discover.swiss ID
osm_1684184
discover.swiss Additional Type
City

Castle Tamins

Reichenau Castle

Weinbau von Tscharner · Schloss Reichenau
The location of Reichenau Castle at the confluence of the Vorder and Hinterrhein rivers is unique.

Description

Reichenau castle lies at the birthplace of the Alpine Rhine, where the two arms of the Rhine join together. Built in the 16th century by the clergy family Schauenstein, the castle looks back on a long and eventful history. At one time it even housed the last King of France.

Today, the historic building serves as a winery for the Tscharner family. Visit and meet wine producer Gian Battista von Tscharner and his smooth, honest wines during a castle tour with wine tasting.

Contact

Responsible for this content Chur Tourism.

City Tamins

Tamins

Reichenau-Tamins
Zusammenfluss des Rheins

Show all 5 images

Schloss Reichenau
Tamins and Reichenau are two villages that for most people have merged into one over time, located an the juncture of Vorder and Hinter Rhine. The Rhaetian Railway station where the lines to Surselva valley and to central Graubünden separate isn't called Reichenau-Tamins for nothing. Kunkels Pass is a well-known location for mountain bikers from near and far. The peak of Ringelspitze is the top of Tamins at 3,247 metres above sea level. Tamins shares its peak with the neighbouring village of Trin and with the canton of St. Gallen across the pass.

Description

The uniquely sunny location makes Reichenau and Tamins a fantastic place to live. Inhabitants profit from a well-developed infrastructure and modern school facilities. Locals and tourists alike find excellent public transport links. Tamins is located along the main north-to-south traffic axis, the A13 motorway.

The natural landscape around Tamins is one of a kind, with many hiking trails through forests and meadows and a diverse flora and fauna. The diversity of nature's beauty knows no bounds in this wonderful area. The unique oak forest, the adjacent rough pastures and the dry landscapes are of national importance. The natural reserve Rattena is characterised by its species-rich hedges, old deciduous trees, dry walls and reptile habitats, ponds and the Valtonis creek. The adjacent forests also have an impressive biodiversity. More than 20 different species of deciduous trees can be found here, amongst them some "exotic" species like the downy oak and the chestnut tree. The entire area is integrated into the Eichwald forest reserve. An exciting nature learning trail introduces visitors to the beauty and the inner workings of this unique landscape.

Where earth meets the skies, atop the Kunkels Pass at 1,357 metres above sea level, the municipality of Tamins owns the mountain restaurant "überuf. Here, hikers and cyclists can refill their batteries, for example with locally produced cheese from the alp at "überuf". For mountaineers wanting to climb up to Ringelspitze, the Ringelspitz cabin offers shelter and an ideal starting point for the expedition.

History

Excavations at burial sites suggest that the area has been inhabited since the Iron Age (around 500 BCE). The Romans were here, too, witnessed by a number of graves and Roman coins that were found top the Kunkels Pass. The grave of an Alemannic warrior suggests that the area remained settled after the fall of the Roman empire. The first written sources mentioning Tamins date back to 1399. In 1540, the parish adopted the Reformation. The village was repeatedly devastated by fires, for instance in the years 1616 and 1631. In 1799, it was set ablaze during the French invasion. The last great fire occurred in 1905.

Reichenau

The name Reichenau goes back to the monastery of the same name at Lake Constance which purchased property in this area during the early Middle Ages. Reichenau Castle was probably built when the seat of the house of Schauenstein was moved to Reichenau in the early 17th century. Around 1755, the residential buildings and workshops in the castle were extended under supervision of Johann Anton Buol.

In 1793 Johann Baptista von Tscharner's educational institution called "Philanthropinum" moved to Reichenau Castle. Teachers like Johann Peter Nesemann and Johann Heinrich Zschokke made the school a renowned institution until its end in 1798. Even Louis-Philippe I, later king of France, thought at Reichenau Castle for some time, adopting the pseudonym "Monsieur Chabos". In 1820 the castle came into possession of the Planta family who gave it its current appearance. Especially noteworthy are the dining room and a small hall in the garden wing.

Kunkels Pass

A particular challenge for bikers is the Kunkels Pass leading to Tamina valley, itself part of the canton of St. Gallen. In old times the route was often used by smugglers trying to avoid tolls around Chur and elsewhere, but it was also an alternate route whenever the Rhine flooded or bridges spanning it had collapsed. 

Rhine gorge

Tamins is the gate to the fascinating world of the Rhine gorge at Ruinaulta. (For water sports, it's the destination!) It is one of the greatest and most diverse landscapes of the Alps. A wild gorge with a raging river, white cliffs and vast forests. Quiet lakes are filled as if by magic and rare birds breed in the forests along the river. Even orchids can be found in this little Paradise. The Ruinaulta is also easy to discover and explore on your own. In the forests and along the Rhine you will find a dense network of hiking trails, various cycling routes and beautiful rest areas. Three stations of the Rhaetian railway (Trin, Versam-Safien and Valendas-Sagogn) are located at either entrance and even in the middle of the Rhine gorge. Those wanting to get to know the Rhine gorge intimately can do so riding on the waves of the river. Ruinaulta offers one of Europe's most exciting routes for canoeing, kayaking and river rafting!

Contact

Responsible for this content Chur Tourism.

Mountain Restaurant Tamins

Berggasthaus Überuf Kunkelspass

Berggasthaus Überuf Kunkelspass
Berggasthaus Überuf Kunkelspass

Show all 3 images

Berggasthaus Überuf Kunkelspass
Mountain inn in the Grisons mountains. Both sports enthusiasts and bon vivants will get their money's worth here - whether you're travelling at a leisurely pace or fast; there's something for everyone to experience on the Kunkelspass.

Description

On a beautiful plateau on the historic Kunkelspass. Mountain inn next to the cow farm with the opportunity to watch the milking. Sunny, cosy terrace and rustic parlour. Simple dishes during the day, special menus in the evening. Our mountain inn has various beds in the tourist dormitory (20 places) as well as two double rooms and a family room with 4 beds. Showroom of the Sardona Arena tectonics. Can also be used as a conference or meeting room. Ideal, around 50 km long, bike tour from Chur. Hiking trails off the road. By car / motorbike via Tamins or Bad Ragaz/Vättis. Driving ban . Permits possible with EasyPark. CHF 20.00 car / CHF 10.00 motorbike.

Contact

Berggasthaus Überuf Kunkelspass

Kunkelsstrasse 89, 7315 Tamins

Responsible for this content Graubünden Ferien.

Rhine Gorge Railway Hike: Reichenau - Trin Station

Geschlossen
Simple
4.9 km
1:15 h
17 mhd
13 mhd
Wandersteg am Rhein
Blick auf Reichenau-Tamins und das Churer Rheintal

Show all 7 images

Ausblick auf den Rhein und den Wanderweg
A rewarding, easy hike along the Rhine Gorge from Reichenau to Trin Station.
Technique /6
Fitness 1/6
Highest Point  608 m
Lowest Point  591 m
Best Season
Jan
Feb
Mär
Apr
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez
Start
Reichenau railway station
Destination
Trin railway station
Coordinates
46.823889, 9.412874

Details

Description

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.

Responsible for this content Chur Tourism.

Kunkelspass round trip

Difficult
56 km
4:30 h
963 mhd
963 mhd
Aufstieg zum Kunkelspass
Kunkelspass - hier fährt kaum ein Biker vorbei

Show all 9 images

Kunkelspass
The Kunkels Pass bike tour is a real classic and well known among mountain bikers, cyclists and e-bikers. You completely ride around the impressive Calanda mountain on this tour.
Technique 1/6
Fitness 5/6
Highest Point  1357 m
Lowest Point  514 m
Best Season
Jan
Feb
Mär
Apr
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez
Start
Chur, train station
Destination
Chur, train station
Coordinates
46.85416, 9.528797

Details

Description

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).

Responsible for this content Chur Tourism.

E-bike Kunkelspass (tour around the Calanda mountain range)

Medium
58.2 km
4:45 h
995 mhd
995 mhd
Churer Rheintal mit Calanda und Kunkelspass
Das eindrückliche Calanda-Massiv, von Brambrüesch aus gesehen (links der Ringelspitz)

Show all 10 images

Schlussaufstieg zum Kunkelspass
The circular tour of the Calanda massif over the Kunkelspass is a real classic. The historic pass route also offers an impressive scenic experience.
Technique 2/6
Fitness 3/6
Highest Point  1358 m
Lowest Point  515 m
Best Season
Jan
Feb
Mär
Apr
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez
Start
Station Chur
Destination
Station Chur
Coordinates
46.853294, 9.529913

Details

Description

You have to do this tour once. For many cyclists it is one of the annual highlights. You experience the mighty Calanda massif from all sides. And who would have thought that it looks so rugged and jagged from the back. The route is extremely varied with the enjoyable start along the Rhine route. Via a side road with little traffic, you reach Pfäfers, where you cross the impressive Tamina bridge that spans the gorge. A long path through the Tamina valley follows via Valens, past the Mapragg reservoir and via Vättis finally to the Kunkelspass. The Überruf mountain inn stands at the top of the pass and offers the ideal opportunity for refreshments before the descent via the Forstrasse, at the beginning through tunnels hewn into the rock, leads down towards Tamins. The way back from there again follows the Rhine back to the Alpine City of Chur.

