Top 3 Castles around Pontresina
Best castles to visit near Pontresina are situated in the Engadin valley, a region known for its alpine landscapes and historical architecture. Pontresina itself is a village in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, offering access to various cultural and natural attractions. The area features a mix of traditional Engadin houses and structures with historical significance. Visitors can explore the region's heritage through its preserved buildings and scenic surroundings.
Best castles around Pontresina
- The most popular castles is Crap da Sass Castle, a castle located on the lake. It is an important example of late historical architecture in Graubünden, built in 1906.
- Another must-see spot is View of Crap da Sass Castle, a viewpoint offering perspectives of the castle and the surrounding lake. This location is suitable for hiking and biking.
- Visitors also love Spaniola Tower, a historical site. This well-preserved pentagonal residential tower was built around 1210 and can be viewed from the outside.
- Pontresina is known for its historical castles, castle-like structures, and ancient towers. The region offers a variety of architectural styles, from medieval towers to early 20th-century castle designs.
- The castles around Pontresina are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 12, 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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Guardaval Castle
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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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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.
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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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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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Anyone who needs this will find it here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites to visit near Pontresina?
Yes, Crap da Sass Castle is listed as family-friendly. While it's privately owned and can only be admired from the outside, its location on the lake offers a beautiful setting for families to enjoy. The View of Crap da Sass Castle also provides a great spot for hiking and biking with family.
What historical castles or towers can I view from the outside near Pontresina?
You can view several historical structures from the outside. Crap da Sass Castle, an important example of late historical architecture, is privately owned and can only be admired from a distance. The well-preserved pentagonal Spaniola Tower, built around 1210, is also accessible for exterior viewing.
What is the best time to visit the castles and historical sites around Pontresina?
The Engadin valley, where Pontresina is located, offers attractions year-round. For hiking and biking around sites like the View of Crap da Sass Castle, summer is ideal. In winter, you can even walk across the frozen lake near Crap da Sass, offering a unique perspective.
Are there any castles near Pontresina that offer panoramic views?
Yes, Guardaval Castle, though primarily a tower, offers a beautiful vantage point above Madulain with stunning views over the valley. It's easily accessible on foot or by bike.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Pontresina?
The region around Pontresina is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'View of Lake Silvaplana – Lake St. Moritz loop', and hiking trails like the 'Morteratsch glacier trail'. For mountain biking, options include the 'Pass Chaschauna Loop'. You can explore these and more on the respective guide pages: Cycling around Pontresina, Hiking around Pontresina, and MTB Trails around Pontresina.
Are there easy walks to castles near Pontresina?
While specific 'easy walks to castles' aren't detailed, the area offers various hiking options. For instance, the 'Morteratsch glacier trail' is an easy hiking route in the broader Pontresina region. Many historical sites, like Guardaval Castle, are described as easily accessible on foot.
What do visitors appreciate most about the castles and historical sites in the Pontresina region?
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning locations and historical significance. For example, the great location on the lake makes Crap da Sass Castle a 'bijoux', even if only viewed from the outside. The beautiful views from places like Guardaval Castle are also highly praised.
Can I find circular walks around castles in the Pontresina area?
While specific circular walks directly around individual castles aren't explicitly detailed, the region offers numerous circular routes for hiking and cycling that can incorporate views of these historical sites. For example, the 'View of Lake Silvaplana – Lake St. Moritz loop' for cycling or the 'Val Roseg Adventure Trail – Roseg Valley loop' for hiking provide scenic circular options in the wider area. Check the Hiking around Pontresina guide for more.
Is there a castle-like hotel in the region?
Yes, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz, though a luxury hotel, possesses an unmistakable castle-like character with its crenellations and corner turrets. Built in 1896, it's an example of grand historical architecture in the area.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting near the castles around Pontresina?
The Engadin valley is known for its natural beauty. While specific wildlife spotting near castles isn't detailed, the scenic surroundings and proximity to natural areas like lakes and mountains suggest opportunities for observing local wildlife during your visits or on nearby trails. The area is rich in alpine landscapes.
What are the historical origins of the castles and towers in the Pontresina region?
The region features a mix of architectural styles. For instance, Spaniola Tower is a well-preserved pentagonal residential tower built around 1210, reflecting medieval origins. In contrast, Crap da Sass Castle is a more recent example of late historical architecture, built in 1906.
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