A forest path from Bawald to Ganda and the year 1486 above the entrance to Igis Church provide two concrete starting points for planning your trip. Other attractions include the history of Falkenstein Castle, a wetland habitat and seasonal winter activities. These options vary in distance, terrain and season—useful factors to consider when planning your days in Igis.
Trails and History Around Igis
The Planet Trail runs along a forest path from Bawald, above Igis, to Ganda. It is around 2.6 kilometres long, and its information boards guide you through our solar system. The Igis–Ganda–Landquart hike is a different proposition: it starts at the RhB railway station in Igