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Long distance hiking trail recommended route Multi-stage route

Schanfigger Höhenweg (Schanfigger high trail)

Long distance hiking trail
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Arosa Lenzerheide Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Arosa
    Arosa
    Photo: Marco Hartmann, Graubünden Ferien

Six stages, almost 74 kilometres and around 3,500 metres in altitude: One of the most impressive stage hikes through Schanfigg. The individual stages are characterised by mountain lakes and old Walser settlements. In short, an impressive cultural hike through unique Alpine flora and mountain landscapes.

difficult
Distance 73.7 km
25:15 h
3,551 m
3,551 m
2,627 m
585 m

The Schanfigg region is characterised by the two important towns of Chur and Arosa at the entrance and end of the valley. In between there are small and medium-sized villages that have retained their original character despite the tourist development in Arosa.

5 tips on the Schanfigger Höhenweg:

1. Tschiertschen: This picturesque village was voted the most beautiful mountain village in Graubünden.

2. Arosa: There is much to discover here; the Arosa Bärenland, the Eichhörnliweg (squirrel trail) or loosen up tired hiking legs in the cool waters of the Untersee lido.

3. Sapün and Heimeli mountain inn: The side valley of Sapün is one of the scenic highlights of this long-distance hike. With a bit of luck, you can observe wild animals from the terrace of the mountain inn.

4. Lake Grüensee in Fondei: Lake Grüensee on the Durannapass is too beautiful to simply walk past. Treat yourself to a break.

5. Hochwang: The section between Fondei and Hochwang is perfect as a photo subject: moorland landscapes, flower meadows, sun-baked wooden stables.

The individual Schanfigger stages are between three and six hours long. Since some of the stage locations are served by public transport, there are various options for getting on and off. This allows flexible tour planning to suit your own needs and ambitions.

Route 1: Chur - Tschiertschen

Route 2: Tschiertschen - Arosa

Route 3: Arosa - Sapün

Route 4: Sapün - Fondei

Route 5: Fondei - Hochwang

Route 6: Hochwang - Chur

 

Author’s recommendation

Enjoy the tour as a multi-day stage hike. Let yourself be spoilt in the rustic "Bergbeizli" or enjoy a picnic in the middle of unique Alpine flora.

Overnight accommodation: in each case at the Etappe location.

Tschiertschen, Arosa, Berggasthaus Heimeli, Berggasthaus Strassberg or Casanna, Hochwanghütte, Chur.

Profile picture of Arosa Tourismus
Author
Arosa Tourismus
Update: August 14, 2022
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
2,627 m
Lowest point
585 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 5.52%Dirt road 0.94%Forested/wild trail 29.20%Path 55.65%Road 8.66%
Asphalt
4.1 km
Dirt road
0.7 km
Forested/wild trail
21.5 km
Path
41 km
Road
6.4 km
Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Bergbeizli Ochsenalp Arosa
Arosa Bear Sanctuary
Restruant Strandbad Arosa
Restaurant Alpenrose
Berggasthaus Heimeli
Bergrestaurant Strelapass
Mountain Inn Strassberg
Ski- und Berghaus Casanna

Safety information

  • Constantly monitor the weather development
  • Make sure you have suitable and complete equipment
  • Inform third parties about your tour. Report back when you arrive at your destination
  • Observe the principle "if in doubt, turn back".
  • Enjoy hiking with a smile on your face

Tips and hints

https://arosalenzerheide.swiss/en/Arosa/Summer

https://www.chur.graubuenden.ch/en

 

Start

Railway station Chur (584 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'759'448E 1'191'216N
DD
46.852962, 9.529585
DMS
46°51'10.7"N 9°31'46.5"E
UTM
32T 540372 5188960
w3w 
///coconut.bike.vitals
Show on Map

Destination

Railway station Chur

Turn-by-turn directions

Bahnhof Chur - Tschiertschen - Arosa - Sapün (Heimeli) - Strassberg - Hochwang - Maladers - Chur

Note

Wildlife refuge Weisshorn-Urdental: December 20 - April 15
all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

By train to the Alpine town of Chur.

Here more info about the timetable.

Of course, the trail can be started at any point along the Höhenweg.

By road

By car via the motorway or main road to the Graubünden capital Chur.

Of course, the trail can be started at any point along the Höhenweg.

Parking

Various parking options in Chur.

Of course, the trail can be started at any point along the Höhenweg.

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'759'448E 1'191'216N
DD
46.852962, 9.529585
DMS
46°51'10.7"N 9°31'46.5"E
UTM
32T 540372 5188960
w3w 
///coconut.bike.vitals
Show on Map
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendations for this region:

Show more

Equipment

Clothing suitable for the weather, walking sticks and good walking shoes. Enough to drink and a small pharmacy. 


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Photos from others


Difficulty
difficult
Distance
73.7 km
Duration
25:15 h
Ascent
3,551 m
Descent
3,551 m
Highest point
2,627 m
Lowest point
585 m
Public-transport-friendly Circular route Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Geological highlights Cultural/historical interest Insider tip

Statistics

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Features
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Maps and trails
  • 6 Stages
Long distance hiking trail · Tschiertschen
Schanfigger Höhenweg, 1 route, Chur - Tschiertschen
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 1 closed
Distance 11.8 km
Duration 4:30 h
Ascent 880 m
Descent 110 m

Varied hike through forests and fields : The first stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg leads from Chur via Meiersboden and Passugg to Tschiertschen. 

from Arosa Tourismus,   Arosa Lenzerheide
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 2
Distance 14.6 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 800 m
Descent 400 m

Mountain hike with panoramic views: The second section of the Schanfigger Höhenweg begins with a steep ascent from Tschiertschen and leads on wide ...

from Arosa Tourismus,   Arosa Lenzerheide
Long distance hiking trail · Arosa
Schanfigger Höhenweg, 3rd route, Arosa - Sapün
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 3
Distance 11.3 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 600 m
Descent 500 m

Varied mountain hike with magnificent viewpoints: The third stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg leads from Arosa and the reservoir via Medergen to ...

from Arosa Tourismus,   Arosa Lenzerheide
Long distance hiking trail · Plessur Alps
Schanfigger Höhenweg, 4th route, Sapün - Fondei
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 4
Distance 13.5 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 800 m
Descent 710 m

Challenging mountain hike: Strelapass, rocky path, panoramic views into Prättigau, the picturesque Grünsee lake on the Durannapass - all this ...

from Arosa Tourismus,   Arosa Lenzerheide
Long distance hiking trail · Plessur Alps
Schanfigger Höhenweg, 5th route, Fondei - Hochwang
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 5
Distance 8.9 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 350 m
Descent 300 m

Panoramic hike through impressive moorland: From Fondei to Hochwang with fantastic views over Schanfigg.

from Arosa Tourismus,   Arosa Lenzerheide
Long distance hiking trail · Castiel
Schanfigger Höhenweg, 6th route, Hochwang - Chur
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 6
Distance 18.2 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 210 m
Descent 1,595 m

Unique alpine flora, wild ravines and mountain forests: The last stage of the Schanfigger Höhenweg is mainly characterised by the descent to Chur, ...

Arosa Lenzerheide
Distance  km
Duration : h
Ascent  m
Descent  m
Highest point  m
Lowest point  m
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