Clan Rising
Wildenberg Castle today

Switzerland · Restored

Wildenberg Castle

Planta‑Wildenberg (Wildenberg) Castle is a historic L-shaped castle in Zernez, Canton of Graubünden, and is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. Originating in the late 13th century, it was rebuilt and expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries by the Planta‑Wildenberg family and was restored in 1989–94; since 2007 it houses the Swiss National Park administration.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

Its prime

1760

Today

Restored

As it stood in 1760

What Wildenberg Castle looked like in its prime.

An L-shaped stone castle with a central medieval tower rising at the inner corner of the L; the tower was later finished with an 18th‑century spire. Thick stone curtain walls enclose small gardens within the north‑west angle of the L and along the south side, while an enclosed courtyard lies to the east and north‑east. A gate into the garden bears a combined 1650 coat of arms; an external stair (dated 1760) has heraldic panels above it. Two residential wings connect via a large interior staircase with a richly stuccoed and painted classical ceiling from the 17th century.

Its story

The story of Wildenberg Castle.

Wildenberg Castle in Zernez was first mentioned in 1280/90 as the home of the Wildenberg family, a cadet branch of the Greifenstein family of Filisur who, in addition to their Wildenberg castle at Falera, owned castles and estates throughout the valleys of Graubünden.

In 1296 the Bishop of Chur took the right to collect the Wildenberg tithes and pledged it to the Lords of Planta; by the 14th century the castle was owned by the bishop and held by the Planta family. In 1365 representatives from the communities around Chur met at the castle for the first time under Planta auspices, and by around 1400 the branch, now styling itself von Wildenberg or Planta-Wildenberg, held the castle as a permanent fief.

The Planta-Wildenbergs often lent money to the bishop, though relations were not always good, and late in the 15th century they supported him against the emperor; Balthasar von Planta-Wildenberg, married six times, had numerous children who helped increase the family's wealth and power. Rebuilt and expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries, the L-shaped castle was restored in 1989–94 and has housed the administration of the Swiss National Park since 2007.

Step inside

7 places to explore in 1760.

The record describes 7 distinct spots at Wildenberg Castle, including 1 interior: large interior staircase and stuccoed ceiling. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.

Exterior approach from Zernez villageCentral medieval tower (exterior)Enclosed courtyard (east / north‑east)Gate to the courtyard garden with 1650 coats of armsExternal stairs (1760) with coats of armsLarge interior staircase and stuccoed ceilingSouth-side enclosed garden

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Whose castle

Clans who held Wildenberg Castle.

The families that held Wildenberg Castle for a decade or more across its history, follow a name to its clan.

  • Wildenberg

    First mentioned in 1280/90 as the home of the Wildenberg family, a cadet branch of the Greifensteins of Filisur.

  • Planta

    Held by the Planta family from the 14th century, as a permanent fief from around 1400, when the branch took the name Planta-Wildenberg.

Questions about Wildenberg Castle

What is the history of Wildenberg Castle?

Wildenberg Castle’s documented history begins in the late 13th century, when it was the home of the Wildenberg family. By the 14th century it was owned by the Bishop of Chur and held by the Planta family, becoming a permanent Planta-Wildenberg fief around 1400. After being attacked and burned in 1618, it was rebuilt from 1622 and expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was restored in 1989–94 and has housed the Swiss National Park administration since 2007.

What is inside Wildenberg Castle?

Wildenberg Castle contains a large interior staircase connecting its two residential wings. The staircase has a richly stuccoed and painted classical ceiling from the 17th century. The castle’s interior construction and roof also date from the 17th century.

Where is Wildenberg Castle?

Wildenberg Castle is in Zernez, in the Canton of Graubünden. It stands at the eastern edge of the old village quarter of Runatsch, near the evangelical parish church and the Catholic Chapel of St Sebastian.

When was Wildenberg Castle built?

Wildenberg Castle originated in the 13th century, with its oldest part being a square tower that was probably built then. The castle was rebuilt in 1622, expanded in 1649–50 and altered again in the second half of the 18th century. The site record places its first mention in 1280/90 rather than giving a precise construction year.

Was Wildenberg Castle ever attacked or besieged?

Yes. Wildenberg Castle was attacked and besieged in 1618 after Rudolf von Planta received Archduke Leopold of Austria there. The attackers were local villagers and minor nobility; Rudolf and his family escaped, and the castle was taken and burned. Rudolf returned during an Austrian offensive four years later and began rebuilding it in 1622.

Which family or clan held Wildenberg Castle?

The Wildenberg family first held Wildenberg Castle, as a cadet branch of the Greifenstein family of Filisur. The Planta family held it from the 14th century, and the branch held it as a permanent fief from around 1400, when it took the name Planta-Wildenberg.

What did Wildenberg Castle look like in its prime?

Wildenberg Castle is an L-shaped stone castle with a central medieval tower at the inner corner, later finished with an 18th-century spire. Thick curtain walls enclose gardens to the north-west and south, while an enclosed courtyard lies to the east and north-east. An external stair dated 1760 has heraldic panels above it, and a garden gate bears a combined 1650 coat of arms.

Is Wildenberg Castle still standing or is it a ruin?

Wildenberg Castle is still standing and has been restored. It was rebuilt after being taken and burned in 1618, with reconstruction beginning in 1622, and was expanded in 1649–50 and during the 18th century. A later restoration took place in 1989–94.

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