Discover Fideris: Heuberge, hiking trails and village history

Fideris is a village in the central Prättigau and belongs to the Prättigau/Davos region in the canton of Graubünden. The main settlement is a cross-shaped street village on a terrace above the confluence of the Arieschbach and the Landquart. The municipal area stretches from the Landquart in the north to the watershed towards the Schanfigg.

Landscape and village character

The expansive alpine pastures of the Fideriser Heuberge shape the landscape at the semicircular head of the valley. Beyond them are the Mattjisch Horn, at 2,461 metres, and the Chistenstein, at 2,473 metres; the latter is the municipality’s highest point. The village and municipal area offer different perspectives on Fideris: the main settlement lies on its terrace, while the municipality extends to the alpine pastures and peaks at the head of the valley.

Hiking between the village centre and the mountains

The Bluamäwäg in the Fideriser Heuberge is described as an easy, 4.6-kilometre walking trail with 221 metres of ascent and descent each. More than 80 plant information boards are located near seven wooden figures and show plants in their natural habitat. The trail is signposted throughout and can be walked in either direction. For your planning, it is worth checking the latest route information.

The Fideris Dorf winter hiking trail offers a different focus: it passes through the historic village centre, with its patrician houses. This means you can choose between a trail with information about plants and a walk through the village’s architecture. The Arflinafurgga connects the Prättigau and Schanfigg valleys.

One winter hike leads from the Berghaus Arflina at 2,000 metres across several high plateaus to the Arflinafurgga at 2,246 metres, then continues to the Faninpass after a short descent. Access to this winter route depends on the weather and snow conditions. Getting to the Heuberge is also subject to special arrangements in winter: the mountain road is closed to other traffic, and access is then possible only on buses operated by Heuberge AG. Check the seasonal operating arrangements before travelling.

Winter activities and attractions in the Heuberge

The toboggan run starts at the Berghäuser Arflina and Heuberge and winds its way 1,100 metres downhill into the valley. The Heuberge also has a 12-kilometre descent for bikeboards. Availability of these seasonal activities may vary depending on the time of year.

If you are planning a quieter break, you will find the Solarsauna in the Heuberge at an altitude of 2,000 metres. It runs entirely on direct solar energy; its seasonal availability may also vary. Red deer can be spotted near the Glattwang in the early morning. With a little luck and a favourable wind, you may see chamois and their young up close on its rocky slopes. These wildlife sightings are seasonal or depend on conditions and are not guaranteed.

Village history and culture

The Reformed Church of Fideris was rebuilt in 1461 as a Late Gothic building on the foundations of an earlier Gallus chapel. A mural dating from 1461 has been preserved in the choir; it was uncovered in 1938. The former Valär House also preserves historic features: it contains a wood-panelled parlour dating from 1644, with inlay work and an elaborately furnished buffet from 1696.

The more than 700-year-old Strahlegg Castle is open to visitors by appointment. Its tower serves as an exhibition space for the owner’s carved artworks. The castle offers castle and studio tours for interested visitors and groups; prior arrangements may be required. Please arrange your visit in advance.

Fideris also has the Walser German and Romansh name Fadrein. The coat of arms is based on a municipal seal from the 18th century and uses the colours of the League of the Ten Jurisdictions. These details add another perspective on local history to a walk through the village centre.

Outdoor swimming pool and regional cuisine

The Fideris outdoor swimming pool has two paddling pools with water mushrooms for young children and a 17-metre water slide. It also has a garden restaurant with a pergola and a kiosk. As facilities may change, check the latest information before planning a visit specifically to the pool.

In the village centre, the Ritterhof serves regional delicacies in a knightly setting. Fideriser Torte is one of the specialities of the Gujan bakery and is listed in the “Culinary Heritage of Switzerland”. If you would like to try the cake, check its current availability.

Discover more destinations: Grüsch, Arosa, Valzeina, Davos, Klosters Serneus, Jenaz, Conters Im Prättigau, Pragg-Jenaz.

See the overarching travel overview: Prättigau-Davos.