Bever: Local History and Trails along the Beverin

Bever combines historic buildings with river scenery and seasonal trails. When looking for a hotel in Bever, you can consider whether local history, nature or a particular activity should be the focus of your stay. The sights and routes offer a range of specific starting points.

Historic Bever: Chesa Salis, San Giachem and a village walk

The Chesa Salis was built in 1590 as a farmhouse with a residence and stable and has been a hotel since 1981. Today, it is a protected historic complex in Bever’s nationally significant village setting. Some houses in the historic village centre are at least partly up to 400 years old. As you explore the village, you will encounter various examples of its architectural history.

The church of San Giachem is another point of historic interest: it was first mentioned in a document in 1334. Its western exterior wall features frescoes dating from the 14th century. Concerts are regularly held in the church; dates may vary. If you are interested in the village’s houses and symbols, you can take the approximately 60-minute digital themed trail about sgraffito. It explains how sgraffito originated and what it means, as well as its different forms and symbols. The availability of the digital offering may change.

There is also a digital tour of the historic village centre, available in German, English and Italian. Check current availability in advance if needed. Cha Sur was once Bever’s poorer district—another distinct aspect of the village’s history. The digital tours and the sgraffito themed trail focus on different things: one takes you through the history of the village centre, while the other explains a distinctive form of façade decoration.

The Beverin and the Inn floodplains: riverside nature

The Beverin flows largely undisturbed and without artificial modifications through Val Bever; fens and floodplain landscapes shape its surroundings. It was the first river in Switzerland to receive the «Gewässerperle PLUS» label. In the upper Val Bever, the landscape, particularly along the Beverin, is wild and unspoilt. Landscape and nature conservation zones have been designated in the valley.

The Inn has also been restored to a more natural state near Bever. It now flows more naturally and is surrounded by a diverse range of plant and animal life. You can explore the restored Inn floodplains on a walk along the river, which is also suitable for families with children. The two river landscapes therefore have different characteristics: in Val Bever, the focus is on the largely undisturbed Beverin and its floodplains; near Bever, it is on the restored Inn floodplains and the walking trail along the Inn.

Seasonal trails, the Märliweg and cycling routes

In winter, the hiking trail from Bever to Spinas leads from the railway station through the forest along the Beverin to Spinas. Check snow conditions and trail preparation status before your trip. The Bever-Spinas cross-country ski trail ends at the Gasthaus Spinas by the south portal of the tunnel; check its current winter operating schedule before setting off. Both routes head towards Spinas, but differ in activity and described route.

The Crasta Mora sledging run is one kilometre long and follows the lower section of the Via Engiadina. You can reach the start with an approximately 20-minute walk from the municipal building through snow-covered larch forest in the direction of Bever. As access and sledging conditions depend on the weather, check the current trail status and snow conditions in advance.

The Märliweg between Bever and Spinas features six themed stations. Stories by Engadin authors are brought to life through sculptures by local artists, audio stories, an interactive quiz and the storytelling character Herr Biber. The trail passes through meadows and small forests and can be walked in either direction; it is suitable for all-terrain strollers. Trail conditions may change after snowfall or precipitation.

Another interactive family activity is the treasure hunt through Bever’s houses and hidden corners. Its route is about 2.9 kilometres long; digital route and app information may be updated, so check availability before your visit. For cycling, there are two different options: the Bever–Alp Suvretta mountain bike route is considered technically straightforward and is also suitable for less experienced mountain bikers, although weather and trail conditions can play a role. The Suvretta Loop is 34 kilometres long and involves 1,150 metres of ascent; in Val Bever, it follows a well-maintained gravel track. Check current trail warnings before setting off.

Stage 4 of the Via Engiadina also passes through Bever, by historic buildings and along the flank of Crasta Mora to the Albula Pass road. Seasonal trail conditions may affect access. A horse-drawn bus runs once a day in Val Bever. The Rhaetian Railway provides connections to and from Bever, Spinas and surrounding villages; check current timetables when planning your trip. Bever Tourist Information advises visitors by email, chat and phone. It is also a good idea to check current availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Soglio Gr, Bregaglia, Samaden, Madulain, Sils im Engadin, Silvaplana, Casaccia, Celerina/Schlarigna

For the main travel overview: Maloja.