Discover Untervaz: castles and mountain trails

Untervaz lies eight kilometres north of Chur on the left bank of the Rhine, at the foot of the Calanda and at the entrance to the Valcosenz gorge. The municipal area extends from the Rhine to the ridge of the mountain range; at 2,806 metres, Haldensteiner Calanda is its highest point. In addition to the village, the municipality includes several alpine pastures on the Calanda slope.

Castles, churches and village history

Rappenstein Castle, which is open to visitors, lies above the village in a narrow, damp crevice in the Val Cosenz. Neuenburg Castle can also be visited; it stands on a hill south of the village. The two sites therefore have different settings and need not be combined into a single route.

The churches also reflect different periods of construction: the present-day Church of St Lawrence dates from 1848 and was renovated in 1972. The Reformed church has had its present appearance since its renovation in 1970. Some remains of the former baths can still be seen in Friewis—what survives are traces of the baths, not a bathhouse still in operation today.

At the Untervaz autumn market, traditional crafts meet contemporary trade. The market has been held almost continuously since 1988; the 36th edition took place in 2024. If you would like to include the market in your travel plans, check the specific event date, as individual dates may vary.

Forest nature trail and valley paths

The forest nature trail was created by the Castle Association in 1992/93 and renewed in 2023. It is approximately 780 metres long, lies in the area around the Halbmil meadows and runs mostly through mountain forest. The 34 stops focus on native plants. Small QR codes on the signs can be scanned with a standard smartphone. This short nature trail combines a walk through the forest with specific information about local plants; its approximate length helps you gauge the time involved, but does not specify a walking time.

A path leads from Castrinis deep into the Valcosenz gorge, as far as the ruins of Rappenstein Castle. Another described hike begins in the middle of the village at the Untervaz Dorf stop and passes through two short tunnels cut into the rock. On the eastern edge of the Untervaz Rhine plain, a scenic walking path also runs alongside the floodplain forests. These paths differ in their described landscapes and reference points; check trail conditions and signs before setting out.

The floodplain forest on the northern edge of the municipal area is part of the Rheinauen Mastrils/Untervaz nature reserve. This means that forest walks and protected floodplain landscapes sit alongside paths towards the gorge and mountain forest, although not every path runs through the protected area.

Vazer Alp and Calanda Hut

A road from Untervaz leads to Vazer Alp at 1,758 metres and requires a fee for cars. Check the current rules for access by car before setting off. On the route from Untervaz via Vazer Alp to Calanda Hut, the trail climbs southwest from the alpine pasture to Wolfegg at 2,065 metres, then crosses the grazing land to the hut. The information distinguishes the road connection to the alpine pasture from the further sections of the hut hike. Trail conditions may vary by season.

More activities and local refreshments

The Swiss Helicopter base in Untervaz offers passenger flights into the nearby Rätikon mountains. The offer also includes flights through the Rhine Gorge to Martinsloch. As this is a commercial leisure activity, confirm availability before your trip.

For refreshments, the Hertihof’s adjoining rustic tavern serves roasted coffee from Untervaz and a slice of cake from the farm bakery. Opening conditions for this kind of offer may change; check them before planning a visit.

Untervaz is also included on routes for longer tours: Graubünden Bike Stage 3 starts in the village and ends in Küblis. The nationally signposted Rhine Route 2 follows the Chur–Herrentobel–Chur connection via Haldenstein through open forests and Rhine floodplains to Untervaz and the village centre. The respective routes and destinations are useful distinctions when planning your tour; check current trail conditions and signage before setting off.

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

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