Innerferrera: Hiking and Mining History

Innerferrera is a clustered village at the confluence of the Ferrera Rhine and the Niemetbach, on the only valley floor in the upper part of the Ferrera Valley. You can focus your stay on a range of activities: a short forest trail, longer stages, insights into mining history and a visit to the Valle di Lei dam. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Innerferrera, the different time requirements and booking conditions can shape your day’s plans.

Hiking with different time requirements

The Innerferrera Forest Trail is an easy 2 km route that takes 45 minutes. It leads through meadows and a mysterious forest. On the return, the route follows the Alte Averserstrasse, or Walserweg, back to the starting point in Innerferrera.

The Säumerweg Avers stage from Innerferrera to Juppa is 15.3 km long and takes 5 hours and 10 minutes. It begins in the village of Innerferrera, at 1,481 m, at the post bus stop opposite the Alpenrose; along the way, it passes sinter formations at a warm spring near Starlera. For your day’s plans, the 45-minute forest trail is therefore an alternative to a stage lasting 5 hours and 10 minutes. The viaMala Alta stage from Montespluga to Innerferrera passes through Val Niemet and ends in the village.

Getting there

Innerferrera can be reached by PostBus. Check the timetable for your travel date before setting off.

Dam tours and the KHR Inforama

A staff member of Kraftwerke Hinterrhein leads the tour of the Valle di Lei dam; allow about 1.5 to 2 hours. You must register by 4 p.m. on the evening before the tour. People who have not registered cannot be accommodated.

The KHR Inforama is located right by the dam. Its exhibition presents highlights from KHR’s 50-year history through exhibits, information panels, short films and interactive features. It is free of charge and can be visited independently, without a guide; all features are self-explanatory.

Mining history in the museum and landscape

The Innerferrera Mining Museum offers guided tours and themed activities; registration is required for tours. Redesigned in 2026, the exhibition invites visitors to discover the history of mining in Ferrera and Schams on a historical tour. The Erzminen Hinterrhein association works to preserve, research and share the region’s mining heritage at the museum.

Until the 20th century, ores were mined and smelted in Innerferrera alongside livestock farming; Austrian miners also settled there. The Nurseras circular trail follows an old ore track and passes a former tunnel, excavation sites and a small iron storage area called “Gruoba”. Innerferrera is known by its Romansh name Calantgil and, in the neighbouring Walser dialect, as Ggänaggüül.

Discover more destinations: Fürstenau, Ausserferrera, Thusis, Almens, Hinterrhein, Präz, Cazis, Pignia

Back to the main travel overview: Hinterrhein.