At the far end of the valley, the Hinterrhein rises at the Rheinwaldhorn at an altitude of 3,402 metres and at the Rheinquellhorn at 3,200 metres; at times, the Paradies Glacier glitters in the sun. Hinterrhein is the uppermost village in the Rheinwald and a starting point for the San Bernardino Pass. The source area, trails and local history offer different starting points for planning a stay: you can focus on the landscape, choose a hike or discover the village’s historic buildings and photographs.
Hiking Trails in the Rheinwald
The moderately difficult Rheinwald valley hike runs from Sufers to Hinterrhein. It is 15.2 kilometres long, takes around four hours and follows the young Hinterrhein. This is a longer valley route with a specified duration and difficulty level. For a shorter themed trail, the Rheinquellweg is a 4.5-kilometre route between Hinterrhein and Nufenen.
The Rheinquellweg can be walked in either direction and is signposted. You can start either at the entrance to Hinterrhein village or at the village fountain in Nufenen. These two possible starting points and the choice of direction can help you decide which end to begin at. Information about the villages is provided at selected fountains along the trail, combining the walk with insights into the local communities. In season, the Dörferweg Rheinwald also passes through the Cassanawald forest on its way to Hinterrhein.
Bridge, Church and Village History
Completed in the 17th century, the stone Alte Landbrugg spans the Hinterrhein with two arches. It is a cultural asset of national importance in the Canton of GraubĂĽnden and also a significant cultural asset in the Rheinwald. The bridge is open to the public; access is subject to local conditions.
The Reformed Church of Hinterrhein also brings architecture and history together. The church was dedicated to Saint Peter. In 1219, the Lords of Sax-Misox gave their church to the collegiate church of San Vittore in the Misox Valley. The baptismal font is considered historically valuable and is associated with the medieval Walser migration and the first permanent settlement in GraubĂĽnden. The single-storey bell chamber and distinctive flat dome are notable architectural features of the church tower.
The Kabinetli postcard gallery offers a glimpse into past ways of life: it displays antique black-and-white photographs with notes on everyday life in the past and the history of Hinterrhein. The views include Hinterrhein, the Rheinwald, San Bernardino and the Mesolcina. This historical collection of images thus extends beyond the village itself, bringing several landscapes together in one collection.
Local Specialities and Visitor Information
Bachhuus offers regional specialities, including local cheeses, various cured meat products, sausages, soups, cakes and other desserts. Confirm visitor services before your arrival. The former storeroom has been converted into the Bachhuus-Chäller, where you can enjoy local specialities by prior arrangement. Since 2012, a trained village guide has also been leading tours of Hinterrhein. Alongside the trails, visitors can therefore choose between a guided exploration of the village and its culinary offerings.
Hinterrhein is accessible by PostBus. Check the current timetable before travelling. If you are planning the valley hike, allow for its approximate duration of four hours when planning your day; for the Rheinquellweg, the key points to bear in mind are its length, its two possible starting points and the fact that it can be walked in either direction.
Discover more destinations: Urmein, Avers, Sarn, Präz, Scharans, Flerden, Rothenbrunnen, Zillis.
Back to the main travel overview: Hinterrhein.
