding the tower and museum.
Can I bring my dog to the castle-like sites?
Generally, exterior areas around these sites, such as the lakeside paths near Crap da Sass Castle or the trails leading to Spaniola Tower, are accessible for dogs on a leash. However, for internal areas like the museum within Torre Belvedere, it's advisable to confirm their pet policy beforehand.
Is there public transport available to reach the castle-like sites?
Silvaplana and its surrounding areas are generally well-connected by public transport, particularly buses. You can typically reach the vicinity of these sites using local bus services, though some may require a short walk from the nearest stop. For specific routes and schedules, it's recommended to consult local transport information.
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