Rabius: Hiking, Winter Trails and Culture

Rabius offers a range of options for a stay: hikes to the Greina Plateau, circular routes in Val Sumvitg, winter hiking trails and historic buildings. The Greina Alpine Bus connects Rabius with Runcahez in Val Sumvitg and takes hikers directly to trailheads for hikes to the Greina Plateau. If you are looking for a hotel, your planned activities can help guide your choice of destination: the routes differ in their landscapes, terrain and cultural stops.

Routes between Val Sumvitg and Alp Glivers

The Val Sumvitg circular route passes through the remote, largely unspoiled Val Sumvitg. It runs exclusively along minor roads, forest roads and unpaved roads, and is suitable for beginners, e-bikes and gravel bikes. The starting point and finish are at the car park of Hotel Greina in Rabius. These details make the route particularly appealing if you are looking for a circular trail with a specified start and finish.

The circular route to Alp Glivers has different characteristics. It starts in Rabius and follows an unpaved road uphill to the Salvaplauna alpine pasture. Alp Glivers Dadens is reached via a partly narrow and demanding singletrack. The highest point is at Rusna S. Gions in Val Murtès, 1,976 metres above sea level. When planning, you can compare the Val Sumvitg circular route, which follows minor and unpaved roads, with a route whose description also includes a demanding trail section.

Churches, chapels and themed trails

The church and chapel hike in the municipality of Sumvitg is 7.8 kilometres long and passes five different churches and chapels. It starts in Rabius, runs through Campieschas and S. Benedetg, and returns to Rabius. The nearby Chapel of St Michael is in Campieschas. It was built in 1696, and its north façade was also decorated with colourful wall frescoes. The route therefore combines a specific trail with several religious buildings and a historical detail about the chapel.

The Church of the Nativity of Mary in Rabius also offers a glimpse into the history of the village. During a visitation in 1643, it was first mentioned as a chapel under the title of St Mary. Bishop Ulrich VI de Mont de Vella consecrated the church on 23 June 1683. The main altarpiece is a copy of the image of Mary in the chapel of Acletta, made by Fridolinus Eggert in 1687. These dates tell the story of several stages: its early mention as a chapel, its consecration and the later creation of the altarpiece.

The themed trail «Glimpses of Space and Time» starts at Rabius-Surrein railway station and runs through Surrein to Cumpadials. At each event station, local interviewees tell stories from their earlier lives. The «viewpoints» are located in public places in the municipality of Sumvitg that have a direct connection to the relevant topic. For another trail with a different approach, you can reach the Paul Luziet legends trail from Rabius railway station in about ten minutes on foot; walking time may vary depending on local conditions.

Winter hiking and trails in the valley

The old road between Rabius and Surrein is also open as a winter hiking trail in winter. From Rabius, the winter route follows the old road above the Igniu playground and barbecue area towards Surrein. Check the local signs before setting out. Another option is the Sumvitg–Runs–Rabius winter hiking route, which can be started at the western end of Rabius, heading towards Sumvitg. From Runs, it offers views of the Val Mulinaun bridge and into Val Sumvitg.

The Las Squadras circular walk follows unpaved roads and quiet minor roads, and is also suitable for strollers. The Igniu bike park is also located between Rabius and Surrein. Its trails vary in technical difficulty and total almost one kilometre. The Igniu recreation area near Rabius on the valley floor includes a climbing wall and a playground with a fire pit. This provides a choice of different trails and leisure activities without confusing their respective route characteristics.

Regional cuisine and local themes

The culinary circular hike passes through Rabius, Surrein, Cumpadials, Sumvitg and S. Benedetg. It highlights regional culinary experiences and the surrounding natural landscape; its starting point is right at Rabius railway station. The route was put together by the «Center sursilvan d’agricultura» in connection with the «da nus» project to make regional products from the upper Surselva visible and tangible. Individual culinary offerings may change, so it is advisable to check the latest details before setting out.

Hotel Greina also puts a culinary emphasis on seasonal Swiss cuisine with a touch of creativity, using only local products. Menu and service details may change; check them before visiting. The «Jacomet» ski brand has also been made in a small workshop in Rabius since 2019. Production arrangements may change. These local themes complement the trails and buildings with insights into regional cuisine and craftsmanship.

For the general travel overview: Sumvitg.