Discover Lumbrein: Culture, trails and mountain history

Lumbrein is located in Val Lumnezia, in the municipality of Lumnezia in the canton of Graubünden. Ilanz is about 15 kilometres away. The village offers a range of things to consider when choosing a destination: culture and architectural history, archaeological sites, and trails for both short walks and longer hikes. An annual bike marathon also starts here.

Culture and history in Lumbrein

Since 2015, Casa d’Angel has been the cultural and exhibition centre of Lumnezia. Its programme includes talks, small concerts and guided tours; professional educational activities are aimed at children, young people, families and seniors. The exhibitions cover art and cultural history. Casa d’Angel is also home to one of the large crystal groups from Péz Regina. The centre thus brings together different ways of experiencing the region’s culture and nature in one place.

Notable historic buildings include the residential towers Chisti da Lumerins and Casaulta. Chisti da Lumerins dates from the Late Middle Ages, is made of tuff stone and has five full storeys. The tower was probably the seat of the Lords of Lumbrein, who are documented from 1231. The other residential tower, Casaulta, was likely built in the 14th or 15th century. A guided tour covers the medieval residential tower Chisti, the village chapels and the Bronze Age settlement of Crestaulta. Check current booking details in advance.

Crestaulta is a flattened Bronze Age hill, 300 metres west of the hamlet of Surin. The settlement was continuously inhabited between 2000 and 1200 BC and is considered one of the oldest in the inner Alpine region. Those interested in the connection between landscape and early settlement can explore this site alongside the historic buildings.

The churches and chapels also tell of different periods of construction and furnishings. The Baroque church of Sogn Martin was built in the mid-17th century on the site of two earlier buildings. It contains a Last Judgment painting dating from 1694 and signed by Nicolaus de Juliani of Roveredo, as well as a two-storey Baroque high altar by Antoni Sigrist of Brig. The chapel of Sogn Andriu was built in 1660 and consecrated in 1662. It is entirely decorated with paintings; parts of the altar and sculptures come from the former furnishings of Lumbrein’s parish church. Since access arrangements may change, check them before visiting the chapel.

Hiking trails and excursions

The “At the foot of Péz Regina” themed trail starts in Lumbrein and features twelve informative panels. It connects short walks and longer hikes around the village with the region’s nature, culture and history. Depending on how much time you have, you can plan the outing as a short walk or a longer hike. Another route description follows the Senda lumneziana through Val Miedra to the Maiensässe above Nussaus, then continues along a panoramic trail with views of Lumbrein.

On stage 8 of the Alpine Passes Trail, the path branches off at Alp Nova towards Lumbrein. The Val da Silgin suspension bridge provides access to the hiking trail between Pruastg and Silgin; it is 67 metres long and 45 metres high. The covered wooden Punt da Silgin bridge has a historical connection to the area: in the 19th century, it linked Lumbrein with Silgin. It is 21.75 metres long and 2.90 metres wide. The two structures thus differ in both their function and their period.

Bike marathon and practical information

The Bike Marathon Lumnezia-Obersaxen starts in Lumbrein every year in early August. The circuit runs via Obersaxen and back to the starting point, covering up to 40 kilometres and 1,680 metres of elevation gain. These figures describe the maximum route length and maximum elevation gain. Important for planning: some sections cross private land and cannot be cycled outside race day. Check the latest event information before setting off.

In connection with the Via Mundaun, a PostBus leaves Lumbrein for Vella every hour. Check the current timetable before planning your return journey. Those interested in cheesemaking can visit the Cascharia Käserei Lumbrein to learn about Swiss cheese-making traditions and craftsmanship. Visitor arrangements may change, so check the details before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Safien, Sevgein, Sagens, Rueun, Laax, Vignogn, Sumvitg, Castrisch.

Back to the regional travel overview: Surselva.