Valzeina: Church, Scattered Settlement and Mountain Landscape

Valzeina is a scattered settlement in the valley of the Schranggabach, a southern side valley of the Vorderprättigau in Graubünden. The church, rectory, schoolhouse and several houses stand around five kilometres from the valley road. The village combines a varied mountain landscape with a protected church. This offers two distinct perspectives for planning your trip: Valzeina’s spatial layout and the history of its place of worship.

A Scattered Settlement Between the Stream and Mountain Slopes

Valzeina lies on both sides of the Schranggabach. Settled areas are found on the slopes of the Cyprianspitz, Schiterberg, Mittagplatte and Furner Berg. The scattered settlement includes the districts of Hintervalzeina and Vorder-Valzeina, the hamlet of Sigg and the surrounding farms. The names of the slopes place the settled areas within the landscape; the districts, hamlet and farms refer to different parts of the scattered settlement. The former municipal area ranges in elevation from 560 to 1,774 metres. This elevation range refers to the former municipal area as a whole, not to a single settlement.

A Church with Several Layers of History

Valzeina Church is protected as a historic monument. Its apse dates back to the year 900; the church was first mentioned in a document in 1512. The present building dates from the first half of the 19th century. The small organ with five stops is dated 1848. These dates relate to different things: an architectural feature, the first documentary mention, the present building and the instrument. They therefore refer to different aspects rather than a single year of construction.

Distinguishing the Mountain Hiking Route from the Ski Tour

Medli is a 1,496-metre-high rise just south of Valzeina, on the striking terrain ridge between the Landquarter Chlus and the Cyprianspitz. The “From Igis to Valzeina” route crosses Medli and is classified as a T4 mountain hiking route. Check the route information before setting out. This is distinct from the ski tour to the Cyprianspitz, which is also suitable for beginners; appropriate avalanche, weather and equipment checks are important when planning it. The route on the Cyprianspitz offers views of the Chur Rhine Valley and the Rätikon. Medli is associated with the hiking route from Igis to Valzeina, while the ski tour is to the Cyprianspitz.

Planning a Trip to Valzeina

If you are looking for a hotel in Valzeina, it helps to choose your travel plans based on your specific interests in the area. Church history is a highlight for visitors interested in cultural heritage; the location on both sides of the Schranggabach, the named slopes and the scattered settlement shape the landscape. If you are planning a tour, you can first choose between the T4 mountain hiking route from Igis to Valzeina and the ski tour to the Cyprianspitz. For the former, check the route information before setting out; for the latter, avalanche, weather and equipment checks are part of the planning.

Discover more destinations: Pragg-Jenaz, Davos Platz, Jenaz, Sankt Antönien, Conters Im Prättigau, Davos, Pany, Clavadel

Go to the main travel overview: Prättigau-Davos.