In Riom-Parsonz, village culture and routes through the landscape offer two clear focal points for planning a trip. In Parsonz, St. Nicholas Church and the adjoining rectory define the village; from there, views extend across the Surses Valley in both directions. Riom-Parsonz lies on the old road to the Julier Pass in the Oberhalbstein mountains, while Parsonz itself sits on a western terrace in the Oberhalbstein.
Village Ensemble and Architecture in Parsonz
St. Nicholas Church and the adjoining rectory form a significant ensemble that defines Parsonz. The Baroque church was built by Capuchins, consecrated in 1663 and restored in 1969. Notable features include the choir stalls and paintings. The architecture is defined by two naves, side choir spaces resembling chapels and a deep polygonal choir. The slender campanile, topped with an octagonal structure, stands on the north side.
Another cultural stop is the Salaschigns Chapel. It lies on the left slope of Val da Morts, on the eastern slope of Piz Toissa, and offers expansive views across the SotgĂ´t. It can be reached by car from Parsonz or Salouf. The village church and chapel thus differ not only in their architecture but also in their respective settings.
Routes Through Different Landscapes
The Parsonz–Salouf–Pulens route follows the so-called Kisten Pass to Salouf, then continues above the village to the hamlet of Pulens. You can take the postbus to Parsonz to reach the starting point; the return journey is from Salouf or Pulens. These two return locations are a practical difference to consider when planning the route.
The Ziteil bike route runs through the area around Parsonz on forest roads to just before the village, then follows a gentle path towards Salouf. Conditions can vary by season. Roggi’s Trail starts at the Bellavista restaurant in Parsonz. It passes through snow-covered forests and by snow-covered Maiensässe to Plaz da Piertg, and is marked with SwitzerlandMobility route sign 574. Seasonal winter conditions can affect access.
Different details are relevant when choosing a route: the possible return locations are specified for Parsonz–Salouf–Pulens, while Roggi’s Trail is defined by its winter landscape and seasonal access conditions. In winter, the Tigignas–Parsonz–Riom winter trail also takes skiers and sledders from Tigignas to Parsonz or Riom; the trail is therefore used seasonally by different groups.
Radons and Views Across the Valley
In summer, meadows and raised bogs with a great diversity of species shape the surroundings of Radons near Parsonz. Radons can be reached directly from Savognin on foot or by e-bike. Alternatively, take the mountain railway to Tigignas or Somtgant, then continue on foot or by e-bike. If this option is important to your plans, check the seasonal availability of transport.
The expansive views from Parsonz across the Surses Valley in both directions complement the specific route descriptions by offering a way to orient yourself during your stay: the village provides views across the region, while the routes described each have their own starting and end points or seasonal considerations.
Getting to Parsonz
Parsonz can be reached by train and postbus via Tiefencastel and Cunter. If travelling from Zurich, the route begins with an SBB train to Chur. Check current train and bus connections before travelling.
By car, the route from Basel or Zurich goes via Chur, Thusis and Tiefencastel towards Savognin, then continues via Cunter. Check local road conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Alvaschein, Alvaneu, Salouf, Stierva, Lantsch/Lenz, Sur, Savognin, BergĂĽn
For the regional travel overview: Albula.
