Scharans is located in the Viamala region of the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. Two different perspectives take centre stage during a stay: the village’s historic architecture and tours that include Scharans as a hiking destination or a stop on a cycling loop. The specific routes help you plan your day accordingly.
Building history across several periods
The Reformed village church in Scharans was built in 1490 by the Carinthian master builder Andreas Bühler. The Gees House dates from the mid-16th century and features well-preserved façade paintings by Hans Ardüser. The Balzer House dates from 1668 and is decorated with painted sayings and the coats of arms of the Three Leagues. The buildings therefore represent different periods of construction: from the late 15th century, through the mid-16th century, to 1668. Scharans’s village centre is of national importance in the canton of Graubünden.
The Bardill Atelier in the historic village centre represents a much more recent phase of construction. It was completed in 2007 after 18 months of building work. The red-tinted concrete house has neither windows nor a roof and is adorned with 150 rosettes of varying sizes. A large opening in the front façade offers a view of the circle that encloses the garden. Compared with the houses dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, the atelier belongs to a much more recent phase of construction.
Landscape and village details
At 2,323 metres, Piz Scalottas is the most prominent mountain in the municipality of Scharans. A lime tree on the church square is said to be more than 800 years old. The village’s architectural history is thus complemented by a mountain with a clearly stated elevation and a tree whose age has been passed down.
On foot and by bike
The valley hike leads from Tomils via Paspels to Scharans and takes around two hours. Conditions may vary depending on the season. The start and end points can be reached by PostBus; check the timetable before travelling. You can factor the connections to both endpoints into your hiking plans.
The Domleschg Castles Route leads from Thusis via Scharans and Rothenbrunnen and back to Thusis. It is 24 kilometres long, involves 400 metres of ascent and, with its easily rideable paths, is suitable for leisure bikes and e-bikes. Check the latest route information before setting out.
The two tours differ in how they fit into your day: the hike ends in Scharans, while the cycling route returns to Thusis. This helps you decide whether to plan Scharans as the hiking destination or as part of a cycling loop.
Local produce and practical points of interest
Biomonti sells 100% of its grain directly, as flour, grains, pasta and waffles made on the farm. The range may change. The Hof Biomonti farm shop in Scharans has a collection box; orders are deposited or dispatched from Tuesday lunchtime onwards. If you are planning a collection, check the current arrangements in advance.
Scharans playground is a two-minute walk from the Scharans, Dorf bus stop. Check the information on site before planning a visit.
Discover more destinations: Tschappina, Trans, Fardün, Sufers, Paspels, Thusis, Rodels, Präz.
For the overarching travel overview: Hinterrhein.
