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About this place
Heinzenberg Castle (German: Burg Heinzenberg) is a ruined hilltop fortress above the village of Präz in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It belongs to the municipality of Cazis in the Viamala region, a short drive into the Domleschg valley from Chur, and makes an easy, quiet outing with valley views.
What is this place and where does the name come from?
The castle stands on a rocky hill below Präz, on the western side of the Domleschg valley. The Freiherren von Vaz, a powerful Alpine noble family, built it around 1200 as a seat of their authority. It gave its name to the whole left side of the valley: Heinzenberg became the label for the surrounding district and its old court community.
Who owned it over the centuries?
After the Vaz line lost its grip in 1338, the counts of Werdenberg-Sargans took over. From 1383 the lords of Rhäzüns held the lordship, and in 1459 it returned to the Werdenbergs. In 1475 the lordship of Heinzenberg passed to the Bishop of Chur, while the castle itself stayed separate. After Count Georg von Werdenberg-Sargans died in 1504 it was abandoned and slowly decayed.
What can you see today?
Only parts of the once extensive complex survive. The clearest remains are a section of a pentagonal residential tower and the western ring wall. There are no reconstructions or exhibitions, so it suits visitors who like raw, unpolished ruins. A rest area next to the site has a fireplace, benches and a fountain, handy for a picnic or barbecue.
How do you get there and when should you go?
The ruin is freely accessible, with no tickets or opening hours. Start from the village of Präz, reached by car from Chur via Cazis or Thusis. Late spring, summer and early autumn are best, when paths are dry. In winter snow can lie on the slopes of the upper valley, so wear sturdy shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for Heinzenberg Castle? No. The ruin is open to the public free of charge.
Who built the castle? The Freiherren von Vaz, around 1200. It later passed to the Werdenbergs and the lords of Rhäzüns.
Is the castle intact? No, it is a ruin. A piece of the pentagonal residential tower and the western wall remain.
Can you have a picnic there? Yes. A rest area beside the ruin offers a fireplace, seating and a fountain.
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