Switzerland’s Best-Kept Secret? The Towering Beauty of Tarasp Castle and Its Surprising Hidden Treasures
Rising above 1,400 meters above sea level, Tarasp Castle (Schloss Tarasp) dominates the Engadine valley and provides one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Switzerland from its magnificent rocky hill. Rising magnificently over the gorgeous Tarasp Lake, this fortification is among the most vivid attractions in the area. Originally from the Middle Ages, today it embodies the ideal fusion of modern art with ancient architecture.
History
Built around 1040, the castle started as a defensive stronghold under Counts of Tarasp family control. The Habsburgs took over the fortification in the next centuries and turned it into a strategic base right in the middle of the Alps. The castle lost its defensive function in 1803 when the Canton of Grisons joined the Swiss Confederation; it was abandoned until it was bought in 1900 by manufacturer Karl August Lingner, creator of the Odol mouthwash.
Lingner rebuilt the castle to its former glory and enhanced it with exquisite furniture, so turning it into a noble house with a beautiful organ in the great hall and an art collection. Now owned by artist Not Vital, who has made the castle open to the public, it combines modern art installations with the austere medieval grandeur.
Top Attractions and Hidden Gems at Tarasp Castle
With its elaborately decorated halls, stone walls and amazing panoramic view of the valley, the castle presents an interesting trip through ages and styles.
- The monumental entrance and the courtyard
Rising steeply, the main gate of the castle is reached by strong defensive walls. The internal courtyard presents a whole medieval environment with amazing views of the surroundings. - Hall of the Knights
With vaulted ceilings, vintage furniture, and historical artwork, this one of the most vivid spaces You may here appreciate original armor and honorable coats of arms. - The San Tarasio Chapel
Nestled inside the castle walls, the chapel maintains Gothic-style altar and ancient frescoes together with elegant embellishments attesting to the religious influence of the castle. - The Original Organ
Commissioned by Karl August Lingner, the big organ from 1914 is among the most unexpected features of the castle. It is used for musical demonstrations and concerts using more than 2,500 pipes. - The Tower in Panorama
Ascending the topmost tower will provide you an amazing perspective of the Engadine with horizon-spanning snow-capped mountains.
Tours and Planned Visits
One can only visit the castle on guided excursions accessible in several languages. With tales of the manor’s changes and peculiarities regarding its owners, the tours provide an immersion in its past.
Opening hours: from May to October, with visits set many times daily. The castle opens just on reservation in winter.
Ticket
Children: CHF 8 Adults: CHF 15
Discounts for families and groups
Reservations: advised via the official website or the Scuol tourist office, particularly during peak travel.
How to reach Tarasp Castle?
The castle is situated in the Upper Engadine in the town of Tarasp close to Scuol. One can get at it from many angles:
From St. Moritz (approximately fifty minutes) or from Zernez (25 minutes), by automobile; parking is close by the slope.
By train: from the Scuol-Tarasp station, from whence buses head for the castle.
For those who enjoy trekking, there are expansive routes leading to the castle that would be perfect for a trip surrounded in nature.
Where to eat near the castle
Following a visit to the castle, you can sample Engadine dishes in the local restaurants:
- Local specialties with mountain views at Hotel Restaurant Astras (Scuol).
- Schlosshotel Restaurant (Vulpera) offers excellent refined cuisine.
- Zero-mile Swiss cuisine with Ustaria Crusch Alba (Tarasp)
- Renowned for its game dishes and cheese fondue, La Chadafö (Ftan)
Where to sleep Near the Castle
- Near the castle, Schlosshotel Chastè is a tasteful, lovely hotel.
- Perfect for a leisureful vacation, Hotel Belvédère Scuol is a spa resort.
- Hotel Villa Post is a small but comfortable resort with expansive valley views.
Interesting nuggets about Tarasp Castle
- Karl August Lingner painstakingly rebuilt the castle, paying close attention to minute details including odd elements like the massive organ.
- Modern creative elements brought by the present owner Not Vital have produced an interesting juxtaposition between old and new.
- The spectral castle? Some local stories claim that on stormy evenings you may hear the murmurs of medieval warriors guarding the castle’s walls.
