Schloss Tarasp

Schloss Tarasp Review

The village is dominated by the magnificently picturesque stronghold Schloss Tarasp, perched 500 feet above. Looking like illustrator Howard Pyle's model for the Castle Drachenhausen in his beloved children's classic Otto of the Silver Hand, Tarasp lords it over the valley with an impressive main tower, dating from the 11th century, when the castle was built by the leading family of Tarasp. Tarasp became part of Austria in 1464; the imperial eagle still can be seen on the castle walls. In the early 1800s Napoléon gave Tarasp to the canton Graubünden, newly part of the Swiss federation. The castle went through several owners and subsequent neglect before passing into private hands in the early 20th century. You must join a tour to see the interiors, which range from the Romanesque chapel to the opulent "baronial" 19th-century reception rooms; the schedule varies quite a bit, so call ahead for tour times. Special midnight tours are conducted during the full moon. The bus from Vulpera departs roughly every hour. It's a 1½ hour walk from Scuol, following a well-marked path that goes over the Punt'Ota (high bridge).