In Pigniu, a few concrete details already tell the story of the connection between the village and its history: narrow lanes, houses, a small village church and a mural by Martin Valär. It depicts the Russian Marshal Suvorov crossing the Panix Pass in 1799. The hiking route also passes through the village: after crossing it, the route leads to the postbus stop. Those interested in Surselva’s cultural diversity will also encounter a regional linguistic tradition: Romansh Sursilvan is the official language in most municipalities, although local usage varies from one municipality to another.
From the Rhine Gorge to the High Valleys
The Surselva hiking area stretches from the source of the Rhine in the west to the Rhine Gorge in the east; the region has more than 1,200 kilometres of marked hiking trails. Check current route conditions before setting out. The Rhine Gorge was formed around 10,000 years ago by the Flims rockslide. Its surroundings include lakes, small islands, alluvial forests, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The protected Greina plateau offers a different kind of landscape. It is part of the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance. At 2,200 metres above sea level, it is around six kilometres long and one kilometre wide. Above Brigels, the Val Frisal lies at an altitude of 1,900 metres: this high valley of national importance is three kilometres long. It is also home to Europe’s highest-altitude primeval spruce forest. From the 2,064-metre Piz Mundaun, the view stretches from the Finsteraarhorn in the Bernese Oberland via Chur to the Prättigau. Another striking high-altitude destination is the mountain lake Lag Serein: it is near Sumvitg, above Alp da Glivers, at 2,260 metres above sea level.
Castles, Churches and Layers of History
The history of architecture and art can also be discovered at specific sites. The Casti Munt Sogn Gieri castle complex on Jörgenberg near Waltensburg is considered the most impressive and oldest castle complex between the Rhine Gorge and the source of the Rhine. In Waltensburg, the Protestant parish church has especially valuable art-historical murals by an unknown master dating from around 1330. Vrin offers a much later point of reference: the church of Nossadunna e Sogn Gion Battesta was built there at the end of the 17th century by Antonio Broggio from Roveredo in the Misox. The details of the murals and church construction thus span very different historical periods, without requiring you to focus on any one kind of cultural experience.
Hikes and Themed Trails
Hiking, biking and cultural highlights are among the activities offered to visitors in Surselva. Themed trails combine nature, culture and learning in an entertaining way. The “Minas da Gulatsch” experience trail leads to traces of ore mining, protected bats, the Romansh language, and intact flora and fauna. A hike from Ilanz to Reichenau can be shortened by taking the Rhaetian Railway. This lets you combine a specific route with a train journey, without having to walk the entire distance.
Surselva also offers different types of routes for cycling: roads and gravel paths for road and gravel bike tours, as well as easy, intermediate and difficult trails. Check seasonal availability and the conditions on individual trails. For trips in and around the Rhine Gorge, the Rhine Gorge/Ruinaulta bus provides access to the gorge and hiking starting points. It operates seasonally and requires a reservation; check the current timetable.
Experience Culture and Discover Regional Products
The public mira!cultura guided tour programme offers cultural tours exploring the history of mountain villages, regional development and influential figures in the cultural landscape. Every summer, the Tibas ring out in a different location in Surselva. When planning, it is worth checking the current dates, the location and the programme for these activities.
Bread baking is also one of the bookable cultural and culinary experiences: the tradition is kept alive in old bakehouses using traditional recipes, with fresh bread baked on site; check the dates. Farm shops showcase local products such as fresh bread, alpine cheese, sausages and handmade specialities. What is available varies from one farm shop to another. The GraubĂĽnden Beer Trail is associated with the villages of Obersaxen Valata and Surcuolm.
The seasons bring further highlights. Winter offerings include ice-skating and sledging runs, a programme for children and families, and numerous ski runs and children’s slopes. During the summer season, overnight guests with the Surselva guest card can enjoy many free offers and discounts. Check the participation requirements and which services are included when planning your trip.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Laax, Lumbrein, Ruschein, Schluein, Valendas, Waltensburg, Flond, Cumbels, Morissen, Castrisch, Igels, Versam, Sagens, Ilanz, Vals, Vella Gr, Surcuolm, Medels Im Oberland, Sankt Martin, Tenna, Trun, Tujetsch, Ladir, Andiast, Suraua, Siat, Rueun, Vignogn, Vrin, Sumvitg, Safien, Luven, Disentis/Mustér, Obersaxen, Sevgein, Falera, Sumvitg, Schnaus, Laax, Schluein, Breil-Brigels.
To the overarching travel overview: GraubĂĽnden.
