Glenner: River, Mountains and Culture

The Glenner, called Glogn in Romansh, is a river in the canton of Graubünden, around 29 kilometres long, and a major tributary of the Vorderrhein. In its lower course, it flows through or past several settlements in Val Lumnezia before eventually reaching Ilanz. The Surselva is also useful for getting your bearings in the region: alpine landscapes, hiking trails and places of cultural and historical interest come together here.

Mountain Landscapes of the Surselva

The Surselva stretches from the source of the Rhine in the west to the Rhine Gorge in the east. To the south, it encompasses the Greina plateau and Beverin Nature Park; to the north, the high valley of Val Frisal. Greina is protected and is included in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance. At 2,200 metres above sea level, it is around six kilometres long and one kilometre wide.

There are five different access routes to Greina; the Alpine Bus can shorten some hikes. Its seasonal service is important when planning. The Greina Alpine Bus connects Vrin with Puzzatsch or Parvalsauns in Lumnezia, as well as Rabius with Runcahez in Val Sumvitg. It takes hikers directly to starting points for tours to the plateau; reservations are required for the service. Check operating days before your trip and reserve accordingly.

Above Brigels, at an altitude of 1,900 metres, lies the three-kilometre-long high valley of Val Frisal. It is included in the Inventory of Fens and Glacier Forefields of Switzerland; it is also home to Europe's highest-altitude spruce primeval forest. Ognas da Pardiala is a different kind of natural area: this nature reserve, covering around 100 hectares, is a floodplain of national importance. Rare songbirds such as the hoopoe, whinchat and red-backed shrike have been sighted there.

Hiking, from Day Trips to Multi-Day Treks

The Surselva has more than 1,200 kilometres of marked hiking trails, including themed trails as well as longer treks and long-distance hikes. One shorter, clearly described route is the Casti Grotta–Ognas da Pardiala circular hike: it is 14 kilometres long and takes around four hours and 20 minutes. The Senda Sursilvana has a different timeframe: this route through the Surselva is 105 kilometres long and planned over five days. This makes it easy to compare the details of a single circular hike with those of a multi-day route. Route descriptions may be updated; check the latest information from the relevant route provider before setting out.

In the Rhine Gorge, a well-maintained network of hiking trails follows the Vorderrhein through forests and floodplains to viewpoints. The gorge was formed around 10,000 years ago by the Flims rockslide, described as the largest rockslide in the Alps. The Rhine Gorge can also be explored by inflatable boat, canoe or kayak; providers and conditions may vary. A walk around Lag da Pigniu offers views of waterfalls cascading down from great heights.

Cultural Sites and Regional History

The Museum Regiunal Surselva is the Surselva's cultural and historical museum. Another place to explore the region's history is the Museum Sursilvan Cuort Ligia Grischa: the building was erected in 1679 on the orders of Disentis Abbey and served as the town hall of the Grey League. Its coat-of-arms hall, also known as the Landrichter Hall, is the centrepiece of the museum. The permanent exhibition includes original works by Alois Carigiet, Matias Spescha, Gieri Schmed and Sora Gielia Degonda. As exhibitions may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

Since 2015, Casa d'Angel has served as the cultural centre of the municipality of Lumnezia. A new exhibition is created there each year in collaboration with the Fundaziun Capauliana and changing curators. Village, house and crystal tours can be arranged by appointment, regardless of opening hours; check the current arrangements in advance. In Lumbrein, the 950-kilogram crystal group “Sun of Péz Regina” is on permanent display in the entrance area. Here too, it is advisable to check the current presentation details.

Valendas combines village history with a 14-stop walking tour. It starts in the village square beside Europe's largest wooden fountain; a water nymph dating from 1760 serves as the fountain's central post. The village's nationally significant townscape includes historic patrician houses. A permanent exhibition in the historic barn of the Jooshuus provides information about the history and development of the mountain village. In Waltensburg, the Protestant parish church features a Passion cycle and a Last Judgement fresco dating from 1450/51. Caplutta Sogn Benedetg was inaugurated in 1989 and designed by Peter Zumthor.

For planning your trip, these different themes offer clear guidance: Greina and the Senda Sursilvana are suited to planning longer hikes, while museums, village histories and churches offer cultural and historical insights. Which of these themes you want to shape your stay can also be a helpful consideration when choosing a hotel in Glenner.

Discover more destinations: Imboden, Albula, Inn, Plessur, Moesa, Bernina, Hinterrhein, Landquart

For the regional travel overview: Graubünden.