Schanfigger Höhenweg

It is one of the wildest stages of the Schanfigger Höhenweg and, with a descent of almost 2,000 metres in elevation, one of the most challenging. The Alpine landscape and extensive grasslands dominate in Hochzwang. In the summer, the hay is dried on the sunny slopes. On the opposite side of the valley, the peaks of the Parpaner Weisshorn, Parpaner Rothorn and Aroser Rothorn line up in the impressive mountain panorama.

The hiking trail initially takes you along gravel roads until the scenery changes at Triemel. Narrow paths over meadows lead you past stands of spruces, which are like small islands on the grassy slopes. You pass numerous waterfalls, cross steep ravines and deep gorges. The flow of the mountain streams varies depending on the time of year, so you may get wet feet crossing them. The exposed passages are secured with chains and ropes. The hike is almost entirely above the treeline – with a clear view over the Schanfigg valley – until you reach the descent at Castieler Tobel.

The long but highly scenic descent begins at Hütta, taking you via Maladers to Chur. It’s hard on the legs: You have more than 1,000 downwards metres of elevation to tackle until Maladers alone. The village switched from speaking Romansh to German at the end of the 16th century. In 1635, it was the last village in the valley to join the Reformation, and towards the end of 2019, it became part of the municipality of Chur. Anyone who wants to take the final stretch a little easier can catch the PostBus from Maladers to Chur, shortening the final descent by 500 metres of elevation.