Discover Cunter: historic architecture and woodland trails
Accommodation in Cunter
Cunter is a village in the municipality of Surses, in the Albula region of the canton of GraubĂĽnden. The historic settlement lies on the right bank of the Julia and along the Julier route, which was fully developed between 1834 and 1840. Here, a distinctive village layout, buildings from different centuries and paths into the surrounding countryside come together.
Historic village layout and architecture
In the northern part of the village, the buildings in a group are arranged around a square with a large fountain. The many barns with attached stables shape the village’s historic character and clearly identify Cunter as an agricultural village. A group of three similar 19th-century barns with attached stables forms a tiered ensemble that stands out when viewed from the valley side.
The Church of S. Carlo Borromeo, also known as St. Charles Borromeo, was rebuilt as a Baroque church complex in 1677. It has a nave with two side chapels and a three-sided choir facing east. The interior fittings have largely been preserved in their original state. The building offers a chance to see the different parts of a church complex, from the nave to the east-facing choir.
The late Neoclassical Scarpatetti manor house stands at the southern entrance to the village. According to local tradition, it was once an inn. The former post station consists of a small station building by the road and a large barn set slightly farther back. Both buildings are well preserved on the outside and are considered important historical witnesses to the mountain pass route and the rise of tourism in the late 19th century.
The Lower Scarpatetti House was built in 1622 as a “feudal Engadine house” and extended in 1824 after fire damage. In the House of the Dove, a room with a coffered ceiling made up of nine panels, dating from around 1759, has been preserved. Together, these buildings show how different periods of construction and uses have shaped the village’s history.
Trails through the forest and valley
The Bergwald-WundertĂĽte themed trail starts and ends in Cunter and is accessible year-round. It features 19 forest play activities for children aged 7 to 12. Route 1 runs through the predominantly larch forest of Lareschs near Cunter and Savognin.
As a winter hike, the “Arvenduft und Suppentopf” circular trail runs from Cunter via Muntschect, Promastgel and Caschligns, returning to the starting point. Check seasonal conditions before setting out. Another route runs from Plang la Curvanera via Motta Palousa and Promastgel, continuing to Cunter. It passes through the La Niva nature forest reserve. Motta Palousa lies along this route and offers a special view into the neighbouring Albula Valley.
The easy, 1.8-kilometre Cunter–Badogna–Lareschs–Savognin walk starts in Cunter, passes through a larch forest to the Lareschs playground and continues to Savognin. The playground has wooden elements for balancing and climbing, slides and swings, as well as a barbecue area with firewood. Unlike the circular trails, this walking route does not end back in Cunter but continues to Savognin.
Local products
The Kaninchen Paradies farm shop sells rabbit meat and rabbit sausages, goat meat and poultry products, as well as Christmas geese. The Nalonder farm shop offers capuns, Linzer torte, meat, cheese, syrup, jams and natural decorations. The selection of individual products may change.
To get here, take the Rhaetian Railway or PostBus to Tiefencastel; from there, continue to Cunter by PostBus. Check the current timetable for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Lantsch/Lenz, Mons, Schmitten, Stierva, Sur, Riom-Parsonz, Mutten, Alvaschein.
Return to the main travel overview: Albula.