The Kunkelspass connects the Tamina valley (SG) with the municipality of Tamins (GR). It lies between the steep walls of the Calanda in the east and the mountain group around the Ringelspitz in the west. The narrow road and the tunnel on the Tamins side with the panoramic openings in the tunnel wall were built during the First World War. The Kunkelspass also forms the eastern entrance to the geological wonderland of the Tectonic Arena Sardona. At the pass near the Überruf mountain restaurant there is a seminar room with information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A telescope offers the opportunity to have a close look at the Ringelspitz and the Glarus thrust or the demolition niche of the Tamins mountain fall.

The Calanda massif consists of the four peaks Haldensteiner Calanda (at 2,805m the highest), Felsberger Calanda, Taminser Calanda and Berger Calanda (above Untervaz).

Directions

From Chur you follow the Rhine route 2 to Landquart. There you cross the Rhine and follow a little-used mountain road to Pfäfers, cross the Tamina gorge on the impressive Tamina bridge and then follow the mountain bike route 482 to the Mapragg dam. There you leave the route and ride on the road along the lake. After the lake, you follow route 482 again via Vättis to the Kunkelspass and down to Tamins, from where you finally return to the city of Chur on Rhine route 2.

Directions

Public Transport

Chur train station is easily accessible by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), Rhaetian Railways, Postbus or Chur Bus.

Anreise Information

Motorway exit Chur Nord or Chur Süd and then drive to the city centre.

Parking

At Chur railway station two multi-storey car parks are available (Otto & Alex / SBB Park & Rail).

Responsible for this content Graubünden Ferien.

Rhine Gorge Suspension Bridge - Wackenau Ruin (656.4)

Geschlossen
Medium
12.3 km
3:25 h
160 mhd
157 mhd
Wanderung zwischen Bahngleis und Rheinfluss
Ausblick auf den Rhein und den Wanderweg

Show all 7 images

Wandersteg am Rhein
Great round trip through the Rhine Gorge with crossing the bridge Punt Ruinaulta near Trin and the ruins and viewing platform Wackenau as another highlight.
Technique 2/6
Fitness 3/6
Highest Point  749 m
Lowest Point  591 m
Best Season
Jan
Feb
Mär
Apr
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez
Start
Reichenau station
Destination
Reichenau station
Coordinates
46.824711, 9.408565

Details

Description

This circuit leads from Reichenau, the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein, along the Vorderrhein to Trin Station. Here you cross the Rhine over a 100 meter long suspension bridge (Punt Ruinaulta). A short, steep ascent follows. On the further way it is worth visiting the ruins of Wackenau and the viewing platform, which is slightly below the ruins and accessible from May to October. Through the Bonaduz forest you then return to Reichenau.

Responsible for this content Chur Tourism.
This content has been translated automatically.

E-bike Domleschg castle tour

Geschlossen
Medium
61.3 km
4:25 h
618 mhd
618 mhd
Burg Castelberg
Schloss Ortenstein bei Tomils

Show all 8 images

Paspels mit Schloss Sins
An impressive circular tour through the Domleschg valley south of Chur, which is characterised by rolling hills, orchards and numerous castles.
Technique 2/6
Fitness 3/6
Highest Point  805 m
Lowest Point  564 m
Best Season
Jan
Feb
Mär
Apr
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez
Start
Station Chur
Destination
Station Chur
Coordinates
46.853236, 9.529987

Details

Description

Along the right bank of the Rhine via Felsberg and Tamins, this tour first leads to Reichenau, where the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein is located, which can be seen impressively from the bridge. The tour continues picturesquely over the plateau of Bonaduz and Rhäzüns until you finally reach the Domleschg at Rothenbrunnen. Now follows a magnificent round tour through the southern-looking valley, which is characterized by rolling hills, orchards and numerous castles. A landscape that invites you to explore it on an e-bike. Again and again, the view sweeps over impressive castles, palaces and castle ruins - from Juvalt Castle near Rothenbrunnen to Hohen Rätien Castle near Sils, they characterize the Domleschg landscape. Lake Canova near Paspels invites you to take a refreshing dip in the water (bathing season from May to mid-October). The trail continues along the Polenweg with a view of the Rhäzünser Rheinauen, which are among the most intact floodplain landscapes in Switzerland and are of national importance. Behind the golf course of Domat/Ems with a view of the "Tumas" (the striking hills that originate from landslides and are under nature protection) then follows the last stretch back to the Alpine City of Chur. 

Directions

From Chur on the Rhine route 2 to Bonaduz. There ride across the plateau to Rhäzüns and along the road to Rothenbrunnen. Now follow the Graubünden Route 6 to Thusis and on to Sils. The return journey then follows through the hilly landscape along the castles and via Canova Lake back to Rothenbrunnen. From there on the Graubünden Route 6 back to Chur.

