Taking the Tgantieni chairlift, the first step of the tour is comfortably begun. Above lies the alpine path, going to the Tgantieni Mountain Hotel and then further onto the Bergbeizli (small mountain pub) Spoina. The first part runs over well-prepared forest roads with occasional glimpses of Lenzerheide and Heid lake. The gentle descent passes the Valbella hostel and goes through Parpan village back to Churwalden.

A further nature trail brings you to Passugg, which is the source of a famous mineral water. The roaring creek Rabiosa, in Romansch «The Raging», cuts its way through the Passugg gorge. In 1863 this spring was rediscovered, which is known today throughout Switzerland as the mineral springs of Passugg. Next you drop down to Chur and take the gondola back up to Brambrüesch. From here descend again on a tarmac surface to Churwalden, where you take the chairlift Heidbüel.

The hike starts at Reichenau railway station, where you first cross the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers and then walk along the Vorderrhein to Trin Station. After an initial stretch through the village, a beautiful hiking trail follows, always along the Rhine. In between there are always beautiful vantage points and good opportunities for breaks or barbecues. The hike is also ideal for families with small children, who can already hike on their own or are otherwise carried in a carry backpack (but not recommended for prams). At Trin Station you can optionally cross the Rhine on the suspension bridge.

From the Chur railway station, follow the national cycling route no. 2 (Rhine route) and cycle at the riverbank to Landquart. In Landquart, cross the Rhine river and later at Sarelli go left and follow the road up to Pfäfers and carry on to Vättis through a rugged basin with almost vertical mountain slopes.

The final ascent to the pass takes you away from the traffic through unspoilt, splendid countryside. Shortly past the Eggwald mountain restaurant, you leave the Canton of St. Gallen and enter Grisons again before reaching the pass summit.

When crossing from the Tamina Valley into the Rhine Valley, the great differences at either side of the water divide are amazing. The final descent to Tamins is a special treat, offering views of the confluence of the Vorder and Hinter Rhine. From Tamins take the national cycle route No. 2 (Rhine route) back to Chur (or return by rail from Reichenau station).

www.viafrancisca.ch/wegbeschreibung/

For more explanations on the trail, visit us on www.viafrancisca.ch

www.viafrancisca.ch/wegbeschreibung

There are now two pilgrimage routes between Chur and Disentis, with the Via Francisca running mainly on the southern side of the Rhine, while the Way of St. James Graubünden, called Via SonGiachen, runs on the northern side. However, the two paths are almost identical up to Tamins. So it may happen that the two hikers in front are also pilgrims, but on their way from South Tyrol to Central Switzerland.
Both paths lead from Chur towards the Graubünden Oberland, called Surselva. Initially, we hike along the southern edge of the wide Rhine valley. At Domat/Ems we first cross the tracks of the Rhaetian Railway at the station, then walk between the two hills "Tuma Tschelli" and "Tuma Casti" and then circle the second to the north. This brings us first to the Rhine power plant, and after crossing the Rhine over the weir, the paths then separate to meet again briefly on the main square of Tamins. But only as far as crossing the village square, where we separate again. Now it's down to cross the Vorderrhein on the railway bridge. And so we arrive at Bonaduz.

The stages in this documentation are suggestions that each pilgrim can adapt to his wishes. however, the technical data always concern the assumption that these stages are completed in one day.

Chur - River Plessur - Rose Hill - Lime kiln - Paleu sura - Domat/Ems - Tuma Casté - Power plant - Rhine weir - Tamins - Anterior Rhine - Campagna - Bonaduz

After leaving Maienfeld, we walk through the vineyards of Jenins and Malans. After the village of Malans, we leave the "Graubünden dominion", as this wine-growing region is called.
Afterwards we cross the Landquart, which has left the Prättigau shortly before through a very narrow rock cut. In the upper part of this valley are the well-known ski resorts of Klosters and Davos.
We stay on the eastern side of the Rhine in the relatively wide valley to Trimmis, passing through other, smaller vine-growing areas. The Rhine Valley is now gradually changing direction to the west.
Leaving Trimmis, we then go up again to the valley flank, which brings us shade in the forest and also gives us the opportunity to look at the Rhine Valley from the heights. In doing so, we also bypass the extensive outskirts of Chur, which lie at the bottom of the valley. This takes us through a lot of nature directly to the cathedral of Chur, the capital of the canton of  Graubünden. 

