Rheinwald Valley

The village of Splügen (1,450 m/,757ft) lies in a wide valley at the foot of the Kalkberg, above which rears the Teurihorn (2,973 m/9,754ft). The village, with handsome stone houses and a parish church of 1690, is a popular summer and winter resort (ski-lifts to the Danatzhöhe, 2,160 m/7,087ft), and also attracts considerable through traffic as a result of its location on the route to the Splügen and San Bernardino passes. In the local museum (Oberdorfplatz 65; opening times given) can be seen iconographs of both passes, agricultural implements, etc. From the "Burg" (1,527 m/5,010ft: 15 minutes northeast), a remnant of the old fortifications of the village, there is a fine view of the valley and the Tambohorn. There is an attractive walk (2.5 hours southeast) to the three Surette lakes (2,270 m/7,448ft), in a grandiose mountain setting at the foot of the Surettahorn (3,031 m/9,945ft); and Guggernüll (2,886 m/9,469ft) offers a rewarding climb (4.5 hours, with guide).The road to the San Bernardino pass continues past the village of Splügen and runs up through the meadows of the Hinterrhein valley, following a fairly straight and almost level course, with beautiful views. In 2.5km/2mi it comes to the little village of Medels in Rheinwald (1,533 m/5,030ft), consisting of three groups of houses (to right; exit from expressway). 4km/2mi beyond this, also on the right (expressway exit), is the trim village of Nufenen (1,568 m/5,145ft), opposite the mouth of the Areuetal, which runs down from the Tambohorn, with Guggernüll (2,886 m/9,469ft) to the left and the Einshorn (2,944 m/9,659ft) to the right.3.5km/2mi farther on, to the right, is the village of Hinterrhein.

Hinterrhein (1,624 m/5,328ft) is the last village in the Rheinwald valley, which comes to an end beneath the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Rheinwald or Adula Massif. There is a rewarding walk up the valley to the Zapport hut (2,276 m/7,468ft; four hours), at the lower end of the Rheinwald glacier, the source of the Hinterrhein. From here there are many possible climbs (experienced climbers only) - e.g. the Rheinwaldhorn (3,406 m/11,175ft; four hours), the Güferhorn (3,396 m/ 11,175ft; 3.5-4 hours, with guide), the Zapporthorn (3,149 m/10,332ft; four hours).