There are now two pilgrimage routes between Chur and Disentis, with the Via Francisca running mainly on the southern side of the Rhine, while the Way of St. James Graubünden, called Via SonGiachen, runs on the northern side. However, the two paths are almost identical up to Tamins. So it may happen that the two hikers in front are also pilgrims, but on their way from South Tyrol to Central Switzerland.
Both paths lead from Chur towards the Graubünden Oberland, called Surselva. Initially, we hike along the southern edge of the wide Rhine valley. At Domat/Ems we first cross the tracks of the Rhaetian Railway at the station, then walk between the two hills "Tuma Tschelli" and "Tuma Casti" and then circle the second to the north. This brings us first to the Rhine power plant, and after crossing the Rhine over the weir, the paths then separate to meet again briefly on the main square of Tamins. But only as far as crossing the village square, where we separate again. Now it's down to cross the Vorderrhein on the railway bridge. And so we arrive at Bonaduz.

The stages in this documentation are suggestions that each pilgrim can adapt to his wishes. however, the technical data always concern the assumption that these stages are completed in one day.

Chur - River Plessur - Rose Hill - Lime kiln - Paleu sura - Domat/Ems - Tuma Casté - Power plant - Rhine weir - Tamins - Anterior Rhine - Campagna - Bonaduz

Obersays can be easily reached by public transport, with four daily Postbus journeys making this possible. However, the trip must be booked by phone at least 1 hour before departure. The well-developed road also allows you to travel by private car. Right next to the post bus stop is an overview map of the area around the former Walser settlement of Stams. On the forest and alpine path we leave Obersays. At the Zazaschgrank car park we take the path in the direction of Spundätscha. At the end of the forest, the now narrow road leads to the left and quite steeply up across meadows to the Maiensäss Spundätscha.

The route continues between the houses and on the open pasture land in the direction of Zanutscher Boden. On the ascent, it's worth taking a look back from time to time. The view towards the Graubünden Oberland is becoming more and more fantastic. At the highest point of the hike at the Zanutscher Boden you can see the Dolomites of the Rätikon with the well-known peaks Falknis, Schesaplana, Drusenfluh and Sulzfluh.

This is followed by the descent over pastures and through the alder forest down to the former Walser village of Stams. The small mountain restaurant (open every day from the beginning of May to the end of October) invites you to linger and enjoy. At the Artimi viewpoint there is a special wooden monument in memory of the Poles interned here (1942 - 1944). Always following the alpine road, you will soon reach the starting point in Obersays.

The Bündner Herrschaft, Graubunden's fertile garden and winery lies on a mound of slate detritus. Also the home of Heidi, Peter and Alpöhi (Heidi's grandfather).

Note(s)
Beware: in good weather, a strong wind blows up the Rhine Valley in the afternoon however down valley if the Föhn wind is blowing.

See also
Ostschweiz Tourismus
Fürstenlandstrasse 53
9000 St.Gallen
Tel:+41 (0)71 274 99 00
Fax: +41 (0)71 274 99 01
Email: info@ostschweiz.ch
Internet: www.ostschweiz.ch

The hike through the vineyards and forests of the Five Villages into the Bündner Herrschaft begins at the northern end of the village at the "Gargällis" bus stop. Cross the access road to the village in a northerly direction and follow the sign for Molinära. After the Molinera, the path climbs slightly along the edge of the forest.

After another ascent to Dunkel Töbeli and over the Chessirüfi, you are already in the municipality of Landquart. At Birchholz there is a beautiful view of the village of Igis and the Rhine valley. It is worth stopping over the former moated castle of Marschlin. In slight ups and downs, the route continues to the Ganda, where it crosses under the Prättigauerstrasse.

After the passage at the tennis court, cross the river Landquart and walk along the right bank. After about 1 kilometre, leave the dam and head over the hay divider towards Malans station.

Untervaz has a public transport connection with Chur every half hour and can be easily reached by car. The hike starts in the middle of the village (stop Untervaz Dorf) and leads via Vordergasse to the turn-off to the various Alps. We follow the signpost to the left in the direction of Fallboden and Hinteralp. At the Fallboden, turn left again through the forest to the Bärenhag. On the way we pass two short tunnels carved into the rock.

The alpine road from Bärenhag to the former Walser settlement of Batänja is a bit steep, but easy to walk. On Batänja (belonging to the municipality of Haldenstein) it is worth taking a break and taking in the view of the opposite mountains of the Rhine Valley. Unfortunately, there is no place to stop for refreshments.

The path now winds its way through the small settlement and on through forest and across meadows to the highest point of the hike on the Gürgütschboden. Now it goes downhill on the alpine path. Again and again there are wonderful views of the valley and the rock formations of the Rätikon. The last section from Fallboden back to the village is identical to the ascent route. Right next to the village square you will find the Linde restaurant, where you can wait comfortably for the next post bus.

Combine a leisurely e-bike tour, from Bad Ragaz through the "Graubünden Rhine Valley" region to the historic old town of Chur, with culinary stops in three different restaurants for starters, main courses and desserts.

After the tour, relax in the thermal water of the Tamina Therme and benefit from the relaxation bonus: pay 2 hours, relax for 4 hours.

This stage takes us from Tschiertschen on the left bank of the Plessur via Praden and Passugg to Martinsplatz in Chur's old town. The Cathedral of Santa Maria in Chur is part of the bishopric there. Built on the foundations of a Roman fort, this is the oldest bishop's seat north of the Alps.
Our way leads us past Passugg with the former  Kurhaus there. The 5 healing springs bubbling up here with different chemical compositions were first mentioned in 1562. The spa was closed in 1979. Today, the building is used by the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality, the international Graubünden hotel management and tourism school, but also for local school operations.
Chur is the seat of the diocese of the same name and probably dates back to the 4th century, a bishop of the Diocese of Chur was first mentioned in a document in 451.

This stage takes us from Chur towards the Graubünden Oberland, also called Surselva by the locals. From Chur, we initially hike along the southern edge of the wide Rhine valley and cross a few side valleys here. From Kalkofen, the path leads us to Domat/Ems, mostly across fields at the bottom of the valley. At Domat/Ems we first cross the tracks of the Rhaetian Railway at the station, then walk between the two hills "Tuma Tschelli" and "Tuma Casti" and then circle the second to the north. This brings us to the Rhine power plant, where we cross the weir to reach the island of Barnaus, which we leave a little upstream towards the north bank.
Here we reach the «Senda Sursilvana», the hiking trail through the Surselva, which will be part of our route again and again for the next few days. If the way to Trin-Digg is too long for you, you can already look for a suitable place to stay in Domat/Ems or Tamins.

Today's stage is impressive, it takes us on the southern flank through the Rhine Gorge, the Swiss version of the "Grand Canyon", popular especially with water sports enthusiasts such as canoeists or rafters. The gorge has very steep flanks on both sides, so that the embarkation usually takes place in Ilanz and the disembarkation at the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein near Reichenau. However, there is still a transport option, because the Rhaetian Railway (narrow gauge) runs on the Chur - Ilanz route through the gorge, with some bridges and tunnels. This route is also used in winter. So whatever the weather has in store for capers, we will definitely come to Ilanz.
Of course, we hope for sunny weather, because then this stage with its breathtaking views is an unforgettable treat. We will ascend at the beginning and enjoy the gorge from above, then we will descend to the Rhine, where we will then meet the Rhaetian Railway and follow it and the Rhine to Ilanz.

The stages in this documentation are suggestions that each pilgrim can adapt to his wishes. however, the technical data always concern the assumption that these stages are completed in one day.

Bonaduz - Caumas - Tschavir - Zault - Puz da Mattauns - Versam - Hübschera - Carnifels - Alatobel - Carrera - Carreratobel - Valendas - Station Valendas - Castrisch - Glenner - Ilanz