Discover Wergenstein

If you are looking for hotels for a trip to Wergenstein, you can plan around the activities that matter to you: mountain hiking, nature watching, biking or culture. Wergenstein lies at 1,485 m above sea level on the upper Schamserberg. The routes and sights offer different perspectives on the village and its surroundings.

Hiking and nature on the Schamserberg

The first stage of the Via Capricorn starts at the Center da Capricorns in Wergenstein. It leads through the Wergenstein pastures to the Maiensäss of Dumagns. There, small wooden huts and the larger barns that go with them shape the landscape. The Val da Larisch, considered a habitat of the black grouse, also lies along the stage. Ibex, chamois, ptarmigan and mountain hares may be spotted around the Carnusa Pass. Such wildlife sightings are possible experiences along the way, not fixed programme items.

Another hiking option is the summer route suggestion “Panoramic Schamserberg in Beverin Nature Park”, which starts in Wergenstein. It follows narrow paths and alpine roads high above the Val Schons. The mountain hike “To Piz Beverin” is described with the sections from Wergenstein to Tguma and from Dumagns to Wergenstein. The two routes offer different points of reference: the first focuses on paths and alpine roads above the valley, while the second features the named starting and ending points Tguma and Dumagns.

The Senda da Panorama Val Schons also passes through the cultural landscape of the Schamserberg. Species-rich meadows and pastures are part of its landscape; constructed boardwalks cross sensitive moorland areas, allowing visitors to access them with minimal impact. At the level of the municipality of Muntogna da Schons, pastures, forests and mountain streams shape the landscape. The municipality is described as having cold winters and mild summers; the alpine climate is considered favourable for hiking, biking and winter sports.

By bike or searching for crystals

The Alp-Anarosa bike tour can start in Wergenstein. It climbs on well-maintained roads into the Alp Anarosa/Curtginatsch area. The surface and seasonal accessibility may vary. This tour therefore differs from the hiking routes described above mainly in its mode of transport and its ascent on roads.

The guided excursion “Searching for Crystals on Piz Beverin” is also offered seasonally in Wergenstein. It begins with an introduction at the Capricorn restaurant. In the field, participants search for rock crystals and associated minerals such as calcite and pyrite under expert guidance, using a hammer and chisel on the rock or digging in the ground. The excursion is followed by a visit to a mineral exhibition in the workshop. As the offer is seasonal, check the dates in advance.

Church, exhibition and history

The Reformed church of Wergenstein stands out for its tower, which faces down the valley and has a tent roof and a single-storey belfry. Inside the choir are a ribbed vault, a raised pulpit, an organ and a central baptismal font. The church is open during the day and free to enter; check locally whether it is accessible before your visit.

The Capricorn exhibition also offers an insight into the themes of the nature park and the ibex: an interactive relief presents them in 3D and through multimedia. It also covers the ibex’s extinction, reintroduction and current distribution. Historical records go back further: Wergenstein was first mentioned as “Vergasteno” in 1219. A necropolis dating from the 6th and 7th centuries was excavated in the area around the village. The village adopted the Reformation before 1538; St. Calixtus Chapel is mentioned in 1538.

Winter route and getting there

In winter, the 3.5 km Wergenstein–Casti–Donat toboggan run goes from Wergenstein via Casti to Donat, descending 450 metres. PostBus or a private car can be used for transport up the mountain. Transport arrangements and road conditions may change; winter conditions also vary.

Wergenstein, Dorf, can be reached by bus from Chur railway station or from Thusis. From Thusis, a change in Zillis is required. Whether your trip is centred on a hike, a winter route or a visit to the cultural attractions can therefore be planned around specific activities.

Discover more destinations: Zillis, Trans, Pignia, Andeer, Almens, Portein, Fürstenau, Splügen.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Hinterrhein.