Wiesen: Walser Village and Wiesner Viaduct
Accommodation in Wiesen
Wiesen is a Walser village on a sunny terrace at an altitude of 1,450 metres between Davos and Lenzerheide. Railway history, Walser culture and trails through the mountain landscape offer different aspects to consider when planning your stay. The season also plays a role: winter activities take centre stage around Boda, while lady’s-slipper orchids bloom in spring along the hike to Schönboden.
Walser culture and the Wiesner Alp
The Wiesner Alp lies at an altitude of 1,940 metres and is one of the most significant Alpine settlements in GraubĂĽnden. It features centuries-old huts in the Walser style, with a stable and a hayloft. The alp can be reached on foot or by mountain bike from Davos Wiesen. Its altitude, architecture and access options offer different points of interest if you are interested in the landscape and cultural character of the area.
The Wiesen village museum uses a historic dwelling with a farmhouse parlour, rooms, kitchen and weaving room to show the simple lives of earlier generations. Wiesen Church features a richly painted Gothic flat ceiling with two coats of arms. The church cemetery contains the grave of Richard Coray, who built the falsework for the Wiesner Viaduct for the Rhaetian Railway in 1908.
Wiesner Viaduct and railway history
The Wiesner Viaduct is a structure built by the Rhaetian Railway in 1909. It is 88 metres high and 210 metres long. The dates mark two consecutive stages: Coray’s falsework was built in 1908, and the viaduct dates to 1909. From Wiesen station, a secure footpath leads to the viaduct. The Sky Walk allows pedestrians to cross on a walkway parallel to the railway line, offering views along the way.
A seasonal guided tour of the viaduct explains its construction, as well as the history and construction of the Davos–Filisur railway line. It starts at Davos Wiesen station; dates may change. The station itself is unstaffed and has ticket and Venda vending machines. The Zügä Beizli kiosk and restaurant are also right at the station.
Hiking trails and landscape
The Alter ZĂĽgenweg is a 12-kilometre one-way hike from Glaris station to Wiesen station. The stated duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes; seasonal or weather-related closures may occur. A hiking route passes through the ZĂĽgenschlucht gorge and follows the Landwasser to Davos Wiesen station.
The “In den Zügen” natural forest reserve is in the Davos/Albula region, within the territory of the municipality of Davos, southwest of Schmelzboden in the Zügenschlucht gorge. From Wiesen, you can reach the reserve on foot in about 1½ to 2 hours via a trail along a sculpture park. This time is an estimate; check the trail conditions before setting out.
Another hike leads from Wiesen station through larch, pine and spruce forests to Schönboden in Filisur. Lady’s-slipper orchids bloom along the route in spring. The Wiesner Alp circular route for e-mountain bikes starts and ends in Davos Wiesen. It passes through Wiesner Alp, Bleika, Plantschtobel, Mülitobel, Saga and Boda. Check the technical requirements and seasonal access before setting out.
Winter activities on the Boda high plateau
The Boda high plateau has a circular cross-country ski trail for both skating and classic technique. The Boda circular winter walking trail follows the ski trail and takes about 30 minutes. Snow, grooming and trail conditions may vary. The Wiesen Swiss Ski School offers seasonal private and group lessons in Wiesen and at Rinerhorn. The roughly half-hour winter walk, cross-country skiing and lessons are different options to consider for a winter stay.
Discover more destinations: Mons, Alvaneu Bad, Stierva, Alvaneu, Tiefencastel, Riom-Parsonz, Tinizong-Rona, Lantsch/Lenz.
Return to the regional travel overview: Albula.
