Top 9 Castles around Schiers
Best castles around Schiers offers a diverse range of historical sites in the Prättigau/Davos Region of Switzerland. While the immediate vicinity of Schiers is not primarily known for prominent historical castles, the surrounding area features several notable architectural and historical landmarks. The region is characterized by its alpine valleys and natural landscapes, providing a scenic backdrop for exploration. Visitors can discover various historical structures, including castle ruins and preserved castles, within a reasonable distance.
Best castles around Schiers
- The most popular castles is Valcastiel Castle Ruins, a castle that is the ruin of a medieval castle on a hilltop near Vandans. It is reached via a marked hiking trail, with the final section involving steep wooden steps and steel cables.
- Another must-see spot is Neu-Aspermont Castle Ruins, a castle ruin that is currently undergoing restoration. The climb to the ruins features steep ramps.
- Visitors also love Lower Castle Zizers, a historical site that was formerly used as a nursing home. Zita, the last empress of Austria, spent her final years at this location.
- Schiers is known for castle ruins and historical castles. The area offers a variety of historical structures to explore, from exposed hilltop ruins to more preserved historical buildings.
- The castles around Schiers are appreciated by the komoot community, with 21 photos and 22 upvotes contributing to the guide.
Last updated: July 25, 2026
Valcastiel Castle Ruins
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Not much is known about the history of this extremely exposed ruin.
For a long time it was assumed that the Montafon castle, mentioned in 1391 and documented in the archives, was probably destroyed in 1405 in the Appenzeller War. According to other findings, the Montafon castle does not refer to a building, but should be considered a medieval rulership designation.
Above the village of Vandans is the Valcastieltobel with the Mustergielbach between the Geißberg and the Fahrengrat. The ruin stands near the western end of a sharp rock ridge that rises very ruggedly between the Mustergielbach in the south and a tributary of the Valkastieltobel in the north that rises to the Vandanser Steinwand. It can be reached from Vandans via a marked hiking trail, mostly along a forest road, which leads to the base of the ridge. The last part goes over steep wooden steps and a path secured with steel cables. Shortly before reaching the rock outcrop, as the bridge has broken down, the Mustergielbach must be crossed, which can be difficult if the water is strong.
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Ruins of Castels Castle (Putz, Prättigau)
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Lower Castle Zizers
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Neu-Aspermont Castle Ruins
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The climb to the ruins has some really steep ramps that will really burn you energy. In summer, it might be an advantage to go there early in the day.
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Solavers Castle Trail
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Tips from the Community
The castle of Castels or Putzerburg is the ruins of a hilltop castle near the village of Putz in Prättigau in the canton of Graubünden.
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A truly epic, large ruin with a heavy gate, which is open, however! Only the tower is inaccessible!
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The bottom section is pretty stubborn. 😜
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From the inside of the castle you have a beautiful view in every direction of the valley. Ideal for taking a break and enjoying the view.
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Don't expect too much from the ruins. It is more of a remaining tower or today a small viewing platform.
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We still like the upper part of the trail until it "touches" the road in a curve. The lower one no longer, as it is partially not mobile, i.e. sliding distance. Uphill this can be a torture. Who likes it ...
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The castle ruin Valcastiel (also called Valkastiel) is the ruin of a medieval castle on a hilltop near Vandans in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. Not much is known about the history of this extremely exposed ruin. For a long time it was assumed that the Montafon castle, mentioned in 1391 and documented in the archives, was probably destroyed in 1405 in the Appenzeller War. According to other findings, the Montafon castle does not refer to a building, but should be considered a medieval rulership designation. Above the village of Vandans is the Valcastieltobel with the Mustergielbach between the Geißberg and the Fahrengrat. The ruin stands near the western end of a sharp rock ridge that rises very ruggedly between the Mustergielbach in the south and a tributary of the Valkastieltobel in the north that rises to the Vandanser Steinwand. It can be reached from Vandans via a marked hiking trail, mostly along a forest road, which leads to the base of the ridge. The last part goes over steep wooden steps and a path secured with steel cables. Shortly before reaching the rock outcrop, as the bridge has broken down, the Mustergielbach must be crossed, which can be difficult if the water is strong.
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The potentially fatal dangers are pointed out at the gate: falling rocks and danger of falling. Unimpressed by this, a robot lawn mower is meticulously doing its job in the courtyard. And as it works, the restorers have done their job: stone chips and the risk of falling are eliminated. Only my search for the "Lustgarten" was strangely unsuccessful.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I expect to find around Schiers?
While Schiers itself doesn't feature prominent historical castles, the surrounding Prättigau/Davos Region offers a variety of historical structures. You'll find castle ruins, such as Valcastiel Castle Ruins and Neu-Aspermont Castle Ruins, as well as more preserved historical buildings like Lower Castle Zizers. The area is also home to the historically significant Salginatobel Bridge, an engineering marvel.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites to visit near Schiers?
Yes, Bothmar Castle is categorized as family-friendly. It features a well-preserved baroque garden, offering a pleasant experience for all ages. While some castle ruins might involve more challenging access, the historical context and scenic views can still be engaging for families.
What are some of the most notable castle ruins in the area?
Among the most notable are Valcastiel Castle Ruins, perched on a hilltop near Vandans and accessible via a marked hiking trail. Another significant ruin is Neu-Aspermont Castle Ruins, which is currently undergoing restoration. The Ruins of Castels Castle (Putz, Prättigau) also offer beautiful views of the valley.
What kind of views can I expect from the castle ruins?
Many of the castle ruins, such as Ruins of Castels Castle (Putz, Prättigau), offer extensive panoramic views of the surrounding alpine valleys. Valcastiel Castle Ruins, for instance, is situated on an exposed rock ridge, providing a unique vantage point, though the ruins themselves are more of a viewing platform.
Are there hiking trails to reach these historical sites?
Yes, several historical sites are accessible via hiking trails. For example, Valcastiel Castle Ruins can be reached by a marked hiking trail, with the final section involving steep wooden steps and steel cables. You can find more hiking options in the region by exploring the Hiking around Schiers guide.
What is the Salginatobel Bridge and why is it significant?
The Salginatobel Bridge is a remarkable reinforced concrete arch bridge designed by Swiss civil engineer Robert Maillart. Constructed between 1929 and 1930, it's recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a Swiss heritage site of national significance. Its innovative design and the challenges overcome during its construction make it a fascinating site for those interested in engineering and architectural history, set within a stunning natural alpine landscape.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the historical sites around Schiers?
Beyond visiting historical sites, the Schiers area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, enjoy running routes, or embark on road cycling adventures through the scenic alpine valleys.
What should I know about visiting <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/696302" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neu-Aspermont Castle Ruins</a>?
Neu-Aspermont Castle Ruins are currently undergoing restoration, so they might not be as photogenic as fully preserved sites. The climb to the ruins involves some steep ramps, which can be quite strenuous, especially in warmer weather. Consider visiting early in the day during summer.
Is there a castle with a unique historical story near Schiers?
Lower Castle Zizers has a unique history, having been used as a nursing home. Notably, Zita, the last empress of Austria, spent the final 27 years of her life at this location, adding a significant historical layer to the site.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles and historical sites in the Schiers region?
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of historical structures, from exposed hilltop ruins offering panoramic views to more preserved historical buildings with rich stories. The scenic alpine backdrop and the opportunity to combine historical exploration with outdoor activities like hiking are also highly valued.
Are there any preserved castles or historical buildings that are not ruins?
Yes, Bothmar Castle is a preserved historical building, known for its well-maintained baroque garden. Lower Castle Zizers is another example of a preserved historical site, though it has served different purposes throughout its history.
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