Sankt Martin in the Valsertal: Walser History and Chapel

Sankt Martin is a typical Walser farming settlement in the Valsertal. As the northernmost hamlet in the former municipal area of St. Martin, it lies at an altitude of 1,003 metres. The elevation and its classification as a Walser settlement provide two specific points of reference: Sankt Martin belongs to the Valsertal and is also embedded in its cultural history.

St. Martin’s Chapel and its artworks

The present-day St. Martin’s Chapel was consecrated on 30 June 1695. Its high altar dates from 1698, and the two side altars were created in 1704. A row of apostles by Hans Ardüser, dating from 1593, has been preserved on the north wall of the nave. It predates the consecration of the present-day chapel; the different dates therefore point to several periods in the chapel’s furnishings.

The individual artworks can also be distinguished by their subjects and locations: the left altarpiece depicts the Coronation of the Virgin, while the right one shows a Mater Dolorosa. A Late Gothic Pietà stands on the north side altar. For culturally minded travellers, the varied subjects and dates offer specific points of interest through which to explore the town’s art and church history.

Walser history and regional context

The cultural context extends beyond Sankt Martin. Vals is a Walser German-speaking enclave in the Romansh-speaking Val Lumnezia; Sankt Martin is one of the typical Walser farming settlements in the Valsertal. From 1669, Tersnaus and Sogn Martin formed their own parish. This shared parish history adds another historical reference to Sankt Martin’s classification as a Walser settlement.

The former transport routes are also part of the history of the Vals area. Until the road connecting the area to Ilanz was built in 1879/80, all goods traffic from the Vals area to the south passed over the Valserberg to Hinterrhein. This historic route shows how goods were transported south at the time; it should be distinguished from today’s regional travel and hiking options.

Hiking and travel in the region

The Senda lumneziana runs from Vrin to Ilanz through the Val Lumnezia and is 25.7 kilometres long. It allows you to hike the entire length of the valley. The trails are generally considered easy. Weather, maintenance and possible closures can change conditions, so check the latest information before setting out. This route is a longer hike through the Val Lumnezia and can be considered as a separate planning item based on its route and length.

The Vals route runs by PostBus from Ilanz through the Val Lumnezia to the Valsertal. Sankt Martin is one of the Walser farming settlements there. In summer, vehicles on the PostBus service between Ilanz and Vals are equipped with rear-mounted bicycle carriers; bicycles must be reserved. Check the timetable for your travel date. On the return journey down the valley, the PostBus connects Vals with Ilanz, where regular Rhätische Bahn connections towards Chur are available.

For hikes and mountain tours, the free Valser hiking bus takes visitors to trailheads by prior arrangement. As advance booking is required, confirm availability before travelling. The bus service, rail connections and hiking bus each serve a different purpose in regional travel planning: getting to Ilanz, continuing towards Chur and reaching trailheads.

Plan your hotel stay

When choosing a specific hotel, check its location and the information for your travel dates. If you are travelling by PostBus or train, or bringing a bicycle, include the relevant timetable and reservation information in your plans.

Discover more destinations

Lumbrein, Valendas, Sumvitg, Tenna, Flond, Andiast, Schnaus, Vrin

For the overview of the wider region: Surselva.