The stages in this documentation are suggestions that each pilgrim can adapt to his wishes. however, the technical data always concern the assumption that these stages are completed in one day.

Maienfeld - Eichholz - Erlenböden - Buochwald - Malans - River Landquart - Marschlins Castle - Igis - Zizers - Molinära - Trimmis - Bach Maschänser Rüfi - Fürstenwald - Waldhaus - Eulengut - Chur Cathedral

Today's stage is impressive, it takes us on the southern flank through the Rhine Gorge, the Swiss version of the "Grand Canyon", popular especially with water sports enthusiasts such as canoeists or rafters. The gorge has very steep flanks on both sides, so that the embarkation usually takes place in Ilanz and the disembarkation at the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein near Reichenau. However, there is still a transport option, because the Rhaetian Railway (narrow gauge) runs on the Chur - Ilanz route through the gorge, with some bridges and tunnels. This route is also used in winter. So whatever the weather has in store for capers, we will definitely come to Ilanz.
Of course, we hope for sunny weather, because then this stage with its breathtaking views is an unforgettable treat. We will ascend at the beginning and enjoy the gorge from above, then we will descend to the Rhine, where we will then meet the Rhaetian Railway and follow it and the Rhine to Ilanz.

The stages in this documentation are suggestions that each pilgrim can adapt to his wishes. however, the technical data always concern the assumption that these stages are completed in one day.

Bonaduz - Caumas - Tschavir - Zault - Puz da Mattauns - Versam - Hübschera - Carnifels - Alatobel - Carrera - Carreratobel - Valendas - Station Valendas - Castrisch - Glenner - Ilanz

The scenic Rhine Valley near Chur, as well as Graubünden's north, known as Bündner Herrschaft, are regions that are predestined for wonderful walks and beautiful hiking tours. The wine villages and hiking trails are aligned like pearls along the Rhine River. Hike on a breezy autumn day when the "Föhn" blows across the Alps, when the wine harvest is drawing close and when one of the wine villages is preparing for a colorful fall festival - these are truly unforgettable experiences!

There are 3 circular tours through the vineyards along the way, Trimmis/Zizers (appr. 4 km), Malans/Jenins (appr. 10 km), Maienfeld/Fläsch (appr. 10 km). Together with the main trail from Chur to Fläsch (30 km), there are more than 40 km of signposted hiking tours available. A special map of the wine hiking trail is available at the tourist information at the railway station in Chur, as well as along the the way in the wine villages.

Due to its sunny location in the valley, the wine hiking trails are a good option almost all year round.

A worthwhile short tour out of the city of Chur. It leads through the beautiful Fuerstenwald forest recreation area to the rural village of Trimmis and along the Rhine back to the Alpine City. On the way back, you cross the Rhine on the Pardislabrücke bridge, which is well worth seeing, the Plessur on the Italian bridge and finally you return through the picturesque old town to the starting point at Chur railway station.  

Anyone walking through Chur often hears the water gurgling beneath them or sees small streams rushing past. No, it is not a sewer, it is the Chur mill streams. Since Chur itself has no water of its own and still obtains its drinking water from sources of value, the mill streams were the lifelines of the city for centuries. The Plessur as the dominant river in the landscape flows through Chur, but it has much of a wild mountain stream on which neither goods could be transported nor mills could be driven. Therefore, the construction of the mill streams was the prerequisite for a regulated water supply of Chur. They provided the city with service water and hydroelectric power and enabled industry and the population to survive in Chur. Did you know, for example, that the Chur Quadereis was produced annually with the water of the Mühlbach or that the repair workshop of the SBB was powered by the same water? 

• The tour is suitable for strollers
• The tour is wheelchair accessible
• Book the tour as a culinary tour and enjoy a delicious 3-course menu during your tour