Cavardiras: Village Character and Hiking Trails

Cavardiras lies on a long, narrow cleared terrace high above the upper reaches of the Vorderrhein and is one of Switzerland’s settlements of national significance. Its defining features are the landscape, which is virtually untouched by development, its striking presence from afar, and the qualities of its built-up area. A close-knit group of densely arranged, well-preserved farmhouses and barns defines the village; their gables face the valley. If you are interested in traditional village structures, Cavardiras offers a tangible impression of how settlement, buildings, and landscape interact.

The Church of St. Anthony of Padua

The Church of St. Anthony of Padua stands prominently on a small rise at the edge of the terrace facing the valley and is visible from far away. Its history began with a small chapel built by Capuchins with just one altar. It was consecrated on December 6, 1662, and dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. The chapel was replaced by a Baroque church soon afterward.

The church is a slender Baroque hall with pilaster strips and an eastward orientation. Its floor plan consists of a rectangular nave and a narrower choir with a three-sided end. Pilaster strips are narrow vertical bands on a façade that describe one feature of the building’s exterior design.

Hiking Trails and Tour Destinations

The Lag-da-Laus Trail runs from Disentis toward Brulf and Cavardiras along a signposted hiking trail. It branches off toward the Maiensäss huts at Caischavedra and then continues to Lag da Laus. By contrast, the Val-Russein route reaches Cavardiras after a short descent to the Rhine and an initial gentle climb. The routes therefore differ: one branches off toward the Maiensäss huts and continues to the lake, while the other descends to the Rhine.

The “Disentis – Alp Soliva” hike starts in Cavardiras, which is inhabited year-round. From there, it climbs through shady forests, past Maiensäss huts and through stands of alpine roses to the rounded summit of Alp Soliva. In suitable weather, the route offers views of the glaciers of Oberalpstock and Tödi. The succession of forest, Maiensäss huts, and alpine roses shapes the trail before it reaches the summit.

The Camona da Cavardiras CAS can be reached from Disentis, Cumpadials, and the Maderanertal. The approach from the Caischavedra mountain railway station goes via Lag Serein, involves about 950 meters of elevation gain, and takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. This information can help you factor in the elevation gain and time required for this approach when planning your tour.

The “Disentis to Sumvitg with a stroller” route also passes through Cavardiras. It follows a lightly trafficked road, initially through forest and then uphill across open meadows. Road and trail conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

Getting There and Planning Your Tour

To reach Cavardiras, take the train from Chur or Andermatt to Disentis; from there, the village is about an hour’s walk. To reach the Lag-da-Laus Trail by train, travel from Chur via Ilanz or from Andermatt via Sedrun to Disentis.

Taking a taxi to Cavardiras shortens the “Disentis – Alp Soliva” hike by about an hour. Arrange the ride in advance.

Discover other destinations: Segnas.

Go to the main travel overview: Disentis/Mustér.