Tschappina can be discovered from several different perspectives: as a widely scattered Walser settlement with a rich history, and as a destination for hiking, winter sports and local traditions. Activities range from a leisurely circular walk to a challenging hike up Piz Beverin.
Walser history and the village landscape
The widely scattered settlement and its “knitted” wooden buildings convey the typical character of a Walser settlement. Tschappina’s settlers came as emigrants from the Upper Valais, crossing the Safien Valley to reach Heinzenberg. Until the late 19th century, Tschappina was the only German-speaking municipality on Heinzenberg. The little church in Obertschappina is also part of the village’s history: it dates from the 15th or 16th century.
For centuries, the Glas Pass was a gateway to the outside world for the residents of the Safien Valley. They crossed the pass to Thusis to buy food and other goods at the market and sell livestock. Tschappina is also connected to the landscape through Beverin Nature Park: in 2009, it was one of the municipalities that founded the Beverin Nature Park association.
Hikes from circular walks to mountain tours
A scenic trail between Glas Pass and Obergmeind makes for a leisurely circular walk. Information about the land and its people, the local geology, Walser settlement and the history of draining Lake Lüscher offers insights into the human-shaped history of the landscape. You can also admire alpine flora in Tschappina’s meadows.
The challenging hike up Piz Beverin starts at Glas Pass and takes three to four hours. Another tour, the Heinzenberg mountain lakes hike, starts in Obertschappina and follows the old Glaserweg to Glas Pass. It passes through Bruchalp to the former Lake Lüscher and Lüschalp. For a circular tour starting in Obergmeind, try the Tschappinerrunde: Route 372 leads via Obertschappina and Oberurmein back to Obergmeind. The loop also passes the natural ice rink on Patrutgsee, where curling is played in winter.
Obertschappina is accessible by PostBus. If you plan to travel this way, check the timetable for your travel date.
Winter trails and snow sports
The Tschappina ski area on Heinzenberg offers around 25 kilometres of ski slopes. There are easy, intermediate and challenging slopes, as well as a Swiss ski and snowboard school offering a range of courses.
The winter hiking trails also vary in route and time required. The Tschappina winter hiking trail is eight kilometres long and takes about three hours to walk. A prepared winter hiking trail runs from Glas Pass via Lake Lüscher and Obergmeind to Parsiras. Comparing the options lets you choose between a stated walking time and a specific route through several villages.
Mountain bike and culinary trails
The Heinzenberger Maiensäss Route is a mountain bike route from Obergmeind via Plau to Prau da l’Alp. This impressive panoramic trail runs high above Domleschg. Another mountain bike route, number 90, passes Urmein and Tschappina at an elevation of 1,577 metres above sea level before continuing into Beverin Nature Park. The Glas Pass culinary hike runs from Glas Pass to Glasergrat and then descends towards Alp Lüsch.
Traditions and local products
The Tschappina theatre group has staged a folk play every year since 2006. “Chuggla schlaa” is also still practised: this outdoor social game is played by male residents, with two teams hitting a wooden ball from one “Larga” to the next using a “Mazza”.
The Glaspass pottery is no longer operating; individual ceramic pieces can still be viewed on site by prior telephone arrangement. You can find regional products at the Glaser Hoflädali in Innerglas, which sells homemade syrups, baked goods, meat products and cheese. The Maiensäss Käserei Tschappina in Obergmeind sells its products directly from the farm.
Discover more destinations: Feldis, Zillis, Sils Im Domleschg, Nufenen, Avers, Ausserferrera, Paspels, Cazis.
Return to the main travel overview: Hinterrhein.
