Neu-Aspermont Castle

Neu-Aspermont Castle is a ruined fortress above the village of Jenins in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. For visitors it is one of the more approachable places to see medieval defensive architecture in the region, and you can climb inside its tower.

Where is Neu-Aspermont?

The ruins stand above Jenins, a small village in Graubünden's part of the Rhine Valley. The coordinates are roughly 47.003 N, 9.565 E. Regional tourism materials present the site as "Ruin Heidiland", reflecting the area's link to the Heidiland brand.

Who built the castle, and when?

The Lords of Aspermont built it. A knight of that name appears in records as early as 1120, and the family held the castle for generations. Construction dates vary by source. The Graubünden archaeological service dates the core tower to 1232-1238, Wikipedia gives around 1235, and the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland places the complex in the first half of the 13th century. One tourism page goes back as far as the 11th century.

A turbulent history

In 1284 the castle passed to the Barons of Vaz and later to several families from the Vinschgau valley. In 1499 troops from Graubünden captured it and partly destroyed it. Dietpold von Schlandersberg then rebuilt the castle and tower, and the upper floors of the tower date from the early 16th century. The Rhaetian Leagues bought the lordship in 1536. The castle was abandoned in the late 17th century and fell into ruin during the 18th.

From ruin to visitor attraction

Captain Ernst Rhomberg bought the castle in 1863, and his family owned it for decades. It later passed to an association and then to a foundation, which carried out conservation work through 2025. Today the site is open to the public. A spiral staircase inside the tower lets you climb up and see the masonry at close range.

Good to know before you go

• The castle is a ruin with national heritage status, so preservation rules apply.
• It combines well with a walk through Jenins and the surrounding Graubünden vineyards.
• Check opening hours and access conditions on the Graubünden tourism website before your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is Neu-Aspermont fully preserved? No. It is a ruin, but the tower survives well enough to hold a staircase for visitors.

When was the castle built? Most sources point to the 13th century, with the core tower dated to 1232-1238.

Who looks after it today? A foundation, following earlier ownership by the Rhomberg family and an association, has carried out the conservation work.

Is it significant in Switzerland? Yes, it is listed as a heritage site of national significance.