Discover Obersaxen

Obersaxen is a scattered settlement in the municipality of Obersaxen Mundaun in the canton of Graubünden. It lies on the right-hand side of the young Rhine, on the northern slopes of Piz Mundaun and in the central Surselva. The landscape, Walser culture, historic chapels and seasonal activities shape the destination’s many different facets.

Alpine Scenery and Walser Culture

The inhabited terrace stretches for approximately 14 km and lies at an elevation of about 1,000 to 1,430 m. At 2,890 m, Schwarzhorn is the highest mountain in Obersaxen. The buildings are scattered; this settlement pattern is considered typical of a Walser settlement. Obersaxen also has a special place linguistically: it is a Walser German-speaking enclave in an otherwise Romansh-speaking area.

Historic chapels and a lively village culture are among the defining features of the Obersaxen Mundaun visitor area. Those interested in local architectural and art history will find tangible points of interest in the chapels: the Chapel of the Three Kings in Platenga was built in 1593 and moved to its present location in 1695.

Chapels and Historic Traces

The murals in the Chapel of the Three Kings were created by Johann Jakob Rieg in 1704. Alois Carigiet restored them in 1942/43. This makes it easy to distinguish the dates of creation and restoration of the building.

The Chapel of St. George in Meierhof can be visited independently; you can get the key from the Meierhof information office. It was probably built at the beginning of the 17th century and was certainly standing before 1643. Its altarpiece originally stood in the parish church of Obersaxen in Meierhof. The two chapels therefore offer different historical points of reference: the dated murals in Platenga, and the early building history and altarpiece in Meierhof.

The ruins of Moregg, Schwarzenstein, Saxenstein and Heidenberg castles are also located in Obersaxen. These sites add another dimension to the local history alongside the chapels.

Winter Trails and Winter Sports

The Obersaxen Mundaun Lumnezia ski area has around 120 km of pistes and is connected by a ski circuit between Obersaxen Mundaun and Lumnezia. As infrastructure and the extent of the pistes may change, check the latest information before your trip.

In addition, an extensive network of groomed, pink-marked winter hiking trails runs through Obersaxen Mundaun and Val Lumnezia. Grooming is weather-dependent. One specific cross-country skiing option is the moderately difficult Plaun Sura trail in Flond, Obersaxen Mundaun: it is 3.24 km long; snow and grooming conditions vary by season.

The Via Mundaun follows well-signposted, groomed trails from Obersaxen Mundaun via Bündner Rigi to Lumbrein in Lumnezia. Trail conditions and grooming vary by season. The Obersaxen Mundaun visitor area also has numerous hiking trails for leisurely walks and more challenging hikes with far-reaching views. The distinctive little red benches provide places to rest and scenic photo spots along the way.

Nature and Seasonal Excursions

A protected raised bog is located at Valdunga near Affeier. It offers a different landscape accent from the mountain terrace and trails in the visitor area. During the summer, Surselva Tourism arranges guided tours of the Erzbergwerk Platenga show mine. Check before arrival whether a tour is available during your chosen dates.

Rufalipark in the Obersaxen Mundaun visitor area has more than 700 m² of indoor space and more than 30,000 m² of outdoor space for play, sports and leisure. The outdoor area includes a bathing lake, a children’s playground and a beach volleyball court; these facilities are particularly seasonal. In winter, there is an artificial ice rink for skating, playing ice hockey and curling. Operating conditions may vary, so check the latest information for your trip.

The hiking bus is also seasonal: it takes you free of charge directly to the Wali, Cuolm Sura and Triel valley stations. Check the latest operating details before travelling. If you are looking for a hotel in Obersaxen, your travel dates will help you decide: pistes, winter trails and the ice rink are among the seasonal experiences that differ from summer activities such as guided tours of the mine.

Discover More Destinations

Giraniga, Platta, Affeier, Friggahüs, Versam, Laax, Cumbels, Schluein

For the overview of the wider region: Surselva.