Surroundings
Our little guide for sportive and cultural activities in the Domleschg area and around.
In the Domleschg area, the sunniest of all of the 150 valleys in the canton of Grisons, lies the historic town of Fürstenau. Surrounded by snow-crowned peaks and alpine waters, it has excellent connections to all major Swiss cities and the northern part of Italy. Zurich is about an hour and a half drive away, Milan just under three hours.
Fürstenau
Why wander far when the smallest town in the world is right on your doorstep? In addition to Schauenstein Castle, also called the Upper Castle, there is a second castle here in Fürstenau, called the Episcopal or Lower Castle. From Casa Caminada, built by architect Gion A. Caminada on the foundations of two old stables, you just have to follow the little road and turn slightly left, to find yourself in front of this magnificent building. The face of Fürstenau has remained practically unchanged since the end of the 19th century; in the meantime, the small town has been included in the inventory of Swiss sites worthy of protection. In the Stoffelhaus, just at the entrance to the Obergass, there are exceedingly rare wall paintings from around 1400. If you would like to learn more about these High Gothic depictions and the history of Fürstenau, you can ask for an appointment for a guided tour on the website of the Stoffelhaus.
Viamala
The Latin name Viamala means something like "bad path" in German. An indication of how difficult it was in earlier times to master the approximately eight-kilometer-long stretch along the Hinterrhein. Today, the steep gorge is one of the biggest attractions in Graubünden. Thanks to the Travestinersteig, a 62-meter suspension bridge, and another bridge further south, the Viamala can now be crossed easily on foot. A special sight is the staircase with rock gallery built in 1903. Since 2014, interested visitors can learn about the past and present of the Viamala in the visitor center, overlooking the canyon through large windows.
Heididorf
Johanna Spyri's novel character Heidi has delighted generations of children - and adults - with her adventures for over 140 years. The closest you can get to the magic of the eternally young Grisons girl is in the Heidi village above Maienfeld. The heart of the village is the over 300-year-old Heidi House, whose inhabitants inspired Johanna Spyri to write her long world-famous story. Heidi's alpine hut, the town hall stable and the village school in the town hall are further enchanting places for young and young-at-heart Heidi fans. The exhibition "Johanna Spyri's Heidi World" conveys all kinds of knowledge about Heidi, the Alpöhi and Geissenpeter in an entertaining way.
Schloss Reichenau
At the confluence of the two rivers Hinterrhein and Vorderrhein, at the place of origin of the Alpine Rhine, is the spacious and picturesque Reichenau Castle. The castle, with its 77 historic rooms including the Hall of Mirrors and the wine tasting room in the wine cellar, includes an enchanting park. The von Tscharner family, which is the seventh generation to run the estate, is one of the outstanding winegrowers in the canton of Graubünden. Events are held at regular intervals at the castle, for example wine-and-dine evenings. In early summer, asparagus of outstanding quality is available here.
Flims/Laax
Flims and Laax are a paradise in winter for those who love skiing or snowboarding. In the warmer season, hiking and mountain biking lovers will find their routes. The biggest attraction during the summer months is the turquoise blue Lake Cauma, surrounded by dense forest, with a well-kept lido. The water reaches a temperature of up to 24 degrees. Those with a head for heights are in good hands on the Pinut via ferrata, the oldest path of its kind in the country. It leads through caves and up ladders and stairs along the almost vertical rock face.
Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway
The Albula line runs over 62 kilometers and around 1,000 meters in altitude from Thusis to St. Moritz. Together with the Bernina line from St. Moritz to Tirano, it has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2008. 144 bridges and 42 tunnels and galleries make the section one of the most spectacular railroad lines in the world. The 85-meter-high and 164-meter-long Solis Viaduct, the 65-meter-high and 136-meter-long Landwasser Viaduct and the helical tunnels between Bergün and Preda are the most striking parts of this masterpiece of railroad construction. In Bergün, the Albula Railway Museum tells of the history of the line, while the Albula Railway Experience Trail offers visitors spectacular views. In winter, the pass road from Preda to Bergün is transformed into a toboggan run about six and a half kilometers long.
Rhine Gorge
The 13-kilometer-long gorge of the Vorderrhein between Ilanz and the mouth of the Hinterrhein at Reichenau does not bear the nickname "Swiss Grand Canion" for nothing. Its wild beauty can be discovered in an adrenaline-filled way during river rafting - or in a completely relaxed way on the hiking and biking routes along the Rhine. In summer, you can refresh yourself in the crystal-clear water at one of the numerous bathing spots. Railroads and post buses also open up the best views of this monument of nature, which is unique in the entire Alpine region.
Chur
Switzerland's oldest city resembles an open-air museum with its picturesque old town and the buildings of the diocese of Chur. A special architectural jewel is the baroque Episcopal Castle, completed in 1732/33 and still the seat of the bishop. One of the oldest witnesses of Chur's long history, which begins as early as Roman times, is the excavation site of St. Stephen's Chapel, probably built shortly before the middle of the 5th century. From May to October, the Obere and Untere Gasse with the Ochsenplatz are the stage for one of the most beautiful markets in Switzerland every Saturday. Local producers offer just about anything your heart desires here, from dried meat and cheese to honey and fruit, beeswax candles and flowers.
Arosa
Arosa is a Dorado for winter sports and hiking fans, directly connected to the large ski area of Lenzerheide. Those who want to take it easy will also find various attractions in the sunny village surrounded by high mountains. For example, the famous squirrel trail, where the cute little animals eat out of your hand, or the Arosa bear sanctuary. Currently, four bears live in the spacious enclosures of the first bear conservation project of the organization Vier Pfoten on Swiss soil. In addition to a platform with the best view of the animals, visitors can enjoy an adventure trail, an educational playground and a miniature golf course, among other things. Warmth and relaxation are promised by the Tschuggen-Bergoase, a spacious wellness facility with various pools and saunas designed by star architect Mario Botta, which is also open to guests from outside Switzerland.
Golf
No less than five first-class 18-hole golf courses can be reached from Fürstenau within half an hour. In Alvaneu Bad, one of the most beautiful courses in the Alps awaits you with a view of the mountains and the Landwasser Viaduct of the Rhaetian Railway. At the Golf Club Buena Vista Sagogn you have a wonderful distant view of the alpine panorama from Laax to Ilanz and up towards the Oberalp Pass. The Vista Restaurant, awarded with 14 points by Gault & Millau, is also part of the Caminada Group. On Lenzerheide you tee off around 1400 meters above sea level, in the middle of alpine nature. In Domat Ems you play in a unique hilly landscape with various attractive water hazards. Finally, the course in Bad Ragaz belongs to the Leading Golf Courses and World of Leading Golf associations, offers perfect greens and the best view of the Alps. It is part of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz which is home to the restaurant IGNIV by Andreas Caminada (17 points Gault & Millau, 2 stars Guide Michelin).