Directions

Public Transport

Chur train station is easily accessible by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), Rhaetian Railways, Postbus or Chur Bus.

Anreise Information

Motorway exit Chur Nord or Chur Süd and then drive to the city centre.

Parking

At Chur railway station two multi-storey car parks are available (Otto & Alex / SBB Park & Rail).

Responsible for this content Graubünden Ferien.

Trans Grischun: Castrisch–Scuol (Stage 3)

Difficult
134.7 km
0:00 h
6402 mhd
5820 mhd
Abfahrt ins Safiental
Aufstieg nach Guarda im Unterengadin

Show all 13 images

Biketransport mit dem Zug oder Postauto ist in Graubünden ein Kinderspiel
Today is a long day ahead – including a transfer with the Rhaetian Railway. So it's always worth getting up early. The highlights? A small Maiensässbeizli with a great view, a spectacular road through the Rhine Gorge and typical Lower Engadine villages.
Technique 5/6
Fitness 4/6
Highest Point  2946 m
Lowest Point  517 m
Best Season
Jan
Feb
Mär
Apr
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez
Start
Castrisch or Ilanz
Destination
Chur / Scuol
Coordinates
46.84462199, 9.72071553

Details

Description

The stage starts in the tranquil village of Castrisch. You first follow the official Rhine Veloroute No. 3, which is only slightly uphill - perfect for taking it easy on your legs. In Valendas, you can fill your water bottle with fresh mountain spring water from the largest wooden fountain in Europe. Shortly after Carrera, turn off onto the road to Brün and continue up to Imschlacht. The road and views are fantastic. Tip: you can fortify yourself with a portion of mountain cheese, salsiz or a nut tart at the Maiensässbeizli. Continue down into the Safiental valley. Then comes another highlight: the spectacular panoramic road along the Rhine Gorge. The rock faces of the “Swiss Grand Canyon” tower 300 meters high. From Bonaduz, you cycle along side roads to Chur. The section between the capital of Graubünden and Lavin in the Lower Engadine is covered comfortably on the Rhaetian Railway.

From the Lower Engadin village of Lavin, your muscle power is needed once again. The route to the stage finish takes you along a fine gravel path via Guarda to Scuol. Below you, the bright turquoise Inn River flows. The landscape in the Lower Engadin presents a completely different picture. The sunburnt stables of the Surselva have given way to houses adorned with colorful paintings. The art of Sgraffito, the traditional stucco technique of the region, is now mastered by only a few in the valley. And in Scuol, not only does mountain spring water flow from the fountains, but even mineral water. Simply gschpunna.

Total distance and elevation gain (excluding public transport sections): 66 km, 1,400 meters of ascent, 1,900 meters of descent.

Geheimtipp

The Trans Grischun passes through inhabited areas at regular intervals, so that you can always find places to stay overnight and adapt the stages to your needs.

Sicherheitshinweis

The tour should not be undertaken in uncertain weather conditions. Weather changes are frequent in the mountains. If a rain front or similar is approaching during the hike, you should turn back in good time.

144 Emergency call, first aid

1414 Mountain rescue REGA

112 International emergency call

Ausrüstung

Helmet, gloves, cycling shoes, glasses, rain and sun protection, drinks, repair kit, first aid kit

Directions

Castrisch - Valendas - Brün - Imschlacht - Arezen - Versam - Versamer Tobel - Bonaduz - Reichenau - Tamins - Felsberg - Chur - public transport - Lavin - Guarda - Ftan - Ardez - Scuol

Directions

Public Transport

Stage tour

Anreise Information

Stage tour

Parking

Stage tour

Responsible for this content Surselva Tourism.
This content has been translated automatically.

Outdooractive Logo

This website uses technology and content from the Outdooractive platform.

Hut hike high above the Chur Rhine Valley (stage 3)

Medium
8.8 km
1:50 h
0 mhd
1320 mhd
Stage 3: Ringelspitzhütte SAC - Tamins
Technique /6
Fitness 4/6
Highest Point  1992 m
Lowest Point  665 m
Best Season
Jan
Feb
Mär
Apr
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez
Start

Ringelspitzhütte SAC

Destination

Tamins

Coordinates
46.8539, 9.53159

Details

Description

After a second overnight stay at the Ringelspitzhütte, the path leads down through the Lavoitobel, which is characterized by its alpine rocky landscapes and the Lavoibach. The descent continues down through forests, back into the Chur Rhine Valley. Finally, you will reach the charming village of Tamins, which marks the end point of this unforgettable hike.

For the return journey, you can take the bus directly to Chur in Tamins. On the way back, enjoy the beauty of the landscape once again and review the experiences of this hike.

Responsible for this content Chur Tourism.
This content has been translated automatically.