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.

The Haldenhüttli is a small wooden pavilion on Schanfiggerstrasse, which leads from Chur to Arosa. The pavilion was built in 1879 by the Chur city association as part of the idea of turning Chur into a climatic health resort. It is also an observation point and retreat for lovers and offers a romantic view of the city to the southwest. The board with the panoramic map on the site helps visitors identify the surrounding peaks.

The bikeshop for rental, sale & service for freeride-, downhill- and enduro bikes, directly nearby the station of the Chur gondola and Alpenbikepark.

Dani Schwarz has turned his passion into a profession: After many years in computer science, he is now a sommelier and runs the "gust" shop in Chur's old town. As a wine expert SFS/ASSP, certified sommelier SFS/ASSP and certified cheese sommelier, Daniel Schwarz is happy to pass on his knowledge - be it in the context of themed tastings, Events with wine, cheese and other food or entertaining formats such as wine and cheese games. In addition, "gust" offers employee training and wine list advice for catering businesses. 

The Rosenhügel looks back on a long and grim history: the hill at the foot of the Pizokel was already in use back in the 14th century - not for recreation, but as an execution site. The gallows were dismantled in 1836. Soon afterwards, new life was breathed into the hill and it was made accessible to the public as a landscape park. In the place where people were once condemned, colourful flowers now bloom and on the site where the executions took place, a fountain now bubbles peacefully to itself. Situated just above the city, the park offers a wonderful panoramic view of Chur and the surrounding area.

Currently: Upgrading the park
In order to make the park more attractive, as part of the development along with Hirschbühl in 2018, the entire complex was being enlarged and improved.

Access
Rosenhügel can be accessed from Malixerstrasse (between Obertor roundabout and restaurant Rosenhügel). One entrance directly opposite the restaurant Rosenhügel and one halfway between restaurant and roundabout.

The Schönegg Alp at 1,119 m is a popular outing destination for hikers and mountain bikers; the latter often like to visit Schönegg as quick evening trip. The Alp is in the municipal territory of Chur and is used for Alpine farming in the summer. As the name in German suggests, is it a «beautiful corner» where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Rhine valley near Chur and the Calanda massif opposite.

The University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons is an innovative and entrepreneurial university of applied sciences with over 2000 students. It trains responsible specialists and managers. As a regionally anchored university of applied sciences, it impresses with its personal atmosphere beyond the cantonal and national borders. The University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons offers bachelor's, master's and continuing education courses in architecture, civil engineering, digital science, management, mobile robotics, multimedia production, photonics, service design and tourism. It also conducts applied research in these disciplines, contributing to innovations, knowledge and solutions for society. The University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons has been part of the FHO University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland since 2000. With the eligibility for contributions granted by the Federal Council, it will be the eighth public university of applied sciences in Switzerland as of 1 January 2020.

This square is older than its name; until the 17th century it was still known as Klosterplatz. Then the adjoining monastery was closed and a corn granary set up in the church. With the departure of the monks, the old name for the square also disappeared. The name Kornplatz (Corn Square) has remained to this day – in spite of the fact that the once stringently controlled corn trade was liberalised in 1840 and the corn granary closed down. While the square served as a site for various markets right into the last century, these days it is an important intersection between the sleepy Old Town and the livelier modern district.