Discover Sufers: Lake Sufnersee and the Rheinwald

Sufers is a municipality in the Viamala Region of the Canton of Graubünden. The clustered village lies in the west–east-running Rheinwald, north of the Hinterrhein, which is dammed to form Lake Sufnersee, and at the mouth of the Steilerbach stream. The lake, side valleys and historic sites offer different ways to shape your stay.

At Lake Sufnersee and on the trails around Sufers

Most of Lake Sufnersee lies within the municipality of Sufers. In the region, Sufers is the only village with direct access to the lake. Along the circular trail, nine benches invite you to stop and relax; there are three official fire pits on the shore. If these facilities are important to your plans, check before your visit, as such infrastructure details can change.

The circular hike through the Surettatal starts and ends in Sufers. It goes around Lake Sufnersee and across the Surettaalp; the route is 12.30 kilometres long and takes about four hours. Check the route’s seasonal conditions before planning your hike. Sufers also lies on the Via Spluga cultural and long-distance hiking trail and on national cycle route No. 6.

A route by the lake is also described for winter: the Panell snowshoe trail descends to the Sufers reservoir. The winter walking trail allows you to continue the tour around the lake and on to Sufers. The options described therefore differ significantly by season and route: the circular hike crosses the Surettaalp, while the snowshoe trail can be continued along the reservoir.

Alpine scenery and places to visit

Lai da Vons lies high above Sufers and Andeer, at an altitude of 1,991 metres. Alpine wildflowers surround the lake, which offers views of the mountains of the Rheinwald. Lai da Vons can be reached on foot or by bicycle. During the summer months, a hiking bus runs from Sufers almost all the way to the lake. If you want to use this seasonal service, check the timetable before your trip.

The hiking area near the Cufercalhütte reveals another alpine side of the surrounding landscape. The hut lies at an altitude of 2,385 metres on a grazing terrace at the southern foot of Piz Calandari. In summer, the hiking area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including ibex and chamois.

Fortress, museum and local history

The Crestawald Fortress Museum presents Swiss military history and insights into the Cold War era in an underground fortress. The fortifications were built from September 1939 to 1940 to block the north–south transit route through Graubünden. Individual visits and guided tours are available; check the opening arrangements before your visit.

Gilli's Museum displays household and agricultural items from several centuries. The Reformed Church of Sufers also brings together local and architectural history: its origins date back to 841. The present-day listed building was erected during the early Bündner Wirren, from 1618 to 1625.

Sufers is first mentioned in 831 as Subere; a church was endowed there ten years later. The language history of the Rheinwald has also been marked by change: the outer valley was historically inhabited by Romansh-speaking people. After the Walser colony in the inner valley expanded to Sufers around 1300, German became the main language. During a stay, you can therefore explore not only the landscape and routes but also different periods of local history.

Discover more destinations: Avers, Wergenstein, Hinterrhein, Pignia, Nufenen, Fardün, Almens, Ausserferrera.

Return to the parent travel overview: Hinterrhein.