Müstair between monastic history and the Rom River

If you are looking for a hotel in Müstair, you can plan your stay around the things that interest you locally. The Benedictine Monastery of St. John offers a glimpse into monastic history; trails along the Rom River, guided experiences and Cascada da Pisch add to the picture of the place. The following differences can help you organise visits and activities according to your interests.

Monastic history and historic houses

The Benedictine Monastery of St. John was founded around 775, probably on the orders of Charlemagne. The abbey church contains the most important surviving cycle of Carolingian frescoes in situ, meaning in their original location. Religious activities have continued uninterrupted at the monastery to this day. The history of the complex thus links early architectural history with a religious life that continues into the present.

The monastery complex brings together structures from the 8th, 10th and 11th centuries: the church and Chapel of the Holy Cross date from the 8th century, the Plantaturm from the 10th, and the Bishop’s Residence from the 11th century. The monastery has never been completely destroyed during its long history and has been only partially altered. The monastery museum is housed in the more than 1,000-year-old Plantaturm; its exhibits document twelve centuries of monastic life.

A guided tour of the museum takes you through the cloister, the cellar of the Plantaturm and its three upper floors. A guided tour of the church and museum also explores the former daily lives of the monks and nuns, as well as the present-day life of the Benedictine nuns. The Plantaturm is described as the oldest residential and defensive tower in the Alpine region. A guided village tour focuses on the history of Müstair.

Chasa Chalavaina also offers a historical connection to your stay: it was first mentioned as an inn in 1254 and is one of the oldest hotels in Switzerland. A guided tour of the historic house covers its origins and development, its significance and architecture, influential people, and the region’s cultural features.

Hiking trails, river landscapes and seasons

The Val Müstair route runs from Tschierv along the unmodified, natural Rom River through the old villages of Fuldera, Valchava and Sta. Maria to Müstair. The “A la riva dal Rom” hiking trail also starts at the source of the Rom River in Süsom-Tschierv and leads to Müstair. Along the way, it passes fens and steep sections of the stream; near the lower reaches of the river, it runs through mysterious floodplain forests said to be inhabited by elves.

There are several options for a shorter walk: the Müstair–Cascada da Pisch–Guad–Müstair circular route is 4.8 kilometres long. The Kloster–Pradalai–Kloster circular route is 2.5 kilometres long and rated easy. The section of the “A la riva dal Rom” trail between the shooting range and the school in Müstair is suitable for pushchairs. Route details may be updated, so check the information before planning your trip.

Cascada da Pisch changes with the seasons: in summer, the waterfall offers a welcome chance to cool off; in winter, it becomes a natural ice sculpture. For mountain biking, the “Val Müstair Bike” route runs from Lü to Müstair. It follows singletrack through moorland and past Swiss stone pines and larch trees. Route conditions and recommendations may change; check them before setting out.

Guided experiences and practical information

At the Puntetta organic farm in Müstair, guests are accompanied on llama treks by Isidor Sepp and his llamas. The introductory tour lasts about two hours and is suitable for families and animal lovers. Another way to explore the area independently is the “CHATSCHA JAURA” treasure hunt: it starts at Plaz Grond near the Clostra Son Jon postbus stop and ends in Sta. Maria. The treasure hunt is free and can be enjoyed independently without registration.

The village is also a practical starting point for pilgrims: the first stage of the Graubünden Way of St. James begins at the Monastery of St. John. Postbuses run hourly from Zernez or Tschierv and serve Müstair, Clostra Son Jon or Grenze/Cunfin. Check the current timetable before travelling. This lets you plan your journey and choose between a monastery visit, a hike and a guided experience using the relevant route and timetable information.

Discover more destinations: Susch, Sent, Fuldera, Samnaun, Sta. Maria Val Müstair, Zernez, Schleins, Ftan.

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