Walserweg Safiental

The third and final leg of the Walserweg Safiental route starts at Safien Platz, the main village in the valley. At 1,296 metres above sea level, it is the only place in the valley that merits the title of village proper. Further settlements are scattered throughout the side valley of Surselva. This hiking trail follows the access road uphill for most of the way to Camanaboda, where there is an inviting local history museum based in an old Walser house.

The Safien Valley was originally settled by Rhaeto-Romanic people and used for Alpine agriculture, as is apparent from the old plot names. Starting in the 12th century, the Walser people emigrated from Upper Valais to the Grisons and took up residence in the region. When the road to Versam was opened in 1885, the valley began focusing more on its relations to the north. Up until that point, farmers had mainly sold their cattle at markets in northern Italy.

After the Camanaboda, the hiking trail switches to a path leading up to the Camana Hütta cabins, which are arranged in a row like pearls on a necklace. The little cabins also mark the highest point on the hike at just under 2,000 metres above sea level. Through the “fairytale forest” of Camana and the equally enchanting Bawald wood, you will descend to Thalkirch. The beautiful church here was first mentioned in 1441, making it the oldest place of worship in the valley.

Walking along the river Rabiusa, you will soon arrive at your final destination for this leg, the Berggasthaus Turrahus inn. Various different hiking routes start at this old Walser house. In winter, it is also a starting point for ski tours, snowshoe hikes, cross-country ski trails and ice climbing. Nowadays, the Safien valley seems practically abandoned. Once, however, the pack-mule routes of the now half-forgotten mountain passes were a hub for traffic from the outside world.