Heinzenberg Castle was built on the western side of the Domleschg Valley in the 12th century by the Freiherr von Vaz.

In contrast to the small landholdings of other castles in the region, Heinzenberg was the political and judicial center over much of the valley.

[2] The castle was the center of the Vaz family's power in the region until the extinction of the line in 1337–38.

After the death of Count Georg von Werdenberg-Sargans in 1504, it was abandoned and fell into ruin.

[2] The castle was built on a narrow, rocky outcropping below the village of Präz, on the slopes above the valley.