Bärenburg

Bärenburg in Andeer is a medieval castle ruin and a small hamlet in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, in the Schams valley at roughly 1,000–1,100 m above sea level. Only fragments of the fortress survive, but the site sits on the path towards the Rofla gorge.

Where is Bärenburg?

The ruin and hamlet belong to the municipality of Andeer, south of the main village, beside the old valley road just before the Rofla gorge. The Romansh name of the place is Balanburtg. The castle should not be confused with the hamlet of the same name that grew up below it.

What is the history of the castle?

The earliest record dates from 1257, when sources mention both the castle, written "Bernburch", and the lords of Bärenburg. Nobody knows exactly when it was built. The stronghold served as the administrative centre of the County of Schams. In 1338 the bishop of Chur granted that county as a fief to the Counts of Werdenberg-Sargans.

The castle was razed in 1450 during the Schams feud, a struggle for power in the valley, and was never rebuilt. By 1808 the settlement beneath it had just seven farmhouses.

What can you see today?

Parts of the outer ring wall survive on the east side, along with a ditch cut into the rock on the south. The remains are modest, so treat the site as a stop along a walk rather than a full-day destination. The sources describe no visitor facilities at the castle itself, so bring water and a map.

How do you reach Bärenburg and the Rofla gorge?

The hamlet lies on the stretch of trail between Andeer and the Rofla gorge. The path from Bärenburg to the Rofflaschlucht inn crosses rock steps, slabs and roots, so sturdy footwear is needed. A tunnel leads into the gorge. A shell-stone exhibition, the Bärenburg Muschelstein display, is also listed along the route.

The longer hike from Andeer to Innerferrera covers 13.9 km and is rated difficult. Walking time is about 4 hours 50 minutes, and the highest point is 1,510 m. It runs through the Rofla gorge and the Ferrera valley.

When should you go?

Trails in this part of Graubünden are best walked in the snow-free season, generally late spring to autumn. The rocky path towards the gorge is slippery when wet, so pick a dry day.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bärenburg a castle or a village?

Both. The name covers a castle ruin and a small hamlet in the municipality of Andeer.

When was the castle destroyed?

In 1450, during the Schams feud. It has been a ruin ever since.

What remains of the structure?

Sections of the eastern outer wall and a rock-cut ditch on the south side.

Can you walk from here to the Rofla gorge?

Yes. The path from Bärenburg leads to the Rofflaschlucht inn and on to the gorge, but it has stone steps and roots and calls for good shoes.