Tschappina: Walser History and Trails on Heinzenberg

Tschappina combines a widely dispersed Walser settlement with trails that vary by season and available time. When planning your trip, options range from a leisurely circular hike to a challenging mountain tour; in winter, ski slopes and groomed walking trails are also available.

Walser History and Village Character

The settlement of Tschappina is spread over a wide area. Its “log-built” wooden houses shape the characteristic appearance of a Walser settlement. The settlers came as emigrants from Upper Valais, crossing the Safiental valley to reach Heinzenberg. Until the late 19th century, Tschappina was the only German-speaking municipality on Heinzenberg. The small church in Obertschappina dates from the 15th or 16th century.

The Glaspass also has a place in the region’s history: for centuries, it was the gateway to the outside world for the residents of the Safiental valley. They crossed the pass to Thusis to buy food and other goods at the market and sell livestock. Today, you can explore the pass as a starting point for various described trails and hikes.

Hikes and Routes on Heinzenberg

The Erlebnisweg trail between Glaspass and Obergmeind is a leisurely circular hike. It offers insights into the area’s geology, Walser settlement, and the history of draining Lake Lüschersee. Alpine flora can also be observed in Tschappina’s meadows. If you are looking for a more challenging tour, the hike to Piz Beverin starts at Glaspass and takes three to four hours.

The Heinzenberger Bergseen hike begins in Obertschappina and follows the old Glaserweg trail to Glaspass. From there, it continues via Bruchalp to the former Lake Lüschersee and Lüschalp. Bischolsee is a nature reserve. Swimming is permitted in Pascuminersee. Nature-related guidance along the regional trails therefore varies, as do the routes and destinations.

There is also a specific route for a circular tour: the Tschappinerrunde runs from Obergmeind via Obertschappina and Oberurmein and back to Obergmeind, and is signposted as Route 372. It leads to the natural ice rink on Patrutgsee, where curling is played in winter. For a different kind of tour, the Heinzenberger Maiensäss Route runs from Obergmeind via Plau to Prau da l’Alp. It is an impressive panoramic trail high above the Domleschg valley. Mountain bike route no. 90 passes Urmein and Tschappina at 1,577 m above sea level and continues into Beverin Nature Park.

Winter Trails and Snow Sports

The Tschappina winter hiking trail is 8 km long and takes about 3 hours to walk. A groomed winter hiking trail runs from Glaspass via Lake Lüschsee and Obergmeind to Parsiras. Snowshoeing on Heinzenberg offers sweeping views from Glasergrad or Tguma. The route details therefore vary in length, duration, and course: the mountain hike to Piz Beverin takes three to four hours, while the winter hiking trail is described as taking about three hours to walk.

The Tschappina ski area on Heinzenberg has around 25 km of ski slopes. The area includes easy, intermediate, and challenging slopes. A Swiss snow sports school offers various courses. This information can help you choose between groomed winter hiking trails and skiing, without combining the different offerings into a single route.

Local Traditions and Products

“Chuggla schlaa” is an outdoor social game played by male residents that has survived to this day. Two teams use a “Mazza” to hit a wooden ball from one “Larga” to the next. The Tschappina theatre group has staged a folk play every year since 2006. Tschappina was also among the municipalities that founded the Beverin Nature Park association in 2009.

There are two different places to find regional products: Glaser Hoflädali in Innerglas sells homemade syrups, baked goods, meat products, and cheese. Maiensäss Käserei Tschappina in Obergmeind sells its products directly from the farm. Töpferei Glaspass has closed; individual ceramic pieces can still be viewed on site by prior telephone appointment.

Discover more destinations: Donath, Feldis, Portein, Masein, Sarn, Pignia, Sufers, Präz

Go to the main travel overview: Hinterrhein.