Salouf lies on a terrace on the eastern slope of 2,657-metre Piz Toissa, above the valley floor of the Julia. Highlights of a stay include high-altitude trails as well as church architecture, mills and the history of the village. Salouf is a village in the municipality of Surses in the canton of GraubĂĽnden. Until 1943, the village was officially known as Salux.
Hiking trails around Salouf
The “Winter Hiking through Surses in Two Acts” route passes through Cunter, Salouf and Riom, among other places. Snow and the time of year are part of planning this tour: snow conditions vary by season.
Another option is the Parsonz–Salouf–Pulens route. It is designated as an easy 3.5-kilometre hike, crossing the so-called Kisten Pass to Salouf and continuing above the village to the hamlet of Pulens. Both the route’s difficulty rating and its length are specified.
The Somtgant–Ziteil–Salouf hiking route descends from Ziteil via Piz Toissa and the Maiensässe of Munter and Ratitsch to Salouf. The Ziteil bike route runs from Parsonz to Salouf, then climbs further towards Ziteil along a forest road. Seasonal conditions may affect use of these hiking and biking routes; check conditions before setting out.
The Veia digl Pader also passes through Salouf: along the way, the trail passes a wooden statue of Father Lozza. Father Lozza was a priest in Salouf and recorded events from the valley in his poems. The route thus connects a specific landmark with a glimpse into local cultural history. Tgamon Munter, a restored hay barn associated with traditional agriculture, can also be visited on a hike.
Mills, church and village history
The preserved Mulegn Vigl grain mill dates from 1877. In a small space, it combines a stone mill and a roller mill—two types of mill in one building. Groups can visit the Old Mill in Salouf by prior request. The village’s restored bakehouse dates from the late 18th century; check access before visiting.
The parish church of Son Giera reflects several periods of construction: it includes a Romanesque nave, a Late Gothic choir and tower, a Baroque Rosary Chapel and ossuary, and a porch dating from the end of the 19th century. The church was first mentioned in a document around 1290; the Late Gothic choir dates from 1498. Visitors interested in architecture can trace the different periods in specific parts of the building.
The village is characterised by grand houses, some of which are decorated with sgraffito. Its settlement history has Romansh and Walser connections. Buildings of Walser origin can still be found in the hamlets of Mezvei and Sumvei. The population speaks Surmeirisch, a regional dialect of Romansh. A knight, de Salugo, was mentioned as early as 1160; he was the administrator of the bishop’s estate.
Ziteil and getting there
Ziteil lies within the territory of Salouf, at 2,429 metres above sea level. It is considered Europe’s highest place of pilgrimage. A historical record documents an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the Ziteil alp in the summer of 1580. The village’s religious history adds another perspective to the hiking experience: the Somtgant–Ziteil–Salouf route descends from Ziteil via Piz Toissa and several Maiensässe to the village.
Salouf can be reached by postbus from Tiefencastel. Check the current timetable when planning your journey. If you are looking for a hotel in Salouf, your travel interests can help you decide what to focus on: are the marked trails your main priority, or would you rather explore the mills, church and village history? The different themes can help you tailor your trip to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Lantsch/Lenz, Wiesen, Alvaneu Bad, Marmorera, Stierva, Alvaschein, Bivio, Savognin
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