Zignau: Churches, Castle Ruins and Cycling Routes

Zignau is a village in the political municipality of Trun in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The village’s cultural points of interest are shaped by the history of its churches and castles: alongside the rebuilt Church of S. Giachen are archaeological remains at Grep Ault and the ruins of Ringgenberg Castle. Two cycling routes also pass through Zignau. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you choose where to stay: are you most interested in religious buildings and historic traces, a cycling tour, or a longer walk to the Alp Chapel of St. Brida?

Churches and archaeological traces

The Church of S. Giachen was rebuilt between 1929 and 1931 outside the danger zone. Its predecessor was destroyed in 1927 by a mudflow from Val Zavragi. Three altars from the original building survived and were incorporated into the rebuilt church. A wayside shrine commemorates the site of the destroyed church. Together, these details tell a historical sequence: destruction, rebuilding with the preserved altars, and a memorial at the former site.

At Grep Ault, on a prominent rocky hill on the right bank of the Rhine between Trun and Zignau, sections of the surrounding wall and the foundations of a church remain visible. The early medieval church at Grep Ault probably dates from the 6th or 7th century. Here, preserved wall and foundation remains are presented alongside a cautious estimate of their date. Grep Ault therefore offers a different historical perspective from S. Giachen, where the rebuilding and preserved altars take centre stage.

The ruins of Ringgenberg Castle

The ruins of Ringgenberg Castle stand on a spur-shaped moraine hill above the village of Ringgenberg, known in Romansh as Zignau. The complex consists of a tower with a curtain wall and outbuildings. Architectural features date the tower to the mid- or late 13th century. Historically, the former Ringgenberg Castle was connected to Zignau; together with Friberg Castle, it formed the eastern border fortification of the domain of the Abbot of Disentis. The ruins therefore allow you to distinguish the castle’s architectural form from its former historical function. Part of the access route from the southwest is still identifiable. Check the current access conditions before visiting.

Cycling routes and winter tour

The “From the Romansh to the Walser” cycling route runs from Brigels via Danis and Zignau to Hanschahüs. From the main road, the route continues to Zignau and then follows a steadily climbing gravel road via “Alpine Bike No. 1” to Boden. Stage 11 of Graubünden Bike runs from St. Martin via Zignau to Trun. These routes offer different points of reference for comparison: the first includes the gravel climb towards Boden, while the second follows the sequence of St. Martin, Zignau and Trun.

The Cuvers ski route starts just beyond Zignau and initially follows an alpine road. The route offers views of the Tödi group and numerous other mountain peaks; visibility depends on the weather. Check winter conditions and avalanche risk separately if you are considering this route.

Chapel and parking

The Alp Chapel of St. Brida is located near Zignau. It was built in 1734 and dedicated to Saint Brigid, the patron saint of livestock. It can be reached on foot from Zignau on a four- to five-hour hike. The actual duration may vary depending on conditions and route choice; the time estimate gives an indication of how long this walk may take.

Parking in Zignau is limited, and capacity may change. Park considerately and check the situation before setting out.

For the broader travel overview: Trun.