Flond: Church History and Winter Trails

Flond is a village in the municipality of Obersaxen Mundaun in the canton of Graubünden. It lies at an altitude of 1,072 metres. The former municipal area extended from 879 to 1,335 metres above sea level. The village’s history is rooted in agriculture: until the middle of the 20th century, extensive arable farming was practised; in more recent times, livestock farming has played an important role.

Church, Art and Historical Traces

Flond is linked to Ilanz through the history of the Reformation. It adopted the Reformation in 1526, built its own church in 1713, and separated from the church in 1731. The Evangelical Church of Flond consists of a nave and a narrower, three-sided closed choir that opens into a round arch. The tower, with its tall, octagonal pointed spire, stands on the south side of the choir.

The church houses a monumental wall fresco by the artist Leonhard Meisser (1902–1977), who came from Chur. The architecture and mural give the church distinct features: alongside the shape of the choir and the striking tower, the artistic decoration is also part of the building’s cultural character.

Another place to see art is Galerie MiraCheu, a permanent exhibition space run by Samuel Inauen in the old sawmill at the western end of the village. The exhibition space is permanently set up; the programme may change. The name also recalls a Romansh expression: “Mira cheu!” means roughly “Look here!” or “Take a look at this!”

Historical traces can also be found along the old path between Flond and Ilanz. On the former municipal territory, the last of six lime kilns remained in operation until 1906; it was restored in 1990. The village’s history thus extends beyond the church and the Reformation to an earlier craft.

Winter Routes and How They Differ

The Plaun Sura cross-country ski trail is a moderately difficult 3.2-kilometre loop. It starts and ends at the schoolhouse in Flond and runs through gently rolling terrain. The Flond–Valata winter walk also starts beside the trail at the schoolhouse. It passes through a wooded area to Valata and by the Chapel of St. Anna, climbs briefly towards Surcuolm, then returns to Flond via Clavaniev.

The winter walk is 6.9 kilometres long and includes 220 metres of ascent and 171 metres of descent. The two routes differ in both length and format: Plaun Sura is a loop, while the walk passes through several places on its way back to Flond. The ski trail is rated moderately difficult and described as running through gently rolling terrain; the walk’s ascent and descent figures provide additional guidance for planning the route.

The winter walk can be reached by postbus to Flond. Check the timetable for your travel date. Seasonal routes may be affected by conditions, so check the latest information before setting out. Another winter route, the Cuolm Sura–Ilanz sledging run, passes through Flond on its way to Ilanz. It depends on snow conditions, so it is also advisable to check its current status before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Tenna, Vals, Siat, Medels Im Oberland, Morissen, Ladir, Disentis/Mustér, Laax.

Return to the regional travel overview: Surselva.