Salouf – Mills, Village History and Hiking Trails

Salouf is a village in the municipality of Surses in the canton of Graubünden; until 1943, Salux was its official name. The village lies on a terrace on the eastern slope of the 2,657 m-high Piz Toissa, above the Julia Valley floor. If you’re looking for a hotel in Salouf, you can plan your trip around the things that interest you: village history, mills, ecclesiastical architecture or trails through Surses.

Village History and Architectural Heritage

The parish church of Son Giera was first mentioned in records around 1290. Its architecture combines several periods: the nave is Romanesque, the choir and tower are late Gothic, and the Rosary Chapel and charnel house are Baroque. There is also a vestibule dating from the late 19th century. The late Gothic choir dates from 1498. This means that several distinct architectural periods, each clearly datable, can be seen side by side in a single building.

The village’s stately homes also shape its appearance; some are decorated with sgraffiti. The settlement’s history includes the knight de Salugo, mentioned in 1160 as the administrator of the bishop’s main estate. Historical evidence points to both Romansh and Walser settlement in Salouf. Buildings of Walser origin can still be found in the hamlets of Mezvei and Sumvei. The population speaks Surmiran, a regional dialect of Romansh.

Mills, Hay Barn and Ziteil

The preserved Mulegn Vigl grain mill dates from 1877 and combines a stone mill and a roller mill in a small space. Groups can visit the Old Mill of Salouf by prior arrangement. The restored Tgamon in Salouf Munter is a preserved hay barn associated with traditional farming. You can visit Tgamon Munter on a hike. Salouf’s restored bakehouse dates from the late 18th century; if you’re planning a visit, it’s best to check access arrangements in advance.

Ziteil is located within the territory of Salouf. At 2,429 m above sea level, it is Europe’s highest pilgrimage site. A historical record documents an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the Ziteil Alp in the summer of 1580. Its religious history and high-altitude location give the site a different focus from the mills and buildings in the village.

Hiking and Cycling Routes

The Parsonz–Salouf–Pulens route is designated as an easy 3.5 km hike. It follows the so-called Kisten Pass to Salouf, then continues above the village to the hamlet of Pulens. The Somtgant–Ziteil–Salouf route descends from Ziteil via Piz Toissa and the Maiensäss settlements of Munter and Ratitsch to Salouf. Seasonal conditions may affect access to hiking trails.

The Veia digl Pader hiking trail passes through Salouf, by a wooden statue of Father Lozza. The Ziteil Bike Route also connects several local landmarks: it runs from Parsonz to Salouf, then climbs further along a forest road towards Ziteil. In winter, the “Winter Hiking through Surses in Two Acts” route passes through Cunter, Salouf and Riom, among other places. When planning this winter route, take seasonal snow conditions into account.

Plan Your Journey

Salouf can be reached by PostBus from Tiefencastel. Check the timetable for your specific journey before setting your travel dates. This lets you coordinate your arrival with the trails and visits that suit your stay.

Discover more destinations: Wiesen, Schmitten, Filisur, Stierva, Mutten, Sur, Vaz/Obervaz, Alvaschein.

Return to the regional travel overview: Albula.