Zignau is a village in the political municipality of Trun in the canton of GraubĂĽnden. Its history is reflected in its churches and castle ruins, while cycling routes place the village along different routes. You can plan your stay around historical sites, a bike ride or a longer hike.
Churches and early traces
The Church of S. Giachen was rebuilt outside the danger zone between 1929 and 1931. The former church was destroyed in 1927 by a debris flow from Val Zavragi. Three altars from the original building survived and were incorporated into the rebuilt church. A wayside shrine marks the site of the destroyed church. Together, these places offer several points of connection to the history of S. Giachen: the loss of the original building, the new church and the preserved altars.
You can encounter a different period at Grep Ault. The castle ruins stand on a prominent rocky knoll on the right bank of the Rhine between Trun and Zignau. Sections of the surrounding wall and the foundations of an early medieval church remain visible. The church probably dates from the 6th or 7th century. Unlike at S. Giachen, the focus here is on the surviving structural remains and the church’s early, cautiously dated history.
The Ringgenberg Castle Ruins
The Ringgenberg castle ruins stand on a spur-shaped moraine hill above the hamlet of Ringgenberg, called Zignau in Romansh. The complex includes a tower, a ring wall and ancillary buildings. Architectural features date the tower to the mid- or second half of the 13th century. Part of the approach from the southwest is still visible; check current trail conditions before visiting, as accessibility may vary.
The former Ringgenberg Castle is also historically connected with Zignau: together with Friberg Castle, it formed the eastern border fortification of the territory ruled by the Abbot of Disentis. Ringgenberg therefore raises two questions: how was the complex built, and what role did it play in the territory at the time? The ruins at Grep Ault offer a different perspective, with visible remains of walls and a probably early medieval church.
Cycling routes through Zignau
The cycling route “From the Romansh to the Walser” runs from Brigels via Danis and Zignau to Hanschahüs. Along the way, it branches off the main road towards Zignau and then follows a steadily climbing gravel road via “Alpine Bike No. 1” to Boden. This lets you see the village as one section of a longer route, connecting several named waypoints rather than being just an out-and-back ride.
Another option is stage 11 of GraubĂĽnden Bike, which runs from St. Martin via Zignau to Trun. The two cycling routes differ in their stated starting and ending points. Compare this route with your planned ride before allocating time for it. Check conditions before setting out, as trail conditions may vary.
Hiking, ski route and practical planning
The St. Brida alpine chapel is located near Zignau. It was built in 1734 and dedicated to Saint Brigid, the patron saint of livestock. The chapel can be reached from Zignau on a four- to five-hour hike; the duration may vary depending on the route chosen and conditions. Allow time for this longer hike in your plans.
The Cuvers ski route starts just beyond Zignau and initially follows an alpine road. The route offers views of the Tödi massif and numerous other mountain peaks; visibility depends on the weather. Check winter conditions and avalanche risk before setting out. Parking in Zignau is limited, so visitors are asked to park considerately. This information applies to the village, not specifically to the start of the ski route.
If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your stay, plan your days according to whether you mainly want to explore the village’s history or set aside time for the four- to five-hour hike to the chapel. This will help you match your preferred focus to the time available.
For the broader travel overview: Trun.
