Fürstenau – Townscape and Architectural History

Fürstenau combines a well-preserved historic center with evidence of architectural history and mural painting. Routes lead through the town and explore the region’s history. When planning your stay, you can therefore decide whether to focus on the historic center, a visit to the Stoffel House or a stage of the Domleschg Castle Trail.

Townscape and Town History

The historic center is laid out in a ring as a compact, enclosed complex. It developed from a hilltop castle with an upper and lower ward into a town. The townscape has remained virtually unchanged since the end of the 19th century and is listed in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. This enclosed layout can be viewed alongside the various architectural features, rather than reducing the town’s history to a single building.

Fürstenau received town rights in 1354 and was an important place on the Septimer route. It was also the administrative center of the episcopal domain in Domleschg and Heinzenberg. The Reformed church was first mentioned in 1354 as well. Its nave was extended in 1715 and covered with groin vaults. Thus, the town’s history brings together its development into a town and the later architectural changes to the church.

The Stoffel House and Its Murals

A section of Fürstenau’s town wall has been exposed at the Stoffel House. The masonry features a herringbone pattern, also known as opus spicatum. Gothic murals dating from the last quarter of the 14th century have been preserved inside the house. The fragments include scenes from an Old Testament story depicting Samson’s fight with the lion; other fragments show farmers, cows and a flock of sheep. The different motifs invite visitors to pay attention both to the murals and to the visible masonry technique.

The Stoffel House can be visited by appointment by phone. You can combine a visit to the exhibition with a guided tour of Fürstenau. If you would like to include a tour in your plans, check its availability before you travel.

Castles and Routes

The Bishop’s Castle is located directly on the Domleschg Castle Trail. It is privately owned and not open to the public. The trail itself passes through Fürstenau, runs between the railway stations in Thusis and Rothenbrunnen, and can be explored in stages or in combination with the PostBus. This lets you plan a route without needing to visit the inside of the castle.

Another option is the Domleschg Loop: this 24.2-kilometer circular route starts and ends at Thusis railway station and passes through Fürstenaubrück and Fürstenau. The circular route from Thusis to the Rhine Gorge also passes through Fürstenau and Fürstenaubrück; the return route follows the right bank of the Hinterrhein through Domleschg to Thusis. The routes have different itineraries. Check trail conditions in advance, especially if you are planning one of the circular routes.

The Domleschg Landscape

Fürstenau’s historic surroundings include traditional gardens and orchards typical of the region. Hedges, dry-stone walls and rows of trees shape the landscape. Further afield in Domleschg, cycling routes wind through sunny agricultural countryside with orchards, historic villages and numerous castles. Quiet side roads and cycle paths offer opportunities for leisurely and more challenging rides toward Viamala. These regional impressions complement a look at Fürstenau’s town history without being the same as the sights in the historic center.

A Hotel for Your Stay

Schloss Schauenstein was built between 1667 and 1676, incorporating a former medieval fortified tower, and now operates as a restaurant and hotel in Fürstenau. The Fürstenau, Schloss PostBus stop is 65 meters from Schloss Schauenstein. If you are considering this hotel for your stay, check availability for your dates. Other factors to consider when choosing where to stay include the historic center, the Stoffel House and the routes that pass through Fürstenau.

Discover more destinations: Hinterrhein, Scharans, Tschappina, Thusis, Präz, Masein, Cazis, Avers.

Go to the main travel overview: Hinterrhein.