Mutten combines a distinctive settlement history with protected dry meadows and hikes ranging from a short climb to a moderately challenging stage. Obermutten also offers a special village church, a museum and winter activities. You can tailor your stay to suit your interests in culture, scenery or outdoor activities.
Getting here and starting your hike
The Thusis–Mutten PostBus route runs from Thusis along the Viamala Gorge to Mutten and continues to Obermutten. If you plan to use this connection to get here, check the timetable in advance. Mutten is a good starting point for hikes; routes vary considerably in length, elevation gain and seasonality.
Obermutten’s village scene and history
According to ISOS, Obermutten is a village of national importance worthy of protection. The history of the settlement can also be seen in the aftermath of the major fire of 1946: the eastern section, damaged by the fire, was rebuilt in keeping with local building traditions, with houses set farther apart. By contrast, the western section, which remained intact, retains the compact settlement layout from before 1946.
Obermutten’s church features a richly painted Toggenburg organ and a carved pulpit. During the major renovation of 1930, the building was clad in spruce wood and fitted with a roof turret. The village museum is housed in the oldest longhouse in the village, a private home dating from the 17th century. An exhibition on the history of lighting features around 200 exhibits and 25 colour panels. The museum is open by appointment only; enquire in advance about a visit. Guided village tours take you through Untermutten, Stafel and Obermutten.
Hikes to Muttner Höhi and Obermutten
For a hike with specified distances and elevation figures, the sixth stage of the Walserweg Graubünden runs from Thusis to Obermutten. The moderately challenging route is 11 kilometres long, with 1,450 metres of ascent and 300 metres of descent. As route conditions vary by season, check them before setting out.
From Obermutten, an easy hiking trail leads to the summit of Muttner Höhi in about 25 minutes, with an elevation gain of 140 metres. The viewpoint is 2,003 metres above sea level. From there, you can see across Domleschg, Schams, the Albula Valley and Heinzenberg; at the summit there is also a 360-degree panorama, benches and a barbecue area. The details of the short climb and the Walserweg stage help you gauge the different levels of difficulty of these two hikes.
Winter in Obermutten
The natural ice rink is in the centre of Obermutten, at 1,863 metres above sea level. During the winter season, it is available for ice skating and ice hockey when temperatures are suitable. You can also go sledging between Obermutten and Stafel, provided there is enough snow. Another option is the Obermutten–Faleia–Obermutten winter hike, which leads from Obermutten via Faleia and back to the starting point. Conditions vary by activity: temperatures determine whether the ice rink can be used, while snow cover affects the sledging route.
Dry meadows and local specialities
Mutten’s alpine pastures are nationally protected dry meadows. Mutten’s dry meadows are home to nine different orchid species. In 2009, Pro Natura acquired around 25 hectares of Obermutten’s mountain meadows and has maintained them jointly with a farmer ever since.
Muttner alpine cheese is made on the Muttner Alp. You can buy it at inscha Laada in Kulturtenn Obermutten or directly at the Muttner Alp during the alpine season. Kulturtenn was converted from a hay barn, whose character has been preserved. Gasthaus Post in Obermutten serves seasonal specialities. Landscape conservation, a regional product and seasonal cuisine are among the different facets of a stay in Mutten.
Discover more destinations: Alvaneu, Filisur, Vaz/Obervaz, Riom-Parsonz, Tinizong-Rona, Marmorera, Salouf, Tiefencastel.
For the regional travel overview: Albula.
