The region of Central Graubünden

Tiefencastel and its surroundings

Tiefencastel, located in the middle of the magnificent mountainscape ot Central Graubünden on 850m above sea level invites you to discover the «land of 150 valleys». Hike to one of the many summits in summer and enjoy the splendid views.

Be enchanted by the upland moor Alpflix and experience the beauty of the Albula- and Julierpass - name givers to our house - on a pass round trip. Also in winter our region is worth a trip. Especially for friends of winter sports, who can enjoy themselfs skiing, sledding or snowshoe hiking.

A Railway Paradise

For railway enthusiasts, the railway station is of special interest.Here you can board the famous Rhaetian Railway which belongs the UNESCO World Heritage. Built over 100 years ago the railway line is a real architectural masterpiece. The unique layout of the line is harmoniously embedded in the wildly romantic natural landscape. You can easily take a day trip with the «Bernina-Express» to Tirano in Italy or with the «Glacier-Express» to Andermatt – for railway enthusiasts two trips, they should absolutely not miss. These great showpieces of the railway pioneer days unite with the untamed nature of the Alpine mountains to offer an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

The Parc Ela

In front of the door of our hotel Albula & Julier lies the Parc Ela. This nature parc for explorers is the largest one in Switzerland and covers the pass landscapes of the Albula, Julier and Septimer passes. Steep summits and vast landscapes, surrounded by glaciers and clear mountain lakes offer a unique panorama and give a feeling of real and unspoilt wilderness. The numerous sights are best discoverd on a hike. Besides the wonders of nature there a also many historical sites to discover – historic villages and baroque churches which are a testimony to the importance of the trade routes over the passes in the old days.

Impressions

Excursion tips

Railway Excursions

Bernina-Express (One day excursion)

The Bernina-Express connects the capital of Grisons Chur with the city of Tirano in the Italian wine-growing region of Veltlino. From Tiefencastel you experience the most impressive part of the route on the narrow-gauge railway. The route was built in the beginning of the last century. It leads through the Albula valley and surpasses the Albula pass through 5 loop tunnels and the highest Alpine railway tunnel. Next, the train reaches the Engadin valley with its famous resorts St. Moritz and Pontresina and climbs the Berninapass, 2253m above sea level, in a breathtaking ride with spectacular views on the snow covered Bernina massif and the Morteratsch glacier. The train ride continues through the city of Poschiavo with its patrician houses to the southern terminal station in the city of Tirano in the Italian region Veltlino.

Glacier Express

This attractive mountain railway connects. St. Moritz with Zermatt and leads in 7.5 hours over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels and over the 2033m high Oberalppass. It's an unforgettable panorama ride through the high alps. The centerpiece of the «Glacier-Express» lies between Reichenau and Andermatt - this route is also part of an excursion to Central Switzerland (Einsiedeln), whereby a bus accompanies the train to Andermatt, where it picks up the travellers and takes them to Einsiedeln - or alternatively to the Furkapass with the grand Rhône glacier.

Half-day tours

Ride from Tiefencastel to Lenzerheide (12 km)

Hiking opportunity around the idyillic Heid lake. You also have the possibility to visit the Parpaner Rothorn Summit (2863 m.ü.M.) by taking the cable car from Lenzerheide-Valbella from where you have a unique panoramic view on about 1000 Alpine summits.

Via Mala and Zillis (24 km)

Ride from Tiefencastel through the Schyn gorge to Thusis. The old Solis bridges over the 90m high gorge offer an interesting photo stop on the way. From Thusis you continue to the Via Mala Gorge, which can be visited by foot. You continue to Zillis with its church «St. Martin», famous for its wooden panelled ceiling featuring 153 richly illustrated instructive images.

Daytrips

Davos-Klosters and the cathedral in Chur (120 km)

Travel through the charming terrace villages of the Albula valley (Alvaneu-Dorf, Schmitten, Wiesen) to Davos-Klosters. The «Davos landscape» has become world-renowned as climatic spa, however today, after the eradication of Tuberculosis, it is more widely known as sports and congress venue and offering a delightful are especially for hikers and cross-country skiers together with Klosters. From Klosters, the winding road (or railroad) continues through the Prättigau valley to Landquart. Back in Chur you will find the oldest cathedral of Switzerland - newly renovated over the last few years. The visit of the cathedral is highly recommended; combine it with a stroll through the old town, which connects to the cathedral square harmoniously. On the way back to Tiefencastel you can plan a side trip the the Via Mala gorge and the church of Zillis.

Lugano – Gandria (310 km)

Over the San Bernardino pass and along the narrow lake coast «Gandria» to the shores of the Lago di Como to Menaggio. Through Chiavenna and over the Maloja- and Julier pass back to your starting point. Southern climate and mountain air, lakes and waterfalls, palm trees and mountain flowers characterize this experience.

Where Graubünden finds its golden mean.

The region of Central Graubünden

Tiefencastel and its surroundings

A Railway Paradise

The Parc Ela

Impressions