Tenna: Church, solar ski lift and mountain trails

When planning a trip to Tenna, there are several specific themes to choose from: a church with a Gothic fresco cycle, the solar ski lift and various mountain and winter routes. Whether you are particularly interested in local history, solar energy or trails in the surrounding area, each focus is easy to distinguish.

Church and early history

The church in Tenna is the oldest building in the village. It has a Gothic fresco cycle dating from around 1408, which is considered nationally significant. The village’s early history also includes its first church, which was probably built shortly after the Walser settled in Tenna around 1350. These two dates mark different historical reference points: the early history of the church and the creation of the frescoes.

Solar energy in two ways

The Tenna solar ski lift serves two purposes at once: it transports snow sports enthusiasts and generates solar electricity. It was the first winter sports facility of its kind in the world. The ski area has a total of 4 km of pistes, and skiing is available exclusively on natural snow. These details complement each other: the distance describes the size of the ski area, while natural snow describes the type of snow.

Solar energy is also the focus of the Tenna Solar Trail, but from a different perspective. A digital quiz in Beverin Nature Park covers solar power generation, technical aspects and the use of solar energy in Tenna. The trail also features a specially designed solar bench where you can charge a smartphone using solar power during your visit. The quiz and bench make the topic tangible in both technical and practical ways.

Routes between the Walser Trail, the summit and viewpoints

The Safiental Walser Trail runs in three stages from Versam to Tenna, and from Safien Platz to Thalkirch Turra in the far end of the Safiental. Another described route leads to Piz Fess, which is 2,880 m high. It starts at Tenna Church and follows the Walser Trail towards Tenner Alp. The trail becomes narrow and the terrain very steep as far as Tällihütte—a specific difference from the other routes described here.

The Tenna–Tenner Chrüz–Tällihütte–Tenna trail run starts at the church car park, passes through the village and continues to the edge of the forest. The loop goes via Tenner Chrüz to a viewpoint overlooking the area towards Chur. This route therefore has a different focus from the route to Piz Fess: its described features include the route through the village and the view from Tenner Chrüz.

Winter trails and snow sports

The snowshoe trail to Tenner Alp passes sun-browned barns and the Under Hütta. Along the way, there are views of Tenna, Oberhorn and Underhorn, as well as Piz Beverin. The signposted trail is marked with pink posts across the terrain, but is not groomed. As trail conditions can change, it is best to check them before setting out.

The focus at the solar ski lift is skiing on natural snow, while the snowshoe trail leads to Tenner Alp and passes the buildings and viewpoints mentioned above. Sledges can also be rented in Tenna. These options provide different starting points for planning a winter stay without assuming the same activity.

Getting to Tenna

By public transport, take the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) to Versam-Safien station. From there, PostBus connections run to the Safiental and Tenna. Check the connections before you travel so you can choose the one that suits your specific travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Schluein, Cumbels, Sumvitg, Trun, Schnaus, Laax, Igels, Vals

For the main travel overview: Surselva.