Surselva: Mountain Landscapes, Trails and Cultural Heritage

The hiking area of Surselva stretches from the source of the Rhine in the west to the Rhine Gorge in the east. More than 1,200 kilometres of marked hiking trails offer plenty of ways to explore the region on foot. Its landscape includes wild gorges, scenic high-altitude trails, quiet high valleys and mountain lakes. If you are planning a specific hike, check the latest route conditions before setting out.

Mountain Landscapes and Panoramic Views

The protected Greina plateau is listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance. It lies at 2,200 metres above sea level and is around six kilometres long and one kilometre wide. Above Brigels lies Val Frisal: a three-kilometre-long high valley at an altitude of 1,900 metres, which is also of national importance. It is also home to Europe’s highest-altitude primeval spruce forest.

Piz Mundaun is 2,064 metres high. From its summit, the view extends from the Finsteraarhorn in the Bernese Oberland via Chur to Prättigau. The area around the Rhine Gorge, meanwhile, features lakes, small islands and floodplain forests, as well as diverse flora and fauna. The gorge was formed around 10,000 years ago by the Flims rockslide. If you are interested in how this landscape came to be, consider hiking from Ilanz to Reichenau: the historic rockslide is especially visible along this route.

Hiking and Getting Around

The hike between Ilanz and Reichenau can be shortened by taking the Rhaetian Railway. There is also a train connection for travelling through the Rhine Gorge: from the capital of the canton of Graubünden, you can reach Ilanz or Tavanasa on the Rhaetian Railway in 36 minutes. As journey times may vary with the timetable and operations, check the latest connection for your travel date.

In Pigniu, a hiking route leads to the postbus stop after passing through the village. The Rhine Gorge/Ruinaulta Bus serves the Rhine Gorge and trailheads for hikes in and around the gorge. The bus runs seasonally and requires a reservation; check the latest timetable and reservation requirements before travelling.

Themed trails also offer a distinctive way to experience the landscape, combining nature, culture and knowledge in an entertaining way. The “Minas da Gulatsch” discovery trail leads to traces of ore mining, protected bats, the Romansh language, and local flora and fauna. For cycling trips, there are roads and gravel paths for road and gravel bike tours, as well as easy, intermediate and difficult trails, including options for families. Check which routes are available for the season and the conditions on each trail.

Villages, Art and Regional Culture

In Pigniu, narrow lanes, houses and a small village church shape the village’s character. A wall fresco by Martin Valär depicts Russian Marshal Suvorov crossing the Panixer Pass in 1799. In Waltensburg, the Casti Munt Sogn Gieri castle complex stands on Jörgenberg. It is considered the most impressive and oldest castle complex between the Rhine Gorge and the source of the Rhine. The Protestant parish church in Waltensburg features particularly valuable art-historical wall paintings by an unknown master, dating from around 1330.

In Vrin, the church of Nossadunna e Sogn Gion Battesta was built at the end of the 17th century by Antonio Broggio from Roveredo in Misox. The Romansh language is also useful for finding your way around: Romansh Sursilvan is the official language in most Surselva municipalities, although local language use varies from one municipality to another.

Those who would like to learn more about the history of the mountain villages, their development and influential figures can join cultural tours in Surselva with mira!cultura. Check the specific tours and dates. Every summer, the Tibas sound in a different place in Surselva; check the location and seasonal programme for details.

At Kropfenstein/Casti Grotta, the access route has been widened and secured with railings. As temporary restrictions may apply, check access conditions before your visit.

Local Experiences and Seasons

Fresh bread is baked using old recipes in the traditional bakehouses, keeping the baking tradition alive. This cultural experience can be booked; check the dates for your visit. Farm shops showcase local products such as fresh bread, Alpine cheese, cured meats and handmade specialities. Product availability may vary from one farm shop to another. The Graubünden Beer Trail is associated with the villages of Obersaxen Valata and Surcuolm.

The season also shapes the activities on offer. Winter activities include ice-skating and sledging runs, a programme for children and families, and numerous ski slopes and children’s ski runs. During the summer season, overnight guests with the Surselva guest card can enjoy many free offers and discounts. When planning your trip, check whether you can use the Surselva guest card and which offers and discounts apply to you.

Discover more destinations: Obersaxen, Valendas, Schluein, Ruschein, Lumbrein, Laax, Waltensburg, Flond, Cumbels, Morissen, Igels, Versam, Sagens, Castrisch, Ilanz, Vals, Vella Gr, Surcuolm, Medels Im Oberland, Sankt Martin, Tenna, Trun, Tujetsch, Ladir, Sevgein, Falera, Andiast, Suraua, Siat, Rueun, Vignogn, Vrin, Sumvitg, Safien, Luven, Disentis/Mustér, Sumvitg, Schnaus, Laax, Schluein, Breil-Brigels.

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