Top 16 Castles around Zizers
Castles around Zizers, a municipality in the Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, offer insights into the region's history and architectural heritage. The area features a mix of well-preserved structures and historic ruins. These sites provide a connection to the past within the Graubünden landscape. The region's historical significance is reflected in its various castle types.
Best castles around Zizers
- The most popular castles is Freudenberg Castle Ruins, a castle that features remains from the 13th century. This location offers panoramic views of the Sarganserland and into the Graubünden region.
- Another must-see spot is Neuenburg Castle Ruins, 13th-century hilltop castle ruins. Visitors can expect a monumental structure with limestone and tuff stone architecture, offering views of the Rhine Valley.
- Visitors also love Episcopal Court, a historical site with a castle. This complex, influenced by Austrian Baroque, is built around an inner courtyard and features a facade divided by rising pilasters.
- Zizers is known for its baroque castles, such as the Lower Castle and Upper Castle, and various castle ruins. The area offers a range of historical structures to explore, from preserved buildings to ancient fortifications.
- The castles around Zizers are appreciated by the komoot community, with 59 upvotes and 59 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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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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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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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You can ride your bike all the way up and into it on a good gravel road.
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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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a winery and restaurant where you can stop for a drink
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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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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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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
What types of castles can I explore around Zizers?
The Zizers region offers a diverse range of historical sites, from well-preserved baroque structures like the Lower and Upper Castles in Zizers itself, to significant castle ruins such as Freudenberg Castle Ruins and Neuenburg Castle Ruins. These sites provide a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural heritage.
Are there any castle ruins with panoramic views near Zizers?
Yes, the Freudenberg Castle Ruins are a great option. Located nearby, these 13th-century ruins offer fantastic panoramic views of the Sarganserland and into the Graubünden region, making them an excellent spot for a break during a hike.
Which castles in the area have unique architectural features?
The Upper Castle in Zizers is notable for its Italian-inspired design and striking 18th-century facade paintings that cover the entire building, showcasing trompe-l'œil columns and illusionary windows. The Lower Castle, a Swiss heritage site, is distinguished by its baroque architecture and an octagonal tower with a domed roof.
Can I visit a castle that is also a winery?
Yes, Salenegg Castle in Maienfeld is home to the oldest winery in Europe. This historically significant castle has been with the Gugelberg von Moos family since 1654 and offers wine tasting and sales.
Are there any family-friendly castle sites around Zizers?
Many of the castle ruins, such as Freudenberg Castle Ruins, are categorized as family-friendly. They often provide open spaces for exploration and offer scenic views that can be enjoyed by all ages, especially when combined with an easy walk or picnic.
What historical significance do the castles around Zizers hold?
The castles reflect centuries of regional history. For instance, the Upper Castle in Zizers was a residence for the wealthy Salis family, while Salenegg Castle has a history dating back to around 950 AD. Ruins like Grafenberg Castle Ruins and Neuenburg Castle Ruins offer insights into medieval fortifications and regional power structures.
Are there hiking opportunities to reach these castles?
Absolutely. Many castles and ruins, like Neuenburg Castle Ruins, are accessible via hiking trails. You can find various routes, including easy and moderate options, that lead to these historical sites. For more hiking ideas, explore the Hiking around Zizers guide.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a castle visit near Zizers?
Besides hiking, the area around Zizers offers cycling and running opportunities. You can find routes that pass by or lead to castles. For example, there are cycling tours like the 'Lower Castle Zizers – View of Marschlins Castle loop' in the Cycling around Zizers guide, and running trails in the Running Trails around Zizers guide.
Is there a castle with a strong connection to religious history?
The Episcopal Court in Chur, with its castle, is a significant historical site. This complex, influenced by Austrian Baroque, is built around an inner courtyard and has served as the seat of the Chur diocesan bishop, reflecting centuries of ecclesiastical influence in the region.
How can I access the castles around Zizers using public transport or by car?
Access varies by castle. While some castles like the Lower and Upper Castles in Zizers are within the municipality, others like Neuenburg Castle Ruins are easily accessible on foot via narrow roads (driving ban applies to the ruins themselves). For specific parking and public transport details, it's best to check local information for each individual site.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles and ruins in the Zizers region?
The spring, summer, and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and undertaking outdoor activities like hiking. During these seasons, the trails are more accessible, and the views from the ruins are particularly clear. Winter can also be beautiful, but some trails might be snow-covered.
Are there any lesser-known castle ruins worth exploring near Zizers?
Yes, the Grafenberg Castle Ruins, also known as 'Mörderburg,' are situated on a rock head above the road from Balzers to St. Luzisteig. These 13th-century ruins, with a preserved 25-meter long wall, offer a glimpse into medieval fortifications and were secured and restored in 2005.
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