Via Calanca

One of the most beautiful and unspoiled spots in all of Switzerland: the Calanca Valley. Its origin lies in the alpine mountain range of the Adula massif, in the heart of the Alps. Sculpted by the river Calancasca, this Grisons mountain valley opens to the south, revealing the vineyards of the Misox valley. The long-distance trail connects the villages of Grono and Rossa in three stages, revealing a wealth of scenic and cultural attractions along the way.

Passing by dry stone walls and chestnut forests, we reach the village of Castaneda. Traces dating to the Neolithic Period offer evidence that the region, heavily influenced by transit traffic over the San Bernardino Pass, was settled several thousand years ago. The ancient mule track now ascends to the village of Santa Maria. Dominated by the imposing Medieval tower and the parish church, it was once the religious center of the Calanca Valley. The sun-baked terraces upon which these two villages are situated testify to the intensive grain cultivation of yesteryear.

Our journey now takes us towards Buseno/Molina, following a historic pathway which connects the Inner- with the Outer-Calanca Valley. Above us rises the spectacular rock-outcropping of Crap de Maria, at the base of which grow broom, hawthorn and juniper shrubs, underlining the arid landscape. Next, we pass the huge stone quarry, where gneiss is excavated to this day, arriving in Arvigo with its 16th century stone bridge. From here, it is worth taking a side trip to the picturesque, car-free village of Braggio, situated on a magnificent sun terrace high above. Braggio can be reached via the small self-service aerial cable car or on foot via the old mule path. Our itinerary takes us through the only flat plain of the Calanca valley, onwards to Selma, from where another detour via an antique footpath – or by means of another self-service cable car – leads us to the charming village of Landarenca at 1272m above sea level, on the right side of the Calancasca river. Back down at the valley floor, we continue hiking on the historic trail to Cauco, which until the end of the 18th century was a center of soapstone workmanship. Baroque churches, chapels and stately homes recount the tales of prosperous, homecoming emigrants: through to its terminus at Rossa, our pathway is embellished with one architectural gem after another.