Surava: Village History, Natural Forest and Skateline

Surava is located in the Albula region of the Swiss canton of Graubünden and is part of the municipality of Albula/Alvra. Three different themes are at the heart of planning a trip here: the historic village, the Pioneers’ Trail with its nature forest reserve, and the Skateline Albula in winter. Surava thus combines local history with a signposted hiking route and a seasonal ice trail.

A village on the valley floor

Surava is a ribbon development on the right bank of the Albula, on the valley floor. The Pioneers’ Trail runs along the valley slope above the river. The valley floor and the slope therefore offer two different perspectives on the area along the Albula: the village lies here, while the themed trail runs above the river there.

Local history and architectural heritage

Surava is a Romansh settlement that expanded after the 10th century and has had its own Catholic parish since 1725. The village is notable for richly decorated houses reminiscent of Engadine architecture. The Church of Son Siari is a defining feature of the village; its decorative façade displays a painting of Saint George. The settlement’s development and the parish mark different historical milestones, while the houses and church provide tangible features of the village.

The Pioneers’ Trail

The Pioneers’ Trail is signposted in green as local route 754. Fourteen numbered signs mark the 14 stations. The trail runs from Surava towards Alvaneu Bad. There is a barbecue area and a playground along the hiking trail. The route thus combines a clearly marked sequence of stops with facilities along the way.

Natural forest near Crap Furò

The trail includes the nature forest reserve near Crap Furò. Different types of forest grow across 120 hectares, with spruce alternating with mountain and Scots pine. Felling trees in the reserve has been prohibited since 2008. The tree species and the protection rule offer two different insights into the forest. The rock spire Crap Furò is described as the geographical centre of Graubünden. On the return leg of the trail along the Albula, the route leads to the Arvadi sulfur spring.

Winter Skateline Albula

Skateline Albula is a seasonal winter trail and Switzerland’s first ice trail. It runs from Bad Alvaneu to Surava; the frozen hiking trail follows the Albula through the snow-covered forest. Its route differs from that of the Pioneers’ Trail: the latter runs along the valley slope above the Albula, while the Skateline follows the river. Visitors can hire skates and a helmet and then take the shuttle bus to Alvaneu. Check the operating dates for this seasonal attraction before your trip.

Getting there

To reach the Pioneers’ Trail, you can take the SBB and Rhaetian Railway via Chur, or travel from St. Moritz to Tiefencastel or Filisur. From there, take the PostBus to Surava Dorf or Alvaneu Bad. Check seasonal public transport timetables before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Alvaneu, Savognin, Mons, Sur, Alvaschein, Marmorera, Riom-Parsonz, Lantsch/Lenz

Return to the regional travel overview: Albula.