The Greina Alpine Bus connects Rabius with Runcahez in Val Sumvitg and takes hikers directly to the starting points for tours on the Greina high plateau. There are also circular and themed trails starting in Rabius, each with its own distinctive route. Two questions are especially helpful when planning: What kind of route are you looking for, and do you want a summer or winter route?
Routes by trail type
The Val Sumvitg circular route starts and ends at the car park of Hotel Greina in Rabius. It passes through the remote, largely unspoilt Val Sumvitg and follows only minor roads as well as forest and unpaved roads. The route is suitable for beginners, as well as for e-bikes and gravel bikes. The circular route to Alp Glivers follows a different course: it also starts in Rabius, climbs a dirt road to the Salvaplauna alpine pasture, and reaches Alp Glivers Dadens via a partly narrow and challenging singletrack. Its highest point is near Rusna S. Gions in Val Murtès, at 1,976 metres above sea level.
Between Rabius and Surrein lies the “Parc da bike Igniu.” Its various trails have different technical difficulty levels and add up to almost one kilometre in length. This figure refers to the combined length of the trails, not to each individual trail.
Churches, chapels and local history
The churches and chapels hike in Sumvitg is 7.8 kilometres long and passes five churches and chapels. It starts in Rabius, goes through Campieschas and S. Benedetg, and returns to Rabius. The nearby Chapel of St. Michael is in Campieschas. It was built in 1696; its north façade was decorated with colourful wall frescoes at that time.
The history of the Church of the Nativity of Mary in Rabius can also be traced through several dates. During a visitation in 1643, it was first mentioned as a chapel dedicated to St. Mary. Bishop Ulrich VI de Mont de Vella consecrated it on 23 June 1683. The main altarpiece is a copy of the Madonna painting in the chapel of Acletta, made by Fridolinus Eggert in 1687. Elsewhere in the village, the fountain erected by the municipality in 1961 commemorates the poet Alfons Tuor.
Themed trails and winter routes
The themed trail “Views of Space and Time” starts at Rabius-Surrein railway station and runs through Surrein to Cumpadials. At each event station, local interviewees share stories from their earlier lives. The “viewpoints” are located in public places in the municipality of Sumvitg that have a direct connection to the topic in question. Another route option is Paul Luziet’s legends trail: from Rabius railway station, you can reach it on foot in about ten minutes. The walking time is an approximate guide; local conditions may vary.
The old road between Rabius and Surrein is also open as a winter hiking trail for a winter walk. From Rabius railway station, the route follows the old road above the Igniu playground and barbecue area towards Surrein. Check the local signs before setting off. The Sumvitg–Runs–Rabius winter hiking route can be started at the western edge of Rabius, in the direction of Sumvitg. From Runs, it offers views of the Val Mulinaun bridge and Val Sumvitg.
Regional cuisine and products
The culinary circular walk starts directly at Rabius railway station and passes through Rabius, Surrein, Cumpadials, Sumvitg and S. Benedetg. It showcases regional culinary experiences and the surrounding natural landscape. The “Center sursilvan d’agricultura” put the route together as part of the “da nus” project to bring regional products from the upper Surselva to people’s attention and make them accessible. Hotel Greina serves seasonal Swiss cuisine with a creative touch and uses only local products; menus and service information may change.
For the full travel overview: Sumvitg.
