Discover Sevgein: Churches, Chapels and Hiking Trails

Sevgein offers two concrete starting points for planning a trip: the religious buildings of St. Thomas and Sontga Fossa, and trails that pass through the village to named destinations. The parish church and pilgrimage chapel provide a historical focus; Via Glion and the hike “Into the Mountain World of Ilanz” offer different ways to explore the landscape.

Churches and Chapels

The Catholic parish church of St. Thomas is considered a cultural landmark worth seeing in Sevgein. It is first mentioned in a document from 1340. The present-day church was built between 1687 and 1691 as a complete new structure; it is in the Baroque style and retains the older choir. Visitors interested in religious architecture can view the Baroque structure and the preserved choir as distinct architectural features. The early documentary mention adds a historical point of reference to this architectural perspective.

Another historical landmark is Sontga Fossa, the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre. It is located on a prominent hill in Sevgein. The pilgrimage chapel was built in 1679 and consecrated on July 7, 1683. For St. Thomas, the first documentary reference, the new building from 1687 to 1691, and the preserved choir provide historical points of reference; for Sontga Fossa, the construction year and consecration date can be compared. Each of the two religious buildings therefore offers its own historical details to discover in Sevgein.

Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

Via Glion is a hiking trail around 75 km long, with seven stages passing through all 13 districts of the municipality of Ilanz/Glion. The seventh stage leads from Riein via Sevgein to Castrisch and Ilanz. This places Sevgein on a hiking route that connects several places. Along this section, 13 information panels share stories about people, events and buildings along the trail; they use audio and, in some cases, video. Individual media elements may change. The stage thus combines its route through several places with cultural topics along the way.

The hike “Into the Mountain World of Ilanz” crosses the Glenner and passes through Sevgein to Crap da Sevgein. The ascent is rewarded with sweeping views across the Surselva. While the seventh stage of Via Glion connects several places and information panels, this hike focuses on Crap da Sevgein and its panorama. The two route descriptions therefore differ both in their course and in their named highlights.

The Dutjer Alp–Crap da Sevgein route is 34.3 km long and rated difficult. It passes through Sevgein and Riein to Crap da Sevgein; the return route again goes via Sevgein, Castrisch and Ilanz. Its length, difficulty rating and sequence of places provide practical guidance for planning this route. Check the current conditions for your chosen route before setting out.

The Chischlatsch barbecue area is in the forest above Sevgein, beside the hiking trail at Crap da Sevgein. It offers views of Ilanz and the surrounding mountains and is easiest to reach from Riein. Forestry work or fire restrictions may affect access and use, so check local notices before visiting.

Discover more travel destinations: Suraua, Schnaus, Vignogn, Castrisch, Sumvitg, Medels Im Oberland, Vella Gr, Igels.

For the overview of the wider region: Surselva.