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About this place
Schwarzenstein Castle (Burgruine Schwarzenstein) is a medieval ruin standing at 1,173 m above sea level on a clifftop high above the Vorderrhein valley in the Surselva region of Graubünden. It belongs to the municipality of Obersaxen Mundaun, and the usual approach from Tavanasa runs through Breil/Brigels.
What is this castle?
Schwarzenstein dates to the mid-13th century and is the last and largest of the four castles ringing the Obersaxen plateau. Scholars credit the Freiherren von Rhäzüns, who were extending their power onto the plateau at the time. The first firm record is from 1289, when Hartwig von Löwenstein was ordered to hand the stronghold he had seized back to Heinrich Brun von Rhäzüns.
Its working life was short: regional tourism sources say it was abandoned roughly a century after construction. The name has no link to any noble family.
What will you see?
Long stretches of the ring wall still stand, and wall foundations can be traced across most of the hilltop. The layout consists of the remains of a west wing and an east wing with a wide courtyard in between. The rough masonry points to a fairly late build. The ruin sits above rock faces that drop to the valley floor, so the setting is as much of an attraction as the walls.
How do you get there?
From Tavanasa, the Postbus runs to Breil/Brigels, and the ruin is a short onward walk. It is easy to reach, though it cannot be seen from the Obersaxen terrace. The castle is also a stop on the bike route between Brigels and Obersaxen, which makes it easy to fold into a full day in the Surselva. Coordinates: 46.7504 N, 9.0728 E.
When should you visit?
At over 1,000 m, the snow-free months suit best: late spring, summer and early autumn. The ruin is an open historical site rather than a ticketed museum, so wear sturdy shoes.
FAQ
Where exactly is Schwarzenstein? In the municipality of Obersaxen Mundaun, Surselva, canton of Graubünden, above the Vorderrhein valley.
Who built it? It is attributed to the Freiherren von Rhäzüns, around the middle of the 13th century.
Is it a large ruin? It is the largest of the four castles around Obersaxen, with remains of two wings and a big courtyard.
Can I get there by public transport? Yes. A Postbus links Tavanasa with Breil/Brigels, from where the ruin is a short distance away.
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