Discover Valendas: Village History and Nature

Valendas is a mountain village on a terrace above the right-hand side of the Vorderrhein Gorge (Ruinaulta), on the northern slope of Piz Riein. The village lies at an altitude of 810 metres and is considered a site of national importance in Switzerland. In 2025, the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) named Valendas a “Best Tourism Village”. Over more than 25 years, various initiatives and projects have helped revitalise the village, involving the Valendas Impuls Foundation, tourism organisations and the municipality of Safiental.

Village History and Historic Sites

The history of Valendas dates back to the year 765. Even before the Christianisation of the valley, a strong square tower stood near Valendas; when the valley was Christianised, a small chapel was added to it. Several historic patrician houses still line the streets today. Former residents included mercenary commanders in French, Dutch and Neapolitan regiments, senior officials of the Grey League and administrators in Valtellina. The village’s history thus brings together military careers, political offices and administration.

Europe’s largest wooden fountain stands in the village square. Its fountain column bears a water nymph dating from 1760. The Valendas village trail starts at the wooden fountain in the village square and comprises 14 stops in total. A permanent exhibition in the historic stable of the Jooshuus provides information about the mountain village’s history and development. The church organ also tells the story of Valendas: built in 1737, it is one of the oldest organs in the canton of Graubünden. It was restored in 1974; it is regularly used during church services and is popular with concert organists.

Nature, Routes and Hiking

The “faszinaturRaum” in Valendas offers insights into the diversity of flora and fauna in the Safiental, from the Rhine Gorge to Safierberg. It also provides route suggestions for walks through various habitats, from the Rhine Gorge to Piz Fess. The routes described differ clearly in format: the village trail has 14 stops; the Valendas–Versam hike follows the Rhine, passes through short stretches of woodland and crosses broad meadows to Versam station.

Getting There and Seasonal Activities

Bus route 403 runs from Ilanz to the Valendas Dorf stop. By train, travel from Ilanz to Valendas-Sagogn station; from there, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the village. The options differ in the final leg: the train journey is followed by a walk, while the bus goes all the way to Valendas Dorf. Check the timetables before travelling.

Village tours are offered during the summer months; check the dates in advance. Hof Turisch in Valendas offers breakfast on the farm and delicious homemade specialities. Check breakfast dates and make a reservation before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Carrera, Sevgein, Obersaxen, Laax, Sagens, Igels, Luven, Safien.

For the broader travel overview: Surselva.