Hinterrhein: Cultural Heritage and Trails in the Rheinwald

Hinterrhein is the highest village in the Rheinwald and a starting point for the San Bernardino Pass. Two themes provide clear orientation for a stay: the village’s cultural heritage and the trails along the young Hinterrhein. At the far end of the valley, the Hinterrhein rises at the Rheinwaldhorn, at 3,402 metres, and the Rheinquellhorn, at 3,200 metres. At times, the Paradies Glacier glitters in the sun. River, valley and historic buildings each add a distinct note as you plan your time in Hinterrhein.

Hiking along the young Hinterrhein

The moderately challenging Rheinwald valley hike runs from Sufers to Hinterrhein. It is 15.2 kilometres long, takes about four hours and follows the young Hinterrhein. Along the way, the route also passes over the old viaSpluga transit route. The approximate duration and moderate difficulty rating can help you decide how to fit this hike into your plans.

The Rheinquellweg offers a shorter route: it is 4.5 kilometres long and runs between Hinterrhein and Nufenen. You can start at the entrance to the village of Hinterrhein or at the village fountain in Nufenen; the trail is signposted and can be walked in either direction. Information about the villages is provided at selected fountains. This themed trail connects its two starting points while offering insights into the places along the way.

Another option is the Dörferweg Rheinwald, which reaches Hinterrhein after passing through the Cassanawald forest. The trails differ in their described routes: the valley hike follows the young Hinterrhein and passes by the old viaSpluga transit route, the Rheinquellweg runs between Hinterrhein and Nufenen, and the Dörferweg leads through the Cassanawald forest.

Buildings and history

The Alte Landbrugg is a historic stone bridge dating from the 17th century, with two arches spanning the Hinterrhein. It is one of the Rheinwald’s significant cultural assets and is a cultural asset of national importance in the Canton of Graubünden. The bridge is open to the public; access is subject to local conditions.

The Reformed Church of Hinterrhein is also a historical and architectural highlight. Its historically valuable baptismal font is associated with the medieval Walser migration and the first permanent settlements in Graubünden. The church was dedicated to Saint Peter; in 1219, the Lords of Sax-Misox gave their church to the collegiate church of San Vittore in the Misox Valley. The church tower has a single-storey belfry and a distinctive flat dome.

The Kabinetli postcard gallery displays antique black-and-white photographs, with explanations of everyday life in the past and the history of Hinterrhein. The antique views include Hinterrhein, the Rheinwald, San Bernardino and the Mesolcina. The historical perspective thus extends beyond the village to the other areas named here.

Regional specialities and travel planning

Bachhuus offers regional specialities such as local cheese, various cured meat products, sausages, soups, cakes and other sweet treats. Arrange your visit before arriving. The former storage cellar has been converted into the Bachhuus-Chäller, where you can enjoy local specialities by prior arrangement.

Hinterrhein is accessible by PostBus. Check the current timetable before travelling. When looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first decide whether your trip will focus mainly on hiking trails, historic buildings or regional specialities. This lets you tailor your plans to the specific themes that interest you in Hinterrhein.

Discover more destinations: Sils Im Domleschg, Urmein, Avers, Splügen, Trans, Fardün, Sarn, Scharans

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