Schanfigger Höhenweg

The tour starts at the Arosa train station with a view of the Obersee and the artistic facade of Hotel Garni The Lindemann’s, which echoes the work of Viennese artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The sun-drenched village is situated on the steep slopes of the Weisshorn mountain chain. Because of its sunny location, situated in the open basin of the Schanfigg valley and because of its excellent air quality Arosa was a popular Alpine resort as early as 1877. Following the water, you stroll past charming lakes in the middle of the village. Past the Untersee, Arosa’s swimming lake with a beach, you continue to the Isel reservoir.

This is where you begin to climb over gentle Alpine meadows to Furggaalp. The path narrows and a few minutes later it enters the Tiejer forest, which is lined by larch trees. The forest opens up from time to time and allows a view of Arosa, located on the opposite side of the valley. Behind it are some impressive peaks to see: Weisshorn, Plattenhorn and Tschirpen. In Tieja and Tschuggen you come across the first sunburned Walser houses. The panorama is breathtaking. Dark pine forests alternate with Alpine meadows and merge into scree slopes and rock formations. Now and then you discover some snow fields despite the warm summer days. Make sure you take a look at the valley with the small villages of the Schanfigg – it’s very picturesque.

Shortly thereafter you already see the old Walser settlement of Medergen. The charming village with its richly adorned wooden buildings suggests a journey in time. In the 13th and 14th centuries, shepherds, cattle breeders and Alpine farmers migrated from the Upper Valais and settled in the remote mountain regions of Graubünden such as Medergen, Sapün and Strassberg. In addition to the well preserved Alpine and residential buildings, there are many loving details to discover. The Alpenrose mountain restaurant with its cosy Walserstube is an attractive place for a break. Medergen was able to preserve its originality mostly because of its simplicity. To this day, the village has no power or running water.

The descent to Sapün has another scenic highlight in store. The steep cliff of the Chüpfenflue makes you stop and stare in awe, while the narrow path continues to leisurely meander through the Chüpfer Tälli. A short while later you reach today’s destination, the charming Heimeli mountain house. From the sunny terrace, you might be lucky enough to spot some chamois and stag scrambling over the steep slopes around the Chüpfenflue.