Discover Schiers

Schiers is a political municipality in the canton of Graubünden and belongs to the Prättigau/Davos region. It lies in the Vorderprättigau, where the Schraubach flows into the Landquart. The river crosses the municipal area for about five kilometres from southeast to northwest. South of the Landquart, the Landquartberg is almost continuously forested down to near the valley floor and reaches around 1,600 m above sea level. To the north, the municipal area extends from the Landquart to the peaks of the Rätikon, the Montafon watershed and the Austrian national border. When choosing a hotel stay in Schiers, it helps to decide what your trip will focus on: local history, gorge trails or mountain scenery.

Church history and the Salginatobel Bridge

The Reformed Church of St. John in Schiers was first mentioned in 1101 and was the mother church of the Prättigau. The current building was constructed between 1519 and 1522. The two dates mark different chapters in the church’s building history: its early mention and the construction of the building that stands today.

The history of rule in the Prättigau can also be placed in chronological context. A bishop’s endowment around 1100 and donations from secular lords made the canons of Chur the most significant landowners in Schiers in the 12th century. In 1335, sovereignty passed by inheritance from the Vazers to the Toggenburgs. The end of their rule in 1436 prompted the founding of the League of the Ten Jurisdictions. Later, sovereignty passed to the Montforts, the Matschs and finally the House of Habsburg; in 1649, the people of the Prättigau bought their freedom from its rule.

Another striking feature of the region is the Salginatobel Bridge. It is the centrepiece of the road connecting Schiers with Schuders and spans the Salgina Gorge with an elegant arch more than 90 m above it. In 1991, the ASCE declared the bridge a “World Monument.” The structure thus brings together its role as a road crossing, its striking position above the gorge and a historic distinction.

From the centre of Schiers, signs point to the historic circular trail to the Salginatobel Bridge. It climbs to a viewing platform on the right-hand side of the Salginatobel. There is a large fire pit with drinking water along the way. Check the trail signs before setting out: maintenance and weather can affect the signage.

Hiking trails, gorge and bike tour

The hike through the Schraubachtobel starts at Schiers railway station; initially, follow the signs for the Salginatobel Bridge circular trail. The rock formations in the gorge offer a glimpse into Alpine folding. There is a fire pit at the Chalchofen hut. Another picnic spot is about 1 km before the turn-off to Schuders. Trail conditions can change after snowmelt, storms or flooding; take this into account when planning your trip.

A different route description applies to a bike tour: the Rätikon Bike Tour descends steeply into the Schraubachtobel via the Sagenweg and ends in the valley village of Schiers after passing through the rugged gorge. This differs from the hike through the Schraubachtobel in both mode of travel and described route. Conditions on the bike route can vary seasonally.

Stelserberg and Lake Stels

Different activities take centre stage at Stelserberg depending on the season: in summer, there are opportunities for hiking and biking; in winter, for snowshoeing and ski touring. Stelserberg offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Berghaus zum See is at 1,640 m above sea level and can be reached by car. As road conditions can change, check conditions before driving there.

Lake Stels offers its own natural highlight. The mountain lake has valuable siltation zones and a rich variety of animal and plant life. Rare dragonflies found there include the small whiteface and the azure damselfly; sightings of these species are seasonal. To reach the lake, take the Rhaetian Railway to Schiers, then the postbus to Stels as far as the last stop, Mottis. From there, it is about a 50-minute walk. Check connections and trail conditions before setting out.

Travel by Rhaetian Railway

Schiers station on the Rhaetian Railway is unstaffed. The station has step-free platform access, as well as a ramp or lift. As operating status and access information can change, it is advisable to confirm them before travelling. This lets you coordinate your journey to Schiers with plans for your hike or onward travel on the relevant route.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Antönien, Seewis Im Prättigau, Pany, Davos Platz, Arosa, Valzeina, Luzein, Klosters Serneus.

For the main travel overview: Prättigau-Davos.