Says: Discover hiking and village history

Hiking, scenery, and history shape the opportunities around Says. When planning, it is worth looking at the specific routes: they vary in length, elevation gain, and views. The journey to Obersays also has a special feature, as the postbus ride must be booked by phone. This lets you assess which themes you want to shape your stay before you start looking for a hotel.

Hikes to Obersays and Lake Saysersee

The circular hike Girenspitz 2133 m – Lake Saysersee starts at the Obersays Artimi car park at 1,512 m. The 14-kilometre route is listed as taking around five hours and 30 minutes; both the ascent and descent are 920 metres. A short detour to Girenspitz offers magnificent views of the Rhine Valley. The duration and route figures may vary depending on route conditions.

The Obersays hike is rated moderate and covers 11.9 kilometres, with 801 metres of ascent and descent. Compared with the Girenspitz–Lake Saysersee route, it is shorter and has less elevation gain and loss. Its route passes through the former Walser village of Stams. The hikes therefore differ not only in length but also in their respective routes.

Meadow terrace, views, and cycling routes

Obersays lies on a green meadow terrace at about 1,100 m above sea level and offers views of the Calanda massif opposite. The short detour on the Girenspitz hike offers a different scenic highlight: from there, the view extends across the Rhine Valley. So when comparing the two hikes, you can also take their different viewpoints into account.

The cycling routes pass through different landscapes. Stage 3 of Graubünden Bike leads over gentle alpine meadows and steep mountain slopes to the remote moorland of Furnerberg. The Stamser Gravel Experience leads to Obersays through a quiet forest dotted with mountain huts and reaches the former Walser settlement of Stams at 1,645 m above sea level. The comparison shows how differently the landscape unfolds along these two routes.

Village history and visits to the local history museum

The Trimmis Local History Museum is in Says, not Ober-Says. Through around 400 historical objects, models, and pictures, it tells the story of the village. School groups and other interested visitors are welcomed by prior arrangement, so please coordinate your visit with the museum in advance.

The history of the Obersays district also has a significant landmark: it adopted the Reformation in 1526. You encounter Stams on the routes described as a former Walser settlement. The Obersays hike passes through the former Walser village, while the Stamser Gravel Experience reaches the settlement along its route. This offers a way to connect local history with different kinds of activity.

Getting to Obersays

Obersays is served by four postbus trips a day. The trip must be booked by phone at least one hour before departure. As timetables and booking procedures may change, check the latest information when planning your trip. For the hike to Cyprianspitz near Valzeina, the bus journey to Obersays goes via Trimmis; up-to-date travel times are helpful for this plan too.

Regional specialities and seasonal dining

In Says, you can refuel with regional specialities from farm shops. The availability of these offerings may change. In Stams, Katja Gurt and Heinz treat guests to culinary delights at their Maiensäss at about 1,650 m above sea level. The offering is seasonal and available on request; confirm availability before visiting.

A possible winter return route

After the steep northern descent of Tüfelsch Chopf, Ober Says can be included as a return route. The latest SAC and avalanche information is essential when planning this route.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Landquart.