Igis: History, Trails and Nature

Igis is a village in the municipality of Landquart in the canton of Graubünden. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Igis, specific travel interests can help you find your way around: historic buildings, trails of varying lengths, the wetland biotope in Gruobhof and seasonal winter activities offer different points of interest. A recurring running event and a culinary cycling tour may also play a role in choosing when to travel.

Church, Castle and Palace

The year 1486 is engraved above the main entrance to Igis Church. That same year, the nave was extended to the south and a new choir, closed on three sides, was built. The church has been a listed building since 1973. This links a visible architectural detail to a specific change to the church and its later protected status.

Falkenstein Castle was first mentioned in a document dated 11 December 1338 under the name “Valkenstein.” Its wall remains reveal at least two phases of construction. You can reach the ruins from the upper part of the village of Igis, at point 640, via a narrow, very steep path; the walk takes about 45 minutes. The path can be slippery when the ground is wet. Take these conditions into account when planning your visit.

Marschlins Castle lies on the plain northeast of Igis and is a former moated castle. The rectangular complex is arranged around an inner courtyard and surrounded by moats. It also features remarkable Baroque interiors. At Marschlins, both the layout of the complex and its furnishings shape its historic character.

Trails and nature around Igis

The Planet Trail follows a forest path from Bawald above Igis to Ganda and is around 2.6 kilometres long. Its information boards guide you through our solar system. The trail thus combines a specific route with a clearly defined theme. At around 2.6 kilometres, it is considerably shorter than the ten-kilometre Igis–Ganda–Landquart hike.

The Igis–Ganda–Landquart hike takes about two hours and 30 minutes. Both the ascent and descent are around 56 metres. Along the way, the trail passes numerous biotopes, Mühlebach and Malanser Mühlbach, and follows the banks of the Landquart. When choosing between the two routes, distance and theme offer different points of reference: solar system information boards on the Planet Trail, or a longer hike featuring biotopes and waterways.

Another nature attraction is the wetland biotope in Gruobhof. It comprises four shallow pools, where fourteen dragonfly species have been discovered. The pools give the biotope a distinctive form, while the dragonfly findings highlight its biodiversity.

Seasonal activities and events

The Birkholz ski area is located above Igis. Every winter, the Igis Ski Club installs a drag lift; operations are seasonal and depend on snow conditions. In the Birkholz recreation area, winter visitors can also enjoy walking and sledging. If you are planning your trip around these activities, check the snow conditions and current operating status in advance.

The “Gschnellschta vo Igis” race has been held for more than two decades on the second Sunday in September, on the running track at the Igis school complex. Children and adults from Igis, Landquart and Mastrils take part. If you would like to plan your stay around the race, check the date for your travel year.

Igis is also on the route of the “Fünf Dörfer” culinary cycling tour. It runs via Chur, Fürstenwald, Trimmis, Zizers, Igis, Landquart, the Rhine Route and Haldenstein before returning to Chur. During the tour, participants enjoy a three-course meal at different restaurants. Unlike the individual hiking trails, this experience connects several places through a culinary tour.

Getting there and starting point

Igis RhB railway station can be reached from Chur or Landquart every half hour. Landquart offers numerous connections towards Chur, Klosters/Davos and Sargans. Check the timetable for your travel date. The Igis–Ganda–Landquart hike starts at Igis RhB railway station, so you can take this starting point into account when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Zizers, Landquart Fabriken, Untervaz, Mastrils, Malans, Fanas, Jenins, Says

Back to the regional travel overview: Landquart.