Lantsch/Lenz: Village History, Nature and Winter Sports

Lantsch/Lenz combines historic churches and village culture with nature trails and seasonal sports. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the time of year: winter sports depend on weather and snow conditions, and private cultural tours can be booked on request. This allows you to coordinate the experiences that interest you with your travel dates.

Churches and Village History

The Church of St. Mary was first mentioned in a document in 831. Its distinctive features include a Gothic altar and well-preserved 14th-century wall paintings. The cemetery belonging to the church is known for its wrought-iron grave crosses and is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. You can obtain the church key from the sacristan, Hilaria Simeon, by calling 081 681 21 56; calling ahead is recommended.

The Chapel of St. Cassian dates back to the 14th century. According to tradition, it was built by miners from Plurs who worked at the Parpaner Rothorn; it served as a replacement for the abandoned Church of St. Stephen. The parish church of St. Anthony of Padua was built in the mid-17th century, enlarged around 200 years later and renovated in 1985. Its organ dates from 1863; the case and nine stops from that period have been preserved.

In the old village centre, you can discover the historic Amilcar House along the main road, as well as frescoes by Hans Ardüser on the houses at Voia Principala 20 and 16. The «La Tor» house is a medieval customs station and a reminder of Lantsch/Lenz as a porten station on the Septimer route. The last two Pastroins, historic washhouses and bakehouses, also offer a glimpse into the village’s past. They can be visited through the Pro Pastroins association.

Private cultural tours for groups can be booked on request. Topics range from the washhouses and bakehouses, St. Cassian and Tschividains to village walks, wayside shrines, and the Church of St. Mary and its cemetery. Dates and booking options may vary.

Nature and Trails

The Don Bosco insect garden is open daily. Native plants, deadwood, gravel, sand and piles of stones provide habitats and nesting opportunities for insects. In the Bual–Rofna area, a nature trail takes you on a varied hike with information about local flora and fauna.

The circular hike to the Crap La Tretscha viewpoint follows part of a nature trail through a forest; there is a barbecue area at the viewpoint. A hike to the Val Meltger suspension bridge offers panoramic views of Lantsch/Lenz and the surrounding mountains. The municipality also maintains numerous hiking trails with various barbecue areas. If you are looking for a longer route, there is a 12.38-kilometre ViaSett hiking stage from Lenzerheide to Tiefencastel that passes through Lantsch/Lenz. Another stage crosses Lantsch/Lenz, passes the Maiensäss huts of Tschividains and continues to the Chapel of Son Cassian.

Winter Sports and Activities

The cross-country ski trail starts in Lantsch/Lenz; the network covers a total of 56 kilometres of freshly groomed trails for classic cross-country skiing and skating at various levels of difficulty. Availability is seasonal. Opening hours at the natural ice rink also depend on the weather and ice conditions. Ice skating and ice hockey are available there, and admission is free; a changing shelter and toilets are located beside the rink. The small, easy-to-navigate ski area is considered ideal for children and beginners, and its operation depends on snow conditions.

The Roland Arena offers biathlon activities such as an introductory course, a family challenge and a group package. The “Behind the Scenes at the Roland Arena” tour is scheduled to run from 1 June to 25 October 2026. It explains the development of the biathlon facility and Nordic House, as well as the first competitions leading up to the 2025 Biathlon World Championships. Check the dates before your visit.

More Activities and Trip Planning

The Feast of St. Anthony, held around 13 June, is also the church’s consecration festival and is celebrated on a grand scale in Lantsch. Savurando Parc Ela combines a puzzle hike with culinary rewards made from locally produced products. The hike starts at the St. Cassian restaurant in Lantsch/Lenz; the rewards are part of the experience after each stage. As this is a seasonal offering, dates and availability may vary, so check in advance.

If you are looking for a hotel in Lantsch/Lenz, choose travel dates that fit your planned activities. This will help you take seasonal offerings, tours bookable on request and scheduled visiting dates into account when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Cunter, Marmorera, Mutten, Bivio, Alvaneu Bad, Vaz/Obervaz, Stierva, Alvaschein.

View the main travel overview: Albula.