Rothenbrunnen is the northernmost municipality in Domleschg and lies at an altitude of 625 metres above sea level. Known as the “Gateway to Domleschg”, the village is the first settlement between the castles of Ober- and Niederjuvalta. Castle ruins, historic paths and a spa garden created over many years give the place several distinct focal points. For your planning, you will find both specific route information and details of a garden tour with a set duration here.
Castles and building history
A three-storey tower stands at the highest point of the Oberjuvalta rock. The castle complex has been renovated in stages since 1979 to restore it as far as possible to its original state. Following extensive renovation work, it is once again open to visitors.
A remnant of the tower of Niederjuvalt still stands high above the Rhine. Remains of a former barrier are located at the foot of the rock. Rothenbrunnen’s sights also include the castle ruins of Ober- and Niederjuvalta, as well as the Late Gothic Tscharner House, dating from 1546, with façade paintings by Hans Ardüser. The village church was built in 1741 and provides space for both denominations.
Hochjuvalt is another place with its own building history: the castle was probably built in the 12th century as the seat of the Lords of Juvalt. It is located on a narrow rocky outcrop about 200 metres above the Rhine. Only a remnant of the once five-storey keep remains today. The ruin is open to the public, but the rocky summit is not. From Rothenbrunnen station, you can reach the ruin on foot in 20 minutes. As trail conditions may change, check them locally before your visit.
Hiking trails with different focal points
The Domleschg Castle Trail is a hiking route through Domleschg between the railway stations of Thusis and Rothenbrunnen. You can explore it in stages and combine it with the PostBus. This gives you the option of dividing the tour into sections rather than planning the entire route as one hike.
The Polenweg between Rothenbrunnen and Domat/Ems has a different historical focus. It was built by Poles who came to Switzerland in 1940 and were interned under the Hague Convention. During their internment, they lived in barrack camps until December 1945. The two trails therefore focus on different subjects: the Castle Trail is about stages and combining the route with the PostBus, while the Polenweg focuses on the history of the internees and the trail’s origins.
Spa garden and spa history
The Rothenbrunnen spa garden was created over more than 20 years on several levels of a rock face. Guided tours are held regularly, presenting the garden built into the rock face. A tour lasts about two hours and provides information about the botanical diversity. Tours take place in all weather and end with a platter of meat and cheese; a glass of regional wine is available on request. As dates may change, check the current schedule before setting aside time for a tour.
The warm, iodine- and iron-rich healing mineral spring, with its reddish water, gave Rothenbrunnen its German name. The spring was used for spa treatments from 1888 until the 1920s. Today, flowers rather than spa treatments take centre stage in the old spa house. Bödeli is the plateau above the bath and bears the Romansh name “Plaun digl Bogn”. The bath at the Sinnesoase Bödeli is fed by the Aua Alva and Fontana rossa springs.
Discover more destinations: Urmein, Splügen, Fardün, Hinterrhein, Sarn, Innerferrera, Rodels, Wergenstein.
Go to the main travel overview: Hinterrhein.
