The Rheinwald Region

There is so much to see and experience in this region. Those places that we think are particularly special and worth putting on the list of things to do while you are here, are included below. Even more ideas and information can be found on Viamala Ferien (site only in German and Italian).

You’ll be greeted in this valley with a whistle. That’s because the groundhogs in Bregalgatal welcome their visitors in that way. You will learn all there is to know about these fury hibernators on this unique trail. The world’s only adventure trail solely dedicated to this animal is complete with signs full of information and interesting facts.

The Viamala Gorge is an extraordinary natural wonder with up to 300m high vertical rock faces. The play of colour and light in the water, the carved rock formations and the bridge built in 1739 form a memorable impression. Children (between 5-14 years old) have the opportunity to hunt for treasure with the help of treasure map.

The ceilings of the St. Martin Church were painted between 1109 and 1114. Made up of 153 smaller paintings, this artwork is the last Romanesque piece of its kind and condition left. It is almost completely in its original form without any of the 90cm squared pieces covered over. Painted on sections of fir wood, the small squares were covered with a thin veneer of plaster, decorated upright and once complete, mounted onto the ceiling.

An interesting piece of Swiss Army history is waiting for you in the Military Museum of Crestawald. Under amazing time pressure, the Crestawald Fortress was built at the start of World War II. The idea was to protect the north / south access across the Splügen and San Bernardino passes. The Foundation for Military History opens the fortress to the public for free access on Saturdays between 10am and 5pm from June through to October.

A visit to the Niagara Falls inspired Christian Pitschen Melchior, a Swiss immigrant in America, to open a waterfall access up for tourists back in Switzerland. He threw himself into the work and created a pathway, which is relatively unchanged today, into the hard stone. The memorable path leads you to an impressive waterfall, and under the Rhine River.

The historical viaSpluga leads those that visit over the ancient mule tracks and up onto the Splügen Pass which sits 2115m above sea level. Just before the Pass’ summit, a small trail heads to a 312m long avalanche protection gallery. Constructed in 1543, this is one of the last remaining indicators of the difficulties and dangers that building a road in those times endured.

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