Schanfigger Höhenweg

Six stages, almost 74 kilometres and 3,500 metres of elevation gain

Schanfigger Höhenweg (Schanfigg High Trail) is one of the most impressive multi-day hikes in the Schanfigg valley. Each stage takes you past mountain lakes and historic Walser settlements, combining fascinating cultural heritage with unique alpine flora and spectacular mountain scenery.

The multi-day hike

The Schanfigg region is shaped by the two important destinations of Chur and Arosa, located at the entrance and the end of the valley. Between them lie a number of small and medium-sized villages which, despite the tourism development in Arosa, have retained their authentic character.

Highlights along the Schanfigger Höhenweg

1. Tschiertschen:
This picturesque village was voted the most beautiful mountain village in Graubünden.

2. Arosa:
There is plenty to discover here, from the Arosa Bear Sanctuary and the Squirrel Trail to the refreshing waters of Untersee lido, perfect for soothing tired legs after a day of hiking.

3. Sapün and Berggasthaus Heimeli:
The Sapün side valley is one of the scenic highlights of this long-distance hike. With a little luck, you may even spot wildlife from the terrace of the mountain inn.

4. Grüensee in Fondei:
The beautiful Grüensee on the Duranna Pass is too stunning to simply pass by. Take a break and enjoy the scenery.

5. Hochwang:
The section between Fondei and Hochwang is a dream for photographers, featuring moorland landscapes, flower-filled meadows and sun-weathered wooden barns.

Discover the entire route

The stages

The Schanfigger Höhenweg connects the Alpine city of Chur with the holiday resort of Arosa across six stages, leading through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes. The trail passes through traditional Walser villages, crosses scenic mountain passes and follows idyllic mountain lakes.

Whether you choose to complete it as a multi-day hiking adventure or as individual day hikes, each stage can be planned and combined to suit your preferences thanks to excellent public transport connections. This allows you to experience the Schanfigger Höhenweg at your own pace and according to your own interests.

Stage 1: Chur - Tschiertschen

A varied start: From Chur, the trail climbs through impressive natural and cultural landscapes to Tschiertschen.

The first stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg leads from Chur to Tschiertschen, offering diverse scenery with forests, meadows and impressive ravine landscapes. Along the way, hikers pass through Passugg with its historic spa hotel and the tranquil village of Praden.

One of the highlights of the route is the wild and romantic Steinbach ravine before the trail follows historic paths to Tschiertschen. This charming mountain village delights visitors with its Walser architecture, late Gothic church and authentic character.

There are various places to stop for refreshments along the route and in Tschiertschen. At the end of the stage, a selection of accommodation options is available for an overnight stay.

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Stage 2: Tschiertschen - Arosa

On scenic high trails from Graubünden’s most beautiful mountain village to the holiday destination of Arosa.

The second stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg leads from Tschiertschen to Arosa via the Ochsenalp. After the initial ascent, hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Schanfigg mountain landscape. The varied route follows pleasant alpine trails for most of the way and offers stunning scenery throughout.

A popular place to stop for refreshments is the Ochsenalp, located roughly halfway along the route. Alternatively, the fire pits at Rot Tritt or Oberer Prätschsee provide inviting spots to take a break surrounded by nature. Shortly before reaching Arosa, a detour to the Arosa Bear Sanctuary is well worth the visit before the stage ends in the renowned holiday resort.

In Arosa, hikers can choose from a wide range of restaurants, accommodation options and excursion activities, making it the perfect place to enjoy an extended stay or prepare for the next stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg.

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Stage 3: Arosa - Sapün

From Arosa through traditional Walser villages to the idyllic Sapün valley.

The third stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg leads from Arosa via the reservoir and Alp Medergen to Sapün. Following the “Path of Water” and passing through diverse mountain landscapes, hikers are treated to magnificent views of the Graubünden Alps along the way.

A particular highlight is the historic Walser village of Medergen, where traditional houses and a sunny setting invite visitors to linger. As the trail descends into Sapün, the striking Chüpfenflue mountain dominates the scenery before reaching the day’s destination.

For a break along the route, the Alpenrose mountain restaurant in Medergen is an ideal stop. The stage ends at the cosy Heimeli mountain lodge, which is also a perfect place to stay overnight and is renowned far beyond the region for its warm hospitality.

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Stage 4: Sapün - Fondei

Over scenic mountain passes and through traditional Walser landscapes into the Fondei valley.

