Hohen Rätien

About the museum

Hohen Rätien lies on a rock plateau at the entrance to the Viamala, on an ancient transit route across the Alpine passes. The site is regarded as the oldest complex of its kind in the canton of Graubünden; traces reach back into prehistory. In late antiquity a Christian cult site emerged here. Excavations between 1999 and 2005 revealed earlier buildings and a baptistery from around 500 with its baptismal font preserved. For centuries the church of St. Johann & Viktor served as the baptismal and valley church of a large parish that included the whole Heinzenberg and the Domleschg.

The massive Hoch Rialt tower dominates the inner complex. It was originally a simple stone house and was raised around 1230; today it is interpreted more as a lodging for packhorse drivers and traders than as a keep. After the earthquake of 1295, the relocation of the bishop's administration to Fürstenau, and the shift of traffic to the other side of the valley, the complex fell into ruin and for a long time served only as a seasonal farmstead (Maiensäss).

From 1973 a group of volunteers secured the buildings step by step and made them accessible. The church was restored in 1980/81, the Hoch Rialt from 1989 to 1991; a concealed glass pyramid protects its interior, and a roof terrace offers a view over the Domleschg and Heinzenberg. Since the end of 2025, the Stiftung Hohen Rätien – von Jecklin, which emerged from a family fideicommissum (entailed family trust) of the von Jecklin family, has cared for the site's preservation and operation together with a support association.

Highlights

• Early Christian baptistery with baptismal font from around 500
• Romanesque church of St. Johann & Viktor with older campanile
• Hoch Rialt tower with roof terrace and view over the Domleschg
• Audiovisual smartphone guide to the history of the site
• Location on the Viamala and the viaSpluga long-distance trail

Operated by

Stiftung Hohen Rätien – von Jecklin

Admission & discounts

Admission (also in euros: €5, or €3 for children) is paid at the cash desk at the entrance to the site; payment by TWINT is also possible.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site can be reached only on foot and is partly surrounded by sheer rock walls.

Kids & families

Families are welcome without registration. Because of the steep rock walls and remnants of walls, children must be supervised; climbing on the walls is prohibited.

Getting there & parking

Driving by car up to the site is not possible. Hohen Rätien lies on the Burgenweg Domleschg (about 35 minutes) and on the viaSpluga long-distance trail.

Amenities & dining

Seating with a fountain and public fire pits on the grounds.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

Available to rent are the church of St. Johann & Viktor (services, baptisms, weddings, smaller concerts and celebrations), the Hoch Rialt with room for up to 100 people across three floors (approved for civil weddings), and the castle courtyard and meadows. Generator power and lighting can be rented.

Plan your visit