Top 15 Castles around Malans
Best castles around Malans offer a journey through history in the Graubünden region of Switzerland. Malans is situated in the Rhine Valley, surrounded by vineyards and mountainous landscapes. The area features a mix of well-preserved castles and historic ruins, providing insights into medieval architecture and regional heritage. These historical sites are often found along popular hiking trails, offering scenic views of the surrounding natural features.
Best castles around Malans
- The most popular castles is Freudenberg Castle Ruins, a castle, viewpoint, and historical site. Visitors can admire the remains of this 13th-century castle and enjoy panoramic views of the Sarganserland and into the Graubünden region.
- Another must-see spot is Neuenburg Castle Ruins, a hilltop castle ruin. Situated on the foothills of the Calanda massif, this site offers views of the Rhine Valley and is an accessible outing objective.
- Visitors also love Gutenberg Castle, a castle and historical site. The medieval castle was built around 1200 and has been expanded over centuries, now serving as a cultural stronghold in the region.
- Malans is known for its castle ruins and well-preserved castles. The region offers a variety of historical sites, from medieval fortresses to renovated complexes, showcasing different architectural styles and historical periods.
- The castles around Malans are appreciated by the komoot community, with 67 upvotes and 13 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Gutenberg Castle
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Long before Gutenberg Castle was built, the rock head was used by the people who lived here. The oldest archaeological finds date back to the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC). Nine found bronze statuettes from the younger Iron Age (5th-1st century BC), the so-called Gutenberg votive statuettes, indicate a pre-Christian sanctuary on Gutenberg.
A cemetery was laid out from the 7th century. The chapel of St. Donatus, demolished in the 18th century, was probably built at the same time.
The medieval castle itself was probably built around 1200. From the end of the 13th century it was owned by the Barons of Frauenberg from Graubünden. From 1314 to 1824 it was owned by the House of Habsburg. During this time, the fortress was besieged several times, e.g. in the Swabian War (1499) or during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), but was always able to hold out. After 1750 the fortress was no longer inhabited, was left to decay and became a ruin.
In 1905, the Vaduz architect and sculptor Egon Rheinberger (1870-1936) acquired the badly damaged complex and expanded it by 1910 in the spirit of castle romance to give it its current appearance. Together with his wife Maria he ran an inn on Gutenberg from 1920 until his death in 1936. During this time, numerous concerts and events took place, making the castle a cultural stronghold in the region.
After several changes of ownership - engineer Otto Haas with his family and then the filmmaker couple Hermine Kindle de Contreras Torres and Miguel Contreras Torres - the castle complex came into the possession of the state of Liechtenstein through purchase in 1979.
Text: Municipality of Balzers
balzers.li/de/balzers-erleben/kultur-und-geschichte/burg-gutenberg/tblid/343
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Freudenberg Castle Ruins
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Salenegg Castle
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Salenegg Castle near Maienfeld has begun its journey through history under a different name. It was called Prestenegg at the time. The construction of Prestenegg was commissioned around the year 950 by the prior of the Pfäfers monastery. Perhaps the unobstructed view of the opposite side of the valley from Maienfeld, which has long and full sunshine and is therefore much warmer, led the monastery brothers to decide to have a small sunny dependency for those of them who had "Presten" (ailments, probably gout and rheumatism). A servitude that formally existed until the monastery was dissolved in 1838 obliged the lord of Salenegg to keep the monks of Pfäfers free of food on a certain day of the year. This, as well as other evidence, indicates a close connection between Salenegg and the Pirmin monastery. In 1330, Prestenegg came into the possession of the Counts of Vaz, in 1399 into the possession of the Counts of Werdenberg, later into the possession of the Toggenburg family, and in 1594 it was bought by Vespasian von Sal is. At that time, the house was renamed Salenegg. Since 1654, Salenegg Castle has been owned by the Gugelberg von Moos family, who still live in the house today. The Salenegg Castle winery, the oldest winery in Europe, is also the cradle of wine culture in the Graubünden region. Over the centuries, everyone has done their very best to preserve the castle.
Text / Source: graubuendenwein.ch
graubuendenwein.ch/de/winzerprofil/weingut-schloss-salenegg#:~:text=Seit%201654%20befindet%20sich%20Schloss,zum%20Erhalt%20des%20Schosse%20beigetragen.
