Cunter brings together historic village buildings and a variety of hiking options, from a 1.8-kilometre walk to a winter loop. The village is part of the municipality of Surses in the Albula region of the canton of GraubĂĽnden. When planning your visit, consider whether you would like to explore the village layout, set out on a trail, or combine both.
Historic Village Layout Along the Julier Route
The historic settlement of Cunter lies along the Julier Route, which was fully developed between 1834 and 1840. In the northern part of the village, a group of buildings is arranged around a square with a large fountain. Numerous barns shape the village’s historic character and mark Cunter as an agricultural village.
The group of barns is especially striking from the valley side: three similar 19th-century barns form a staggered ensemble. The church of S. Carlo Borromeo, also known as St. Charles Borromeo, was rebuilt as a Baroque church in 1677. Its nave has two side chapels, and the three-sided choir faces east. The interior furnishings have largely been preserved in their original form.
The houses also reveal different periods of construction and former uses. The late Neoclassical, stately Scarpatetti residence stands at the southern entrance to the village; according to local tradition, it was once an inn. The former post station consists of a small station building by the road and a large barn set slightly farther back. Both parts of the building are well preserved on the outside and are considered important historic witnesses to the pass route and the emergence of tourism in the late 19th century.
The Lower Scarpatetti House was built in 1622 as a “feudal Engadine house” and extended after fire damage in 1824. In the House Zur Taube, a parlour with a nine-panel ceiling dating from around 1759 has been preserved. The area’s earlier history also includes a Bronze Age settlement at Caschligns above Cunter. It dates from the 12th century BC and was probably the earliest route to the Albula Valley. A treasure found in Burvagn in 1786 is now held partly at the Rhaetian Museum in Chur and partly at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich.
From a Short Walk to a Winter Loop
The easy walk from Cunter via Badogna and Lareschs to Savognin is 1.8 kilometres long. It passes through a larch forest to the Lareschs playground and continues to Savognin. There, you’ll find wooden elements for balancing and climbing, slides, swings, and a barbecue area with firewood.
An alternative route runs from Plang la Curvanera via Motta Palousa and Promastgel to Cunter. It passes through the La Niva Nature Forest Reserve before continuing to Cunter. Motta Palousa is a viewpoint along the route, offering a special view of the neighbouring Albula Valley. The descent to Cunter goes via Promastgel.
The “Arvenduft und Suppentopf” winter hike forms a loop from Cunter via Muntschect, Promastgel and Caschligns, returning to the starting point. Check seasonal trail conditions before setting out. The Bergwald-Wundertüte themed trail starts and ends in Cunter and is open year-round. It features 19 forest play activities for children aged 7 to 12. Route 1 passes through the predominantly larch forest of Lareschs, near Cunter and Savognin.
Getting There and Farm Shop Products
The listed connection to Cunter is by Rhaetian Railway or PostBus to Tiefencastel, followed by a PostBus to Cunter. Check the current timetable for your specific journey.
Two farm shops are worth considering for regional products. The Kaninchen Paradies farm shop sells rabbit meat and rabbit sausages, goat meat and poultry products, as well as Christmas geese. The Nalonder farm shop offers capuns, Linzer torte, meat, cheese, syrup, preserves and natural decorations. Availability of individual products may vary.
Discover more destinations: Surava, Brienz/Brinzauls, Savognin, Lantsch/Lenz, Alvaneu, Marmorera, BergĂĽn, Sur.
For the regional travel overview: Albula.
