The Benedictine Abbey of St. John and the trails along the Rom give a stay in Müstair two distinct focal points: a long history of monastic life and hikes through river landscapes and villages. Chasa Chalavaina also connects the village with a long history of hospitality.
Monastic history in an architectural ensemble
The Benedictine Abbey of St. John was founded around 775, probably at the behest of Charlemagne. The abbey church contains the most significant surviving cycle of Carolingian frescoes in situ, that is, in their original location. The abbey’s religious activities continue uninterrupted to this day. The exhibits in the abbey museum document twelve centuries of monastic life.
The complex brings together building elements from several centuries: the church and Chapel of the Holy Cross date from the 8th century, the Plantaturm from the 10th century, and the bishop’s residence from the 11th century. Throughout its long history, the abbey was never completely destroyed and was only partly rebuilt. The abbey museum is housed in the more than thousand-year-old Plantaturm, described as the oldest residential and defensive tower in the Alpine region.
A tour of the abbey museum takes visitors through the cloister, the basement of the Plantaturm and its three upper floors. A guided tour of the church and museum offers insight into the former lives of the monks and nuns, as well as the present-day life of the Benedictine nuns. The abbey’s history reaches back to 775.
The Rom, hiking trails and nature
The Val Müstair route runs from Tschierv along the unaltered, natural Rom through the old villages of Fuldera, Valchava and Sta. Maria to Müstair. The «A la riva dal Rom» hiking trail also starts at the source of the Rom in Süsom-Tschierv and leads to Müstair. Along the way, it passes fens and steep sections of the stream; in its lower reaches, the trail winds through mysterious floodplain forests inhabited by elves. The section between the shooting range and school in Müstair is suitable for strollers—this suitability applies to the specified section.
Those looking for a shorter circular walk can compare the published route lengths: the Kloster–Pradalai–Kloster loop is listed as an easy route of 2.5 kilometres. The Müstair–Cascada da Pisch–Guad–Müstair loop is 4.8 kilometres long; no difficulty level is specified here. Route details may be updated, so check them before setting out. In summer, the waterfall at Cascada da Pisch offers welcome refreshment; in winter, it becomes a natural ice sculpture.
More experiences and a historic inn
A route to Müstair is also described for mountain bikers: the «Val Müstair Bike» follows singletrack from Lü to Müstair, through moorland and past Swiss stone pines and larches. Route conditions and recommendations may change, so check them before your ride. On foot, the first stage of the Graubünden Way of St. James starts at St. John’s Abbey.
Chasa Chalavaina was first mentioned as an inn in 1254 and is one of Switzerland’s oldest hotels. A guided tour of the historic house explores its origins and development, its significance and architecture, the people who shaped it, and the region’s cultural particularities. The history of the accommodation thus offers a perspective of its own alongside the history of the abbey.
Guests on a llama trek at the Puntetta organic farm are accompanied by Isidor Sepp and his llamas. The introductory tour is an approximately two-hour hike for families and animal lovers. Another way to get to know the village and its surroundings is the «CHATSCHA JAURA» treasure hunt: it starts at Plaz Grond near the Clostra Son Jon postbus stop and ends in Sta. Maria. The hunt can be enjoyed independently, free of charge and without registration. A guided village tour of Müstair brings the village’s history to life.
Getting there by postbus
Hourly postbus services from Zernez or Tschierv serve Müstair, Clostra Son Jon or Grenze/Cunfin. Check the timetable before travelling. The different trails, tours and activities offer a range of ways to spend your time, whether focusing on monastic history, going for a hike or discovering the village with a guide.
Discover more destinations: Guarda, Ftan, Samnaun, Susch, Fuldera, Lavin, Sent, Scuol.
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