ViaSett, Stage 2/6

South of Lenzerheide is the entrance gate to Parc Ela, the largest nature park in Switzerland. You cross meadows full of flowers to the Son Cassian chapel in the mountain village of Lenz, once a transport cooperative on the Septimer Trail. You continue on to the Carolingian church of Mistail near Tiefencastel.

From the Lenzerheide/Lai, Altersheim bus stop, the hike initially leads through Lenzerheide. Its highest point, at around 1,475 metres, comes right at the start. Open meadows and woodland soon begin to alternate; the mostly narrow mountain path descends steadily, with only a few short counter-ascents. At St. Cassian, the route passes a small cluster of buildings with a farmhouse and chapel before reaching Lantsch/Lenz.

Beyond the village, the descent continues through open terrain and longer stretches of woodland. After Alvaschein, the route draws close to the Solis reservoir. Shortly afterwards, it leads directly to the Church of St. Peter Mistail, a Carolingian three-apse church and the only unaltered example of its kind in Switzerland. This cultural and historical highlight is well worth a pause. The final section follows an easier hiking trail down to Tiefencastel. After 13 kilometres and just over three hours, the hike ends near the Tiefencastel, vischnanca bus stop.