In Schleins (Tschlin), impressive village history and paths through a terraced landscape lie close together. San Plasch showcases Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles; themed trails lead through meadows, pastures and the area around the village. You can tailor your stay to different interests: a short walk around the village, a longer hike or special insights into culture and nature.
San Plasch and village life
The tower of San Plasch has a three-storey bell chamber, is Romanesque in design and is topped by a tented roof. A star vault with vine paintings spans the nave and choir. Paintings dating from the church’s founding show the persecution and capture of Saint Blaise. The church was rebuilt in 1515 in the Gothic style. Today, it is also the venue for two annual concerts: the mixed choir performs at Christmas and the music society at New Year’s Eve.
A village tour brings together details of the architecture and culture with a walk through Schleins. The 1.1-kilometre loop takes about 20 minutes and passes seven stops. Along the way, you’ll learn about the buildings, paintings and long-standing village traditions. These historical insights can be combined with your own appreciation of the cobbled streets and the well-preserved village culture of the Lower Engadine.
Porta Nova is another notable place. A passageway survives there that once served as the entrance gate to the village. Romansh is the main language spoken in Tschlin, specifically the Vallader variety. Visitors interested in contemporary culture will find KINO Tschlin in an old barn; it seats around 40 people. At least twelve films can be seen there each year.
Another unusual stop is the Archive of Alpine Olfactory Memories. It records olfactory memories and makes them accessible to visitors; around ten memories from different people are archived there. Guests can spray fragrance onto objects or burn incense sticks. This is a different cultural experience from the church, cinema or village tour, and can be planned as a separate activity.
Trails through the terraced landscape
The family-friendly Warzenbeisser Trail offers a playful way to observe the surrounding area. Information and activity stations share insights into the natural and cultural landscape. The trail passes through flower-filled meadows and pastures in the terraced landscape of Tschlin; the slopes around Tschlin are home to numerous breeding birds, butterflies and other animal species. The themed trail route from Tschlin to Strada takes about two hours.
For a shorter walk, the village tour takes around 20 minutes. If you’re looking for a longer route with a specified difficulty level, you can choose the moderately difficult circular tour above Tschlin: it is seven kilometres long and takes about one hour and 25 minutes. Along the way, there are views of the opposite side of the valley and the characteristic terraced landscape beyond the village. This information helps you compare the different time requirements of the routes without combining them into a single excursion.
The Via Engiadina also passes through Tschlin on its way to Vinadi. Its landscape includes Swiss stone pine and larch forests, clear streams and alpine meadows. The section from Tschlin, along wild forests, steep rocks and stony gullies, opens up spectacular views; conditions may vary by season. Another route leads from Tschlin via Vnà , Sinestra and Ramosch into the alpine meadows of Val Ruinains, where marmots can be found. One of Switzerland’s most valuable meadow-breeding bird habitats is also located near Tschlin. Pra Grond provides a habitat for endangered species such as the whinchat, skylark, tree pipit and corncrake.
In winter, a toboggan run connects Tschlin with Strada. Whether it can be used depends on winter conditions. The options are therefore distinct: a village walk and architecture, longer hikes through the terraced landscape, and a seasonal toboggan run each offer a different focus.
Getting there and local dining
PostBus services run hourly from Scuol railway station to Tschlin. Check the current timetable when planning your journey. Paid parking is available at the entrance to the village. You can plan how to get there based on the hourly service or the available parking.
Local businesses also add to the experience. The village shop sells Bun Tschlin products; the availability of individual products may change. GIRUN Alpine Brewery offers brewery tours that cover hops, yeast, water and malt. Tours end with a beer tasting and panoramic views. Tastings are available by advance reservation only; you should confirm that tours are available before travelling.
Hotel Macun is a meeting place for guests and locals, offering local specialities and a range of events. These offerings may change. Che Chaschöl processes fresh speciality products made from sheep’s and cow’s milk every day, focuses on regional products and short transport routes, and works closely with the tourism sector. Along with the products in the village shop and the brewery, this showcases other aspects of local life, without requiring every stay to follow the same itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Tschierv, Susch, Brail, Ftan, Zernez, MĂĽstair, Guarda, RemĂĽs.
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