Via Calanca

Arvigo is nestled between steep wooded hillsides on a cone of debris that was brought in by the Calancasca. The stunning wild river flows under the stone buildings in the east of the village and through the valley. While the lower part of the Calanca valley, cut deep into the mountain, is climatically similar to Ticino, the climate in the rear part of the valley becomes more alpine and cooler.

The hike begins on the attractive stone arched bridge that connects the new part of the village with the old one. Massive blocks of gneiss can be seen on the streambed. In addition to tourism, this natural stone is of great economic importance for the Grisons village. The famous dark striped Calanca gneiss is mined and processed on-site in the quarry below Arvigo. It is used, among other things, in the construction of steps, floors and brickwork.

An attractive path follows the stony course of the wild river up the valley. Visible on the left is the five-storey tower of the Church of San Lorenzo. In the coniferous forest, you pass huge, moss-covered boulders and vertical rock faces. Crooked wooden bridges and stone slabs placed a long time ago smooth the way.

Selma is a small settlement with a cable car that goes to Landarenca. Anyone who makes it to this altitude of approximately 330 metres will arrive at the vehicle-free, sun-drenched hamlet. Rural depopulation means that only about twenty people live here permanently. The land, which has been cultivated for centuries, is now overgrown by hazel and alder bushes and forest trees.

A trail lined with young birch trees continues north along the banks of the Calancasca. In Cauco, you will find stately homes, chapels and baroque churches, which were built by returning emigrants.

You now suddenly find yourself on the stunning plain of Pian di Alne. The largest floodplain along the Calancasca is home to numerous species of flowers, butterflies, amphibians and birds. Cattle graze here on wide pastures between birch trees and small ponds.

Crossing the Calancasca a few more times, you reach Santa Domenica and then Augio. Together with Rossa, they form the northernmost settlement in the Calanca Valley. To the east of Augio is a stunning 250-metre waterfall. In Santa Domenica, the sacred building of the same name, dating back to the Baroque period, is worth a detour.