Schloss Planta von Wildenberg

The castle stands majestically in the plain below the church hill and marks the transition to the old part of the village runatsch. Only the square tower still reminds of bygone times. This medieval residential tower was probably built around 1280 and was the property of the Lords Planta-Wildenberg. The unpopular lord of the castle, Rudolf von Planta, had executions carried out as a statute judge, which the population resented him. He was suspected of sympathy with the Catholics, ostracized by the court in 1618 and sentenced to death in absentia. Under the leadership of his opponent Baptista von Salis, the Engadine devastated his castle, but he fled. In 1627 he became an Austrian captain and ruled Zernez again, to the chagrin of the inhabitants who had to rebuild it. Over the centuries there have been many changes of ownership: from the Bishop of Chur, Conrad Planta from Zuoz, Knight Rudolf von Planta, families Bezzola and Hemmi to the municipality of Zernez.

The castle received its present appearance through the conversion and extension of the two additional wings in the 18th century. Miraculously, it was spared from the great village fire. In 1985 it was acquired by the municipality of Zernez for use as a municipal building. Since 2007 it has been home to the National Park Administration.

During the National Park Cinema Openair, the castle courtyard is transformed into a fairytale film set. The dramas now only take place on the screen and no longer behind the castle walls.