Burg Valendas

Burg Valendas is a ruined medieval castle on the edge of the village of Valendas, in the municipality of Safiental in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. A stretch of its ring wall still stands, and the site makes a quiet stop in the Vorderrhein valley, close to the Ruinaulta gorge.

What is left of the castle?

The ruin sits west of the village, just below the cantonal road. Part of the ring wall is still visible and traces the outline of the former stronghold. There are no restored rooms or a tower to climb, so a visit is about a short walk, photos and a glimpse of regional history. No opening hours are listed; the ruin is simply part of the landscape beside the village.

What is its history?

The castle is thought to date from the late 12th century. It was the seat of the lords of Valendas, a family first recorded in 1258. Their lordship, originally a fief from the bishop, covered land that until 1383 included Tenna and with it the old link to the Safien valley. After the Vaz family died out, overlordship passed to the Werdenbergs and then to the lords of Rhäzüns, and by the mid-14th century the castle belonged to Rhäzüns holdings in the Vorderrhein region. In the 16th century it was owned by the de Mont family. After 1550 nobody lived in it any more.

What else is there to see in Valendas?

The village is a sight in itself. It was first documented in 765, and its church of St. Blasius is mentioned from 1384. Valendas is known for its tightly packed historic houses and was recently named a Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism. Since 2013 it has formed the municipality of Safiental together with Versam, Safien and Tenna.

How do you get there?

Valendas station is a request stop for trains toward Chur and toward Disentis/Mustér. By car, follow the street called Gassa in the village. The ruin is named as a worthwhile goal on the faszinaturWeg Rheinschlucht theme trail, a loop of about 5 km, roughly 1.5 hours and 159 m of ascent. It starts and ends in the village, running to the station, along the Rhine and the Carrerabach stream, and back to Valendas.

When should you visit?

Late spring to autumn is best, when the paths along the Rhine are dry. Check event notices before you go: on 24 October 2026 the Transruinaulta Trailmarathon takes place and the trail between Ilanz and Versam-Safien is closed until about 1 p.m.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No fees or opening hours are published; the ruin stands in the open beside the village.

How old is the castle? Probably late 12th century; it has been uninhabited since 1550.

Can I reach it by train? Yes, trains stop at Valendas on request, and the village is a short walk from the station.

Is this the same as Schloss Valendas? The sources describe only the ruin known as Burgruine Valendas, the former seat of the lords of Valendas.