Mutten: Villagescape, Church and Trails

Mutten offers tangible ways to explore cultural history and hiking. In Obermutten, the villagescape, church and museum tell different stories; trails range from a short climb to Muttner Höhi to Stage 6 of the Walserweg Graubünden.

Getting There and Trails

The Thusis–Mutten PostBus route runs from Thusis along the Viamala Gorge to Mutten and on to Obermutten. If you plan to use this connection to get there, check the timetable before travelling. The climb to Obermutten via the hairpin bends of the old unpaved road is reserved for cyclists and hikers. As local restrictions may change, check the rules in advance.

Villagescape and History

According to ISOS, Obermutten is a village of national importance worthy of protection. The contrast between the different parts of the village shows how the great fire of 1946 changed the settlement: in the eastern section, which was damaged by the fire, the houses were rebuilt farther apart while taking the building tradition into account. The unscathed western section preserves the compact settlement structure from before 1946.

The church in Mutten was completed in 1584. Obermutten Church has a richly painted Toggenburg organ and a carved pulpit. During its major renovation in 1930, the building was clad in spruce wood and fitted with a roof turret.

Museum and Kulturtenn

The Obermutten local history museum is housed in the village’s oldest longhouse, a private home dating from the 17th century. An exhibition on the history of lighting includes around 200 exhibits and 25 colour panels. The museum is open by appointment only, so arrange your visit in advance.

Kulturtenn Obermutten was created from a hay barn whose character has been preserved. It is suitable for seminars, workshops and school weeks. Guided village tours take visitors through Untermutten, Stafel and Obermutten.

Meadows and Views

The alpine meadows of Mutten (TWW-9828) are nationally protected dry meadows. Nine orchid species grow in Mutten’s dry meadows. In 2009, Pro Natura acquired around 25 hectares of Obermutten’s mountain meadows; since then, the organisation has maintained the land together with a farmer.

Muttner Höhi is a viewpoint at 2,003 m above sea level. From there, views extend across Domleschg, Schams, the Albula Valley and Heinzenberg. The summit offers a 360-degree panorama, benches and a barbecue area.

Hiking and Winter Activities

From Obermutten, an easy hiking trail leads to the summit of Muttner Höhi in around 25 minutes, with 140 metres of ascent. A considerably longer option is the moderately difficult Stage 6 of the Walserweg Graubünden from Thusis to Obermutten: it is 11 km long and involves 1,450 metres of ascent and 300 metres of descent. Trail conditions vary by season; check them before setting out.

The Obermutten natural ice rink is in the village centre at 1,863 m above sea level. During the winter season, when temperatures are suitable, it is available for ice skating and ice hockey. The route between Obermutten and Stafel can also be travelled by sled; snow conditions determine whether it is suitable.

Local Specialities

Muttner alpine cheese is made on the Muttner Alp. You can buy it at inscha Laada in Kulturtenn Obermutten or directly on the Muttner Alp during the alpine season. Gasthaus Post in Obermutten serves seasonal specialities.

Discover more destinations: Wiesen, Mons, Salouf, Cunter, Brienz/Brinzauls, Filisur, Lantsch/Lenz, Savognin.

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