Discover Peist: village history and mountain scenery

Peist is a village in the municipality of Arosa in the canton of Graubünden. It lies eleven kilometres as the crow flies east of Chur, on the northern side of the Schanfigg valley, and belongs to the St. Peter/Hochwang region. A linear village, Peist sits on a sunny slope, around 250 metres above the Plessur and 100 metres above the Chur–Arosa railway line.

Peist in the Schanfigg valley

The former municipal area of Peist extends from the Plessur across a slope cut by several ravines to the Hochwang range. This mountain backdrop includes Cunggel and the 2,461-metre-high Mattjisch Horn. The history of the wider region also goes back a long way: the Schanfigg valley was first documented under the name “Scanavico” in 765. In administrative terms, Peist has belonged to the municipality of Arosa since the municipal merger in 2013; several of the municipalities involved had previously been independent.

Village history and crafts

At the lower edge of Peist, in the Farbtobel ravine, stands the historic Peist sawmill, a unique monument to the economic history of the Schanfigg valley. It is part of the commercially used “Mühle Rufinätscha” building complex and is open to visitors free of charge. Check whether a visit is possible before you set out. The building was originally constructed as a mill and converted into a sawmill in 1819. Its changing function links the history of milling with its later use as a sawmill.

The local craft tradition extends beyond a single business. In the 19th century, some “Peist masters” became widely known for their skills as gunsmiths, instrument makers, carpenters, turners, cloth dyers and blacksmiths.

The Reformed village church in Peist has a distinctive onion dome and is a protected monument. Following the major fire of 1874, it was restored in 1876/1877. The church is open outside service times too; check the local arrangements in advance.

An ash tree stands right beside Peist railway station. It is estimated to be around 350 years old and is described as the oldest known ash tree in Europe. This notable natural landmark also serves as a local point of reference by the railway line.

Insights into Walser culture

At the Walser Stallmuseum in Peist, the exhibition explores the history of traditional farm work before mechanisation. Every tool is labelled in the Walser dialect, making the barn feel like a linguistic time capsule. Guided tours are available on request, and guided access is seasonal. Arrange a tour before your visit.

Next to the Brunnastübli in Peist, you can play an original post horn dating from 1831. Access may depend on the museum’s arrangements. Another recurring tradition is the Peist Alpine Festival, held in summer in odd-numbered years. Check the specific event dates when planning your trip.

Hiking and trails around Peist

Good footwear, sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential for the Langwies–Peist section of the Schanfigg High Trail. Terrain and weather conditions may vary seasonally. These are specific requirements for this named section that you should take into account when planning your hike.

The piste map of the Hochwang cableways shows a 5.8-kilometre route from the Hochwanghütte to Peist; trail conditions may vary. The nearby Hochwang area also offers snowshoe hikes. Availability and conditions may vary seasonally. The region therefore offers both a designated route to Peist and a nearby option for snowshoe hikes.

Discover more destinations: Chur, Langwies, Praden, Malix, Churwalden, Castiel, Pagig, Sankt Peter.

For the broader travel overview: Plessur.