Riom-Parsonz: Winter Trails and Village History

Riom-Parsonz lies along the old road to the Julier Pass in the Oberhalbstein mountains. Parsonz itself is situated on a western terrace in the Oberhalbstein. From there, views stretch across the Surses Valley in both directions. This gives you several starting points for planning your trip: you can focus on the view over the valley, the surrounding landscape and the village’s architectural history.

Landscape and Views Around Parsonz

In summer, the meadows and raised bogs of Radons shape the landscape around Parsonz; the area is noted for its great diversity of species. The Salaschigns Chapel also combines a distinctive setting with a viewpoint: it is located on the left slope of the Val da Morts on the eastern slope of Piz Toissa and offers sweeping views across the Sotgôt. The chapel can be reached by car from Parsonz or Salouf.

If you would like to include nature and culture in your plans, the chapel’s location offers a specific point of reference. You can combine the view across the Sotgôt with exploring the chapel’s surroundings, without needing to plan a hiking route. When choosing between a summer visit and one at another time of year, it is also worth noting that the meadows and raised bogs of Radons are specifically described as a summer landscape.

Walking Routes and the Winter Trail

The Ziteil Bike Route follows forest roads around Parsonz to just before the village, then continues towards Salouf along a gentle path. Route conditions may vary by season. Another connection is the Parsonz–Salouf–Pulens route: it crosses the so-called Kisten Pass to Salouf, then continues above the village to the hamlet of Pulens. You can reach Parsonz by PostBus; Salouf or Pulens are listed as starting points for the return journey. Check the current service before travelling.

Roggi’s Trail starts at the Bellavista restaurant in Parsonz. The path runs through snow-covered forests and past snow-covered Maiensässe (seasonal alpine homesteads) to Plaz da Piertg; it is marked with SwitzerlandMobility route sign 574. Winter conditions may affect access, so it is advisable to check the current situation before setting out. The Tigignas–Parsonz–Riom winter trail is also used by skiers and sledders travelling from Tigignas to Parsonz or Riom. Take this shared use into account when planning your trip.

Radons has another access route: the area can be reached from Savognin on foot or by e-bike. Alternatively, take the mountain railway to Tigignas or Somtgant and continue on foot or by e-bike. As the availability of seasonal transport should be checked before travelling, be sure to take this connection into account when planning your trip.

Church of St. Nicholas and Village History

The Church of St. Nicholas and the adjoining rectory form a significant ensemble that defines the village of Parsonz. The Baroque church, built by Capuchins, was consecrated in 1663 and restored in 1969. Its furnishings include remarkable choir stalls and paintings. The architecture also features details to look out for when visiting the village: the church has two naves, side choir spaces resembling chapels and a deep polygonal apse.

The slender campanile, topped by an octagonal section, stands on the north side of the church. Together with the rectory and church, it forms part of the architectural ensemble that helps shape the character of the village. These details give the village setting a tangible historical and architectural dimension, alongside the views and routes in the surrounding area.

Getting to Parsonz

Parsonz can be reached by train and PostBus via Tiefencastel and Cunter. From Zurich, the journey starts with an SBB train to Chur. Check current train and PostBus connections before your trip. By car, the route from Basel or Zurich goes via Chur, Thusis and Tiefencastel towards Savognin, then continues via Cunter. It is also worth checking local road conditions when travelling by car.

Discover more destinations: Salouf, Lantsch/Lenz, Savognin, Cunter, Mutten, Schmitten, Stierva, Sur.

Back to the main travel overview: Albula.