Grottenstein is a cave castle of undetermined age at the foot of a rockface on Calanda mountain. A 20-metre-long section of wall remains to this day of the castle built under a rocky bluff.

 Haldenstein gets its name from the castle above the village. Haldenstein Castle was build in the mid-12th century and was the seat of the house Haldenstein. The castle was inhabited until the end of the 17th century, before it was destroyed by earthquakes in 1769 and 1787.

The new pedestrian connection in Chur not only bridges the difference in height between the Plessur and Halde school grounds, but turns it into an eventful path with a rapid succession of views of the cathedral, the old town, the mountains, and the Plessur and Rhine Valleys.
Although the connection leads under a road, it runs above ground as much as possible, closely following the slope of the topography and thus giving you the feeling of being «in the countryside». Most of the structure touches the rock, is carved out of the rock, or lies snug against the rock. The roof over this massive base is made of weather-proof steel.

St. Martin's Church was originally a Romanesque church built in the 8th century and conse-crated in 769 AD. It was named after St. Martin, Bishop of Tours. The church was largely destroyed during the great fire of 1464. It was rebuilt in late Gothic style and reused parts of its Carolingian predecessor. Construction was completed in 1491 and it is the largest late-Gothic building in Graubünden. This church in the Old Town was a centre and base for the Reformation in Chur from 1523. Since 1919, the three glass windows by artist Augusto Giacometti have been a special feature of this church. They depict the Christmas story.

The St. Luzi chapel is situated at an altitude of about 900 metres, about 45 minutes on foot from the old town of Chur on a hiking trail in the direction of Mittenberg. It is located within a rock grotto and forms a picturesque but also wild place of peace and reflection. It is under the patronage of Luzius of Chur and is owned by the St. Luzi Seminary of the Chur Theological University.

Hikers can climb up to Mittenberg, to the village of Maladers or further up to Fürhörnli or even Montalin. Experienced bikers appreciate the technical descent from the Mittenberg via St. Luzikapelle into the valley.

The Haldenstein playground lies just along the walking and cycling route Chur-Haldenstein (Rhine cycle route no. 2), along the river Rhine. Its location and the integrated barbecue make it the perfect destination for a family outing. There is a lot of shade thanks to the many trees. 

The Fürstenwald forest extends along the North East of the urban area; it is a popular recreational area with beautiful views of the city and the Calanda. Many paths lead through the mixed forest, making it an inviting place to go walking, hiking, jogging, or biking. A true paradise for anyone who wants to relax far from the bustle of the city or to get active!
The fastest way to Fürstenwald: by public bus no. 2 «Fürstenwald» from Bahnhofplatz in Chur or by car to the Fürstenwald cemetery car park.

Picturesque and medieval - that is how the Arcas looks today. Before 1971, however, it was quite a different story, for until then warehouses obscured the square. Architect Theodor Hartmann had these demolished and integrated an underground garage into his new design concept. Nevertheless, the Arcas has still retained its medieval character, for the row of houses extending towards the Plessur river are built onto the old city walls. And these - as can be seen at Arcas 25 - are thought to date from the 13th century. Nowadays, the medieval houses, with the modern open spaces in between, give the square a picturesque touch.

The Arcas is arguably the most beautiful city square in Chur. With its historical town houses and cafes surrounding the open space, it exudes an almost Mediterranean ambiance. During events, the Arcas becomes a picturesque stage in the heart of the Old Town. Of course, there is also a well where you can refresh yourself. The well on Arcas square is made of Gneis rock from the village of Andeer. It is based on the myth about the spirits on Scalära.

Haldenstein is the ideal starting point for biking or hiking tours up to 2,800-meter-high Calanda mountain. The mountain range between the Rhine and Tamina valleys is a fascinating landscape offering spectacular views down to the urban valley floor around Chur and onto the Alps. Not far from the village there is the climbing garden Haldenstein, considered the first of its kind in Switzerland. It was comprehensively renovated in 2012 and 2013. But those who are not out for an athletic challenge will feel just as at home in Haldenstein. The banks of the Rhine are the perfect scene for leisurely walks or cycling trips, horse rides and picnics.

Despite the short distance to the cantonal capital Chur, Haldenstein has retained its rural character to this day. However, things to get busy every other year in May, when the Garden Festival at Haldenstein Castle opens its doors to the delight of garden and plant lovers from near and far. It also offers numerous other attractions. Alternating with the Garden Festival, every other year Haldenstein Castle becomes the stage for impressive outdoor opera productions by the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Graubünden.

History

The area around Haldenstein has been settled during the medieval and Roman periods and as far back as prehistoric times. In the mid-12th century, the church of Haldenstein is first mentioned in a document. It was replaced by a new church in 1732. It's the only church in the bishopric of Chur that is dedicated to St. Gereon. The Reformation did not arrive in Haldenstein until the first half of the 17th century, nearly a century later than in neighbouring Chur.

Its location between Calanda mountain and the Rhine means that the village has faced many perils: In 1868, it was devastated by a flooding of the Rhine, and in 1971 there was a mudflow at Calanda. The village was hit by fire in 1825 and threatened again by a devastating forest blaze in 1943. 

The impressive castle was built in the early 16th century. From 1544 to 1548 the structure was expanded and magnificently decorated. Part of it was panelling which today is at Köpenick Castle in Berlin. The castle was extended by a floor in 1731. One year later it was damaged by fire and immediately rebuilt. From 1763, the north wing of the castle was home to the Phiantrhopinum, a well-known educational institution. Today, Haldenstein Castle hosts the Garden Festival and many other cultural events.

Haldenstein was originally a Romansh-speaking community, but Germanisation set in around the 14the century, even before it had reached Chur. Haldenstein gets its name from the castle above the village. Haldenstein Castle was build in the mid-12th century and was the seat of the house Haldenstein. The castle was inhabited until the end of the 17th century, before it was destroyed by earthquakes in 1769 and 1787. Another fortress, Lichtenstein Castle, was built in the 12th century and was located on a mountain ridge some distance north of the village. It was probably abandoned in the 15th century, after it had come into possession of the Lords of Haldenstein when the house of Lichtenstein died out at the end of the 13th century.

Batänja

Halfway up mount Calanda, at about 1,400 metres above sea level, lies the abandoned settlement Batänja, formerly called Sewils. It was gifted to the brothers Hans, Dietrich and Jos Batänier, a family of Walser origin, by the nobleman Peter von Griffensee. It was inhabited until 1869 and even had its own school. Today, the landowners coordinate a great voluntary effort to ensure the upkeep of the buildings in Batänja.