Vaz/Obervaz Between Cultural Trails and Lake Heidsee

Vaz/Obervaz is a political municipality in the Canton of Graubünden and belongs to the Albula Region. Its landscape ranges from the heights around Parpaner Rothorn to alpine pastures and Lake Heidsee. Villages, cultural trails and historic buildings offer different starting points for planning a trip.

Understanding the Landscape and Settlements

The municipality stretches from Valbella in the north to Solis in the south. From east to west, it extends from the mountain range of Parpaner Rothorn to the extensive alpine pastures of Piz Scalottas, Danis and Stätzerhorn. The lowest point is in the Schiens Gorge, at around 700 metres above sea level; the highest is on Parpaner Rothorn, at around 2,865 metres. The main villages are at an average altitude of about 1,200 metres; Lenzerheide and Lake Heidsee are at around 1,500 metres.

The municipality includes the villages of Lain, Muldain, Zorten, Lenzerheide and Valbella, as well as the hamlets of Nivagl, Fuso, Trantermoira, Sporz, Tgantieni, Sartons and Creusen. These names help you make sense of place references within the municipality. The difference in altitude also shows how varied the landscape is across Vaz/Obervaz.

Activities at Lake Heidsee and the Sports Centre

At Lake Heidsee, at 1,500 metres above sea level, the Lenzerheide Watersports Centre offers windsurfing, sailing, wingfoiling and stand-up paddleboarding. Courses cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced participants. Visitors can also take pedal boats, rowboats and kayaks out on the lake. Watersports and boat rentals are seasonal; check current opening times, course options and boat availability before your trip.

The watersports centre also has a beach volleyball court, which is free to use when it is not reserved. At the Lenzerheide Sports Centre, the H2Lai wellness pool features a heated outdoor whirlpool, a 25-metre pool and a large waterslide. The spa area includes saunas and steam baths. There is also an 18-hole mini-golf course. If you plan to visit, it is advisable to check the Sports Centre’s opening conditions in advance.

Cultural Trails and Winter Walking

Senda Cultura comprises 21 information panels in Lenzerheide and Valbella. They tell the story of the area’s development from alpine summer farms to a holiday region, and explain the stories behind its buildings and places. Additional historical information is available via QR codes. The cultural trail thus connects local history with specific stops in the region. The present-day Römerweg near the Sports Centre is also a reminder of an old trade route.

Winter walking options include the route Lenzerheide–Lain–Muldain–Zorten–Lenzerheide. Seasonal conditions may affect availability. For a different starting point in the municipality, a signposted mountain path leads south from the Vaz/Obervaz, Zorten, terminus to Nivagl in about 20 minutes. As trail conditions can vary seasonally, check the latest information before your visit.

Museum and Historic Churches

The Vaz/Obervaz Museum is housed in the former rectory in Zorten. Capuchin friars served there from 1600 to 1933. The museum explores life and work in bygone times, the emergence of tourism in the extensive municipality, the development of sport, and regional customs and traditions. An old village mill from Zorten has also been rebuilt and made operational in the stable.

The Baroque Church of St. Luzi in Lain was built around 1678–1680. Its late Renaissance high altar is flanked by two other altars. The branch church of St. John the Baptist in Muldain was built around 1673–1677 and is one of the striking examples of Graubünden Baroque architecture. Both places offer a glimpse of different examples of church architecture in the municipality.

Nivagl is also connected with local history: the castle site lies on the edge of the Haidbach Gorge, also known as Rain digl Lai. No traces of walls remain there, but an impressive system of ramparts and ditches survives. The site is right beside the road from Alvaschein to Zorten. Together with the museum, churches and Senda Cultura, it offers a distinct focus for travellers who want to include history in their plans alongside scenery and activities.

Discover more destinations: Valbella, Brienz/Brinzauls, Stierva, Riom-Parsonz, Mutten, Bivio, Alvaschein, Cunter.

See the broader travel overview: Albula.