A Gothic altar and well-preserved 14th-century wall paintings make the Church of St. Mary a special introduction to the history of Lantsch/Lenz. It was first mentioned in a document in 831. To visit, collect the key from sacristan Hilaria Simeon by calling 081 681 21 56; calling ahead is recommended.
Village history in churches and houses
The Chapel of St. Cassian also dates from the 14th century. According to tradition, miners from Plurs who worked in the mines on Parpaner Rothorn built the chapel to replace the abandoned Church of St. Stephen. The parish church of St. Anthony of Padua was built in the mid-17th century, enlarged about 200 years later and renovated in 1985. Its organ dates from 1863; the case and nine stops from that period have been preserved.
The two remaining Pastroins, historic washhouses and bakehouses, offer a glimpse into the village culture of the past and can be visited through the Pro Pastroins association. In the old village centre, you can admire the historic Amilcar House on a stroll along the main street. Frescoes by Hans Ardüser can also be seen on the same street, on the houses at Voia Principala 20 and Voia Principala 16. The medieval house «La Tor» is a reminder of Lantsch/Lenz’s historical importance as a porten station on the Septimer route.
Archaeological finds in and around the Iron Age settlement of Bot da Loz attest to the presence of the Romans. They also point to settlement as early as the Bronze Age and the Middle La Tène period (2200–800 BC). The village thus brings together architectural history and evidence of much earlier phases of settlement.
Nature trails, views and outdoor activities
Open daily, the Don Bosco insect garden shows how native plants, deadwood, gravel, sand and piles of stones provide habitats and nesting sites for insects. In the Bual–Rofna area, the nature trail offers information about local fauna and flora as well as a varied hike. Another option is the circular hike to the Crap La Tretscha viewpoint: the route partly follows a nature trail through a forest area, and there is a barbecue area at the viewpoint.
The hike to the Val Meltger suspension bridge offers panoramic views of Lantsch/Lenz and the surrounding mountains. The ViaSett also passes through the village: its second stage goes by the Maiensäss huts of Tschividains and continues to the Chapel of Son Cassian. For experienced mountaineers, climbing Lenzerhorn or neighbouring Piz Linard is considered a challenging undertaking. There are various signposted cycling routes of different difficulty levels.
Winter activities and conditions
Many hiking trails are also groomed in winter, and the region has a very well-developed winter hiking network. Grooming depends on the weather. The cross-country ski network starts with a trail in Lantsch/Lenz and comprises 56 kilometres of classic and skating trails at different difficulty levels. Grooming is seasonal.
At the Lantsch/Lenz natural ice rink, you can go ice skating and play ice hockey; admission is free. There is a changing shelter and toilets beside the rink. Whether the rink can open depends on the weather and ice conditions—check before your visit. The small, easy-to-navigate ski area is considered ideal for children and beginners; operation depends on snow conditions.
Biathlon and culinary discoveries
The Roland Arena offers biathlon activities such as an introductory course, a family challenge and a group package. It is also a meeting place for elite and junior athletes, recreational athletes, clubs and sports associations. Those interested in village culture can book private guided cultural tours on request. Topics include the washhouses and bakehouses, St. Cassian and Tschividains, the village, and the Church of St. Mary and its cemetery; dates and availability may vary.
Savurando Parc Ela combines a puzzle hike with culinary stops: it starts at the St. Cassian restaurant in Lantsch/Lenz and offers rewards along the way featuring locally made products. The experience is seasonal; dates and availability may vary.
Discover more destinations: Cunter, Marmorera, Stierva, Salouf, Surava, Alvaneu Bad, Bivio, Tiefencastel
Back to the regional travel overview: Albula.
