Via Albula/Bernina, Stage 1/10

Leading away from Domleschg, there is a spectacular road through the Schin Gorge. The climb to the little village of Muldain is rewarded with a magnificent view. Several castles and churches, including the 8th century St. Peter’s Church in Mistail, are further highlights along this hike.

From Thusis railway station, the roughly 20-kilometre route leads out of the village and soon follows a succession of hiking and mountain trails into Domleschg. Near Ehrenfels Castle, the trail winds through the forest to Sils im Domleschg. It then alternates between open meadows, pastures and shady woodland; the long ascent makes for a demanding start early on.

Via Parnegl and Plam Pedra Purtgera, the white-red-white waymarked mountain trail continues towards Muldain. Shortly after the village, the hike reaches its highest point at around 1,200 metres. From here, a yellow-waymarked hiking trail follows gentler ups and downs to Alvaschein, passing Restaurant Alpenblick.

Towards the end, St. Peter Mistail, the route’s cultural and historical highlight, stands directly beside the trail. This Carolingian church with three apses is the only unaltered example of its kind in Switzerland. The subsequent descent leads through the surroundings of the Solis reservoir to Tiefencastel. After a good six hours, the hike ends at the railway station.