Landquart

Landquart is a place where history intertwines with modernity, and picturesque landscapes serve as a backdrop for one of Switzerland's major transport hubs. Although this municipality appeared on the map as a single administrative unit relatively recently, its roots reach deep into the region's past.

The history of the area is inextricably linked to the ancient settlements of Igis and Mastrils, which merged in 2012 to form modern-day Landquart. Igis is mentioned in chronicles as far back as the early Middle Ages, around the 9th century, testifying to the long-standing cultivation of this fertile Rhine valley. The town's name itself comes from the Landquart River, whose turbulent waters have shaped the unique landscape of this part of the canton of Graubünden for centuries.

A turning point in the region's development was the construction of the railway in the 19th century. The transformation of Landquart into a key station opened the gateway to Alpine valleys such as Prättigau and Davos. It was here that the history of the famous Rhaetian Railway began, which today stands as a symbol of engineering excellence and attracts travelers from all over the world.

Silent witnesses to bygone eras remain in the town's surroundings, most notably Marschlins Castle. This historic monument, often called a "moated castle" because of the ditches that once surrounded it, serves as a reminder of the region's feudal past and adds a romantic touch to the character of modern Landquart.

Key Dates in the History of Landquart

• Around 840 — First documented mention of the settlement of Igis (the historic center of the commune) under the name Ovinae or Aviuns in imperial chronicles.
• Mid-13th Century — Estimated time of construction of Marschlins Castle, which became an important defensive and administrative center for the region.
• 1318 — The village of Mastrils is first mentioned in historical documents under the name Ponstrils.
• 1324 — First written evidence of the existence of Marschlins Castle as a fortified site (castrum Marzhenins).
• 1460 — A major fire destroyed most of the castle buildings, after which their large-scale reconstruction began.
• 1635 — Marschlins Castle passes into the hands of the von Salis family, and Ulysses von Salis begins its reconstruction into a luxurious residence.
• 1717 — Potatoes and corn began to be grown in the gardens of Marschlins Castle for the first time in the canton of Graubünden.
• 1771 — A philanthropic boarding school (Philanthropinum) opened in the castle, lasting for six years.
• 1858 — Opening of the Landquart railway station on the Rorschach–Chur line, giving a boost to the development of the settlement at the river crossing.
• 1872 — Foundation of the paper mill (now Landqart AG), which became a core enterprise for the town and today produces banknote paper.
• 1889 — Launch of the first narrow-gauge line, Landquart–Klosters, marking the beginning of the history of the famous Rhaetian Railway.
• 1905 — Large-scale restoration of Marschlins Castle, giving it its current historical appearance.
• 1999 — Opening of the Vereina Tunnel, significantly strengthening Landquart's status as a key transport hub on the way to the Engadin.
• January 1, 2012 — Official merger of the municipalities of Igis and Mastrils into a single political commune named Landquart.

Development Milestones: From a Crossing to a Modern Center

The development of Landquart is a clear example of how transport accessibility and industrial initiative can transform a small settlement into a strategically important point on the country's map. Below are the main stages that defined the modern economic and cultural face of the town.

• Emergence of a Railway Hub (Mid-19th Century). The arrival of the federal railway became the catalyst for the birth of "new" Landquart. Around the station, built at a distance from the ancient village of Igis, a new urban district oriented toward trade and logistics began to form rapidly, forever changing the settlement structure in the valley.
• Becoming the "Heart" of the Rhaetian Railway. Choosing Landquart as the starting point and technical base for Graubünden's narrow-gauge network determined its fate as a town of railway workers. The construction of the depot and main workshops created hundreds of jobs and formed the region's technical potential, making the town a key "gateway" to the tourist Alps.
• Unique Industrialization. The opening of a paper mill using water power marked the transition from an agrarian to an industrial way of life. This enterprise not only provided economic stability but also brought the town a unique status: it is here that the high-tech substrate for Swiss francs is produced, making Landquart an important link in the country's financial system.
• Taming the River and Urbanization. Large-scale hydraulic engineering works to reinforce the banks of the Landquart River helped protect the valley from destructive floods. This made it possible to safely develop new lands, expand residential quarters, and create the extensive industrial zone necessary for economic growth.
• Integration into the Highway Network. Connecting to the A13 national motorway strengthened the town's status as a logistics hub for Eastern Switzerland. The convenient transport interchange made Landquart an attractive location for business, providing quick access to both the southern passes and the economic centers of the north.
• Transformation into a Shopping Destination (21st Century). The opening of a large outlet center (Landquart Fashion Outlet) radically changed the town's image. From a purely transit and industrial point, Landquart turned into a destination in its own right for thousands of tourists, giving a powerful boost to the service and hospitality sectors.
• Political Consolidation (2012). The official merger of the historic communes of Igis and Mastrils under the single "Landquart" brand was the final stage in forming the town's modern identity. This decision allowed for centralized management and the pooling of budgets to implement more ambitious urban development projects.

Architectural Character: From Medieval Towers to Modern Urbanism

Landquart's urban structure is unique in its duality, reflecting the complex history of merging settlements. The town is visually and functionally divided into the historic upland area (the former village of Igis) and the modern lowland zone that grew around transport arteries. Traveling through the streets, one can trace the evolution from feudal fortifications to the functionalism of railway hubs and modern commercial architecture.

Eras and Styles in the Town's Architecture

• The Middle Ages (Gothic and Romanesque Styles)

  The historic heart of the region is the Igis district. Here, the dense rural development characteristic of old Graubünden has been preserved. The main landmark is Marschlins Castle (Schloss Marschlins). Built in the 13th century, it is a rare Swiss example of a Savoy-style "moated castle": a regular quadrangle with massive corner towers. Also noteworthy is the Reformed Church of Saint Thomas in Igis, which preserves Gothic elements and unique 14th-century frescoes.

• Baroque (17th–18th Centuries)

  During this period, austere defensive architecture began to give way to comfort and aesthetics. Marschlins Castle underwent significant changes under the direction of the von Salis family: the interiors were decorated in a rich Baroque style, and gardens were laid out around the citadel, reflecting the era's ideas of order and harmony with nature.

• Industrial Architecture (19th – Early 20th Century)

  The development of Landquart itself (as a district by the river) was dictated by the needs of transport and industry. The station buildings, administrative blocks, and particularly the depot and workshop complex of the Rhaetian Railway are designed in the style of utilitarian functionalism. These are austere, reliable structures made of brick and stone, devoid of excessive decoration but possessing their own industrial aesthetic.

• Modernity and Neo-Traditionalism (21st Century)

  The latest chapter in the town's urban planning is linked to the creation of the Landquart Fashion Outlet. This open-air shopping village is an interesting example of stylization. The architects used elements of the traditional Alpine chalet (pitched roofs, wood, stone), adapting them for modern commercial needs. This creates a cozy "village within a village" atmosphere, contrasting with the industrial surroundings of the railway station.

Notable People of Landquart

The history of the municipality, particularly the ancient settlement of Igis and Marschlins Castle, is closely intertwined with the lives of representatives of the aristocratic von Salis family, who influenced the politics and culture of the region for centuries. The town's annals also include the names of visionaries who transformed it into an important transport hub.

• Ulysses von Salis-Marschlins (1728–1800)
  Politician, entrepreneur, and agrarian reformer
  Owner of Marschlins Castle, who turned his estate into a model farm. He played a key role in modernizing Graubünden's agriculture, becoming the first in the region to grow corn and potatoes on an industrial scale. His efforts contributed to the economic boom of the Rhine Valley in the 18th century.

• Meta von Salis (1855–1929)
  Historian, writer, and women's rights advocate
  Born and raised in the family's Marschlins Castle in Igis. Meta became the first woman in Switzerland to receive a doctorate in history (in 1887). Throughout her life, she actively campaigned for women's suffrage and social equality, often sparking controversy in the conservative society of her time.

• Willem Jan Holsboer (1834–1898)
  Entrepreneur, founder of the Rhaetian Railway
  Although Holsboer lived in Davos, his contribution to Landquart's development is invaluable. It was he who initiated the construction of the Landquart–Davos narrow-gauge line, which transformed a quiet village by the river into a strategic railway hub and the site of the RhB's main workshops.

• Carl Ulysses von Salis-Marschlins (1760–1818)
  Naturalist and traveler
  Son of the reformer Ulysses von Salis. Known for his scientific works on Alpine nature and his travels across the Mediterranean. His research contributed to the study of the region's botany and entomology, and the collections he gathered were kept in the family castle.

• Johann Ulrich von Salis-Marschlins (1741–1816)
  Military figure
  A representative of a military dynasty who served in foreign armies, which was typical for the Swiss nobility of that time. His career and connections contributed to strengthening the political weight of the Salis family not only in Graubünden but also on the European stage.