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Neuenburg Castle Ruins
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In the Middle Ages, the main road led to the villages on the right bank of the Rhine. That is why there were no customs rights attached to the possession of the castle. Today the ruins are easily accessible on foot via a narrow road (driving ban).
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Neuburg_(Untervaz)
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Grafenberg Castle Ruins (Mörderburg)
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The Grafenberg castle ruins, also known as “Mörderburg” or “Alt Schlössle”, are located on an elongated rock head above the road from Balzers to St. Luzisteig. It is located in the Fläscher municipality, but is owned by the municipality of Balzers.
A 25 meter long and 6 meter high wall has been preserved from the former castle complex. It was part of the east wall of a two-story palace building. Other visible remains of the wall indicate that the palace building had a base area of approx. 41 meters in length and 11 meters in width and that the castle complex once extended over the entire hill plateau.
No written sources have come down to us about the time of origin, builder and owner of Grafenberg. The type of masonry and individual finds point to the 13th century as the time of origin. Fire debris within the building indicates that the facility was a fire victim.
The castle complex was likely to have been in connection with a dam. This once extended from the foot of the castle rock to the flank of the opposite Guschnerberg and blocked off the valley at its narrowest point. Remnants of this dam are still present in a strip of forest below the castle rock.
In 2005 the ruin was secured, preserved and restored and archaeologically examined. The castle complex is under the protection of the Swiss Confederation and the Canton of Graubünden.
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Tips from the Community
You can ride your bike all the way up and into it on a good gravel road.
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A beautiful castle. Like something out of a picture book.
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a winery and restaurant where you can stop for a drink
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Situated on the foothills of the Calanda massif, this ruined castle offers a beautiful view of the Rhine Valley, in addition to being an interesting outing objective in itself. Reaching it requires a certain but accessible effort.
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Here you can admire the remains of Freudenberg Castle from the 13th century. Today this is a wonderful place for a long break. You can enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the Sarganserland and into the Graubünden region. The Quelle Rock OpenAir takes place here once a year.
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Gutenberg Castle Long before Gutenberg Castle was built, the rock head was used by the people who lived here. The oldest archaeological finds date back to the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC). Nine found bronze statuettes from the younger Iron Age (5th-1st century BC), the so-called Gutenberg votive statuettes, indicate a pre-Christian sanctuary on Gutenberg. A cemetery was laid out from the 7th century. The chapel of St. Donatus, demolished in the 18th century, was probably built at the same time. The medieval castle itself was probably built around 1200. From the end of the 13th century it was owned by the Barons of Frauenberg from Graubünden. From 1314 to 1824 it was owned by the House of Habsburg. During this time, the fortress was besieged several times, e.g. in the Swabian War (1499) or during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), but was always able to hold out. After 1750 the fortress was no longer inhabited, was left to decay and became a ruin. In 1905, the Vaduz architect and sculptor Egon Rheinberger (1870-1936) acquired the badly damaged complex and expanded it by 1910 in the spirit of castle romance to give it its current appearance. Together with his wife Maria he ran an inn on Gutenberg from 1920 until his death in 1936. During this time, numerous concerts and events took place, making the castle a cultural stronghold in the region. After several changes of ownership - engineer Otto Haas with his family and then the filmmaker couple Hermine Kindle de Contreras Torres and Miguel Contreras Torres - the castle complex came into the possession of the state of Liechtenstein through purchase in 1979. Text: Municipality of Balzers https://www.balzers.li/de/balzers-erleben/kultur-und-geschichte/burg-gutenberg/tblid/343
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Salenegg Castle, Maienfeld Salenegg Castle near Maienfeld has begun its journey through history under a different name. It was called Prestenegg at the time. The construction of Prestenegg was commissioned around the year 950 by the prior of the Pfäfers monastery. Perhaps the unobstructed view of the opposite side of the valley from Maienfeld, which has long and full sunshine and is therefore much warmer, led the monastery brothers to decide to have a small sunny dependency for those of them who had "Presten" (ailments, probably gout and rheumatism). A servitude that formally existed until the monastery was dissolved in 1838 obliged the lord of Salenegg to keep the monks of Pfäfers free of food on a certain day of the year. This, as well as other evidence, indicates a close connection between Salenegg and the Pirmin monastery. In 1330, Prestenegg came into the possession of the Counts of Vaz, in 1399 into the possession of the Counts of Werdenberg, later into the possession of the Toggenburg family, and in 1594 it was bought by Vespasian von Sal is. At that time, the house was renamed Salenegg. Since 1654, Salenegg Castle has been owned by the Gugelberg von Moos family, who still live in the house today. The Salenegg Castle winery, the oldest winery in Europe, is also the cradle of wine culture in the Graubünden region. Over the centuries, everyone has done their very best to preserve the castle. Text / Source: graubuendenwein.ch https://www.graubuendenwein.ch/de/winzerprofil/weingut-schloss-salenegg#:~:text=Seit%201654%20befindet%20sich%20Schloss,zum%20Erhalt%20des%20Schosse%20beigetragen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Malans are open to the public?
While Bothmar Castle is not publicly accessible, you can visit the ruins of Wynegg Castle, which offers a glimpse into medieval history. Other notable castles and ruins that are generally accessible include Gutenberg Castle, Freudenberg Castle Ruins, Neuenburg Castle Ruins, and Grafenberg Castle Ruins (Mörderburg).
Are there family-friendly castles or activities near Malans?
Yes, Freudenberg Castle Ruins is categorized as family-friendly and offers a wonderful place for a break with fantastic panoramic views. Many of the castle ruins are accessible via walking paths, making them suitable for families who enjoy light hikes.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Malans?
The best time to visit is typically from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is pleasant for exploring ruins and hiking. During these months, you can fully enjoy the scenic views and outdoor activities. Winter visits are possible, but some paths might be challenging due to snow or ice.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see near these castles?
The castles are often situated in picturesque locations, offering stunning views. For example, Freudenberg Castle Ruins provides panoramic views of the Sarganserland and the Graubünden region. Neuenburg Castle Ruins offers beautiful views of the Rhine Valley from its perch on the Calanda massif foothills.
Are there hiking trails near the castles around Malans?
Absolutely. Many castles are integrated into hiking networks. You can find various hiking routes around Malans, including the popular Malans-Jenins wine round or the Route of amazement Malanser Älpli. For more options, explore the Hiking around Malans guide.
Can I visit Wynegg Castle, and what can I expect to see?
Yes, Wynegg Castle is a ruin located on a rocky outcropping north of Malans. While much of the original 13th-century structure has decayed or been built over, visitors can still see part of the old ring wall (up to 2.5 meters thick), traces of the three-story palas, and a defensive ditch. It offers a historical perspective for those interested in medieval ruins. You can find more historical context on Wikipedia.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
Beyond exploring the castles, the region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain hikes, with routes like the Schesaplanasattel loop, or explore various cycling and mountain biking trails. Check out the Mountain Hikes around Malans and MTB Trails around Malans guides for detailed routes.
Is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/690193" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Salenegg Castle</a> open to visitors?
Salenegg Castle is privately owned by the Gugelberg von Moos family, who still reside there. However, it is home to the Salenegg Castle winery, which is considered the oldest winery in Europe. You can often visit for wine tastings and sales, experiencing a unique blend of history and viticulture.
What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3829295" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gutenberg Castle</a> a cultural stronghold?
Gutenberg Castle, originally built around 1200, has a rich history of expansion and restoration. After being acquired and expanded in the early 20th century, it became a hub for numerous concerts and events, solidifying its role as a significant cultural center in the region. It is now owned by the state of Liechtenstein.
Are there any castles with unique historical stories or legends?
Yes, Freudenberg Castle Ruins has a local legend about a beautiful virgin banished to the ruins, eagerly awaiting a young man to redeem her and a hidden treasure. While you might not find the virgin or treasure, the ruins offer a captivating historical atmosphere.
How can I get to the castles around Malans using public transport?
Malans is generally well-connected by public transport within Switzerland. For specific castle ruins, you may need to combine train or bus travel to Malans or nearby towns with a walk. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and walking routes to your chosen castle destination in advance.
Are dogs allowed on trails leading to the castles?
Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in Switzerland, but it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially near livestock or in nature reserves. Specific rules might apply to castle interiors or protected areas, so check local signage. Many outdoor trails leading to ruins are dog-friendly.
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