Cavardiras combines a nationally significant village character with the history of the branch church of St. Anthony of Padua and several named hiking destinations. When planning, it helps to distinguish between the trails by their respective starting and ending points: the hike to Alp Soliva begins in the village, whereas the approach to Camona da Cavardiras CAS starts at the Caischavedra mountain railway station.

A rural village above the Vorderrhein

Cavardiras lies on a long, narrow clearing terrace high above the upper reaches of the Vorderrhein. The practically unbuilt landscape, its visibility from afar and the architectural qualities within the settlement all contribute to its nationally significant village character. A distinctive feature is a compact group of closely spaced, well-preserved rural homes and barns. Their gables face the valley. The buildings and their setting in the landscape together form part of the village’s character.

The history and architecture of St. Anthony’s Church

The history of the branch church of St. Anthony of Padua dates back to 1662. Capuchins built a small chapel with just one altar that year; it was dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua on 6 December 1662. A Baroque church replaced the chapel soon afterwards. This places the development from a small chapel to the later church building in its historical context.

The branch church is a slender Baroque hall church with pilaster-strip articulation. It stands prominently on a small rise at the edge of the terrace facing the valley and is visible from far away. The building faces east: a rectangular nave is followed by a narrower choir with a three-sided apse. These features give the church a clear, elongated form.

Hikes from Cavardiras and the trail to Lag da Laus

The “Disentis – Alp Soliva” hike begins in Cavardiras, which is inhabited year-round. From there, it climbs through shady forests and past Maiensäss huts. The route continues through stands of alpine roses to the rounded summit of Alp Soliva. When visibility is good, the route offers views of the glaciers of Oberalpstock and Tödi. A taxi arranged in advance shortens the hike by about an hour; arrange transport in good time if you plan to use this option.

The Lag-da-Laus Trail follows a signposted hiking path from Disentis towards Brulf and Cavardiras. It branches off towards the Caischavedra Maiensäss huts and then continues to Lag da Laus. On the Val-Russein route, you reach Cavardiras after a short descent to the Rhine and a gentle initial climb. The route descriptions therefore emphasise different aspects: the Lag-da-Laus Trail names the sequence of the trail and the lake as its destination, while the Val Russein route highlights the approach via the Rhine.

Getting there and a longer hut hike

To get to Cavardiras, take the train from Chur or Andermatt to Disentis; from there, continue on foot for about an hour. To reach the Lag-da-Laus Trail, travel by train from Chur via Ilanz or from Andermatt via Sedrun to Disentis. The estimate of about an hour refers to the walk to Cavardiras; Disentis is the stated destination for the train journey to the trail.

Camona da Cavardiras CAS can be reached from Disentis, Cumpadials and the Maderanertal. One approach from Caischavedra mountain railway station passes via Lag Serein and involves an elevation gain of about 950 metres; the estimated time is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. This time and elevation gain refer to the approach to the hut. They should therefore be distinguished from the roughly one-hour walk onwards from Disentis to Cavardiras.

Discover other destinations: Segnas

View the overview of the wider area: Disentis/Mustér.