Vaz/Obervaz stretches from Valbella to Solis in a north–south direction. The municipality extends eastwards from the mountain range of Parpaner Rothorn to the extensive alpine pastures of Piz Scalottas, Danis and Stätzerhorn. The municipality therefore encompasses a variety of landscapes and several villages, including Lain, Muldain, Zorten, Lenzerheide and Valbella.
Mountain Scenery and Altitudes
The differences in altitude illustrate the range of the area: its lowest point lies in the Schienschlucht gorge at around 700 metres above sea level, while its highest point is on Parpaner Rothorn at around 2,865 metres. The original hamlets lie at an average altitude of about 1,200 metres; Lenzerheide and Heidsee are at around 1,500 metres. Exploring Vaz/Obervaz means encountering both an alpine landscape and the places and facilities around Heidsee.
Museum, Cultural Trails and Churches
The Vaz/Obervaz Museum is housed in the former rectory in Zorten. Capuchin friars served there from 1600 to 1933. The exhibition explores life in the past, the beginnings of tourism in the municipality’s extensive territory, the development of sport, and regional customs and traditions. An old village mill from Zorten has also been rebuilt in working order in the stable.
Along 21 information panels in Lenzerheide and Valbella, Senda Cultura tells the story of the area’s development from alpine summer pastures to a holiday region. The panels are spread throughout the region, explain the stories behind buildings and places, and supplement them with historical information accessible via QR codes. Another historical theme is explored by today’s Römerweg near the sports centre, which recalls an old trade route.
The churches also offer insight into the municipality’s architectural history. The Baroque Church of St. Luzi in Lain was built around 1678–1680. Inside, a late Renaissance high altar is flanked by two other altars. The branch church of St. John the Baptist in Muldain was built around 1673–1677 and is one of the impressive examples of Graubünden Baroque architecture.
Water Sports and Facilities at the Sports Centre
The Lenzerheide Water Sports Centre is located on Heidsee at an altitude of 1,500 metres. Activities include windsurfing, sailing, wingfoiling and stand-up paddling, with courses for beginners through to advanced participants. Visitors can also take pedal boats, rowing boats and kayaks out on the lake. These activities are seasonal: check opening times, course availability and the current availability of boats before your trip. The centre’s beach volleyball court is free to use when not reserved.
At the Lenzerheide Sports Centre, the H2Lai wellness pool combines a heated outdoor whirlpool with a 25-metre pool and a large water slide. The spa area includes saunas and steam baths, while the mini-golf course has 18 different holes. If you plan to use any of these facilities, check opening arrangements before your trip.
Trails, Getting There and Finding Accommodation
To reach the marked mountain trail to Nivagl, head south from the Vaz/Obervaz, Zorten terminus; the walk takes about 20 minutes. Trail conditions may vary seasonally. Near Nivagl is a castle site with no visible traces of walls, but with a system of ramparts and ditches on the edge of the Haidbach gorge, directly beside the road from Alvaschein to Zorten. The winter walking route includes the Lenzerheide–Lain–Muldain–Zorten–Lenzerheide circuit; seasonal conditions may affect its availability.
Regular PostBus services from Chur, Davos or Tiefencastel connect Lain, Muldain and Zorten to the regional transport network. Check the current timetable for your journey. Compare the location details of a specific listing with the places that matter to you during your stay.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Valbella, Savognin, Brienz/Brinzauls, Mutten, Sur, Stierva, Wiesen, Tinizong-Rona.
Return to the main travel overview: Albula.