The fourth stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg is one of the more challenging sections of this multi-day hike. From Sapün, the trail leads over the Strela Pass and past the idyllic Grüensee on the Duranna Pass before descending into the Fondei valley. Along the way, hikers are rewarded with impressive views of the Prättigau region and the surrounding mountain scenery.

One of the highlights of this stage is the contrast between the high-alpine landscapes and the traditional Walser valley of Fondei. Scattered sun-weathered wooden houses, flower-filled alpine meadows and a well-preserved cultural landscape give the valley its unique character.

For a break along the route, hikers can stop at the mountain restaurant on the Strela Pass or at the mountain lodges Strassberg and Casanna. Both also offer accommodation and are excellent options for an overnight stay at the end of the stage.

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Stage 5: Fondei - Hochwang

Through flower-filled alpine meadows and impressive moorland landscapes to scenic Hochwang.

The fifth stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg leads from the traditional Walser valley of Fondei to Hochwang and impresses with its particularly diverse landscapes. Changing moorland areas, colourful alpine meadows and the region’s characteristic hay barns define this section, making it one of the scenic highlights of the entire route.

Along the way, hikers are rewarded with magnificent views across the Schanfigg valley and back towards Fondei. This centuries-old cultural landscape reflects the traditional management of alpine meadows, which continues to shape the area to this day.

For refreshments, the mountain lodges Casanna and Strassberg offer welcoming stops along the route. At the end of the stage the mountain lodge Hochwang invites hikers to relax on its sunny terrace and also provides accommodation for the next stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg.

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Stage 6: Hochwang - Chur

Through wild ravines, scenic mountain forests and traditional mountain settlements back to Chur.

The final stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg leads from Hochwang back to the Alpine city of Chur. On the long descent, hikers pass through a varied landscape of flower-filled alpine meadows, mountain forests and traditional Maiensässe (seasonal mountain settlements). Particularly impressive are the wild ravines and gorges that give this section of the trail its distinctive character.

Unlike the previous stages, parts of the route pass through less frequented areas, offering a particularly immersive nature experience. Several mountain restaurants and refreshment stops along the way provide ideal opportunities to take a break before the multi-day hike comes to an end in Chur.

Chur offers a wide range of accommodation options and excursion opportunities, making it the perfect place to relax and round off your hiking adventure.

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The route of the high trail

From the Alpine city of Chur to the mountain village of Arosa, the Schanfigger Höhenweg leads through some of Graubünden’s most impressive natural and cultural landscapes. Each stage has its own unique character, combining scenic hiking trails with authentic mountain experiences.

Food & accommodation at a glance

From cosy mountain restaurants and sunny terraces to welcoming places to stay overnight, the Schanfigger Höhenweg offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a well-earned break or a restful night surrounded by the stunning mountain scenery of Graubünden.

Discover Schanfigg

Everything you need to know about the Schanfigg valley at a glance.

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Lift Status & Open Facilities

Summer Sports Report
Hiking Map

Arosa Lenzerheide Mountain Summer
Hiking Routes and Tours
Biking

	Places to eat	Accommodation options
Stage 1	Dining options in Tschiertschen	Accommodation in Tschiertschen
Stage 2	Ochsenalp mountain restaurant Prätschli-Stall Barbecue sites in Arosa Dining options in Arosa	Accommodation in Arosa
Stage 3	Alpenrose mountain restaurant, Medergen Heimeli mountain lodge, Langwies	Heimeli mountain lodge, Langwies
Stage 4	Strela Pass mountain restaurant Strassberg mountain lodge, Langwies Casanna ski & mountain lodge, Langwies	Strassberg mountain lodge, Langwies Casanna ski & mountain lodge, Langwies
Stage 5	Hochwang mountain lodge, St. Peter-Pagig	Hochwang mountain lodge, St. Peter-Pagig
Stage 6	Triemel mountain restaurant Gassa-Beizli, Calfreisen Dining in Chur	Accommodation in Chur

Schanfigger Höhenweg

Six stages, almost 74 kilometres and 3,500 metres of elevation gain

The multi-day hike

Highlights along the Schanfigger Höhenweg

The stages

Stage 1: Chur - Tschiertschen

Stage 2: Tschiertschen - Arosa

Stage 3: Arosa - Sapün

Stage 4: Sapün - Fondei

Stage 5: Fondei - Hochwang

Stage 6: Hochwang - Chur

The route of the high trail

Food & accommodation at a glance

Discover Schanfigg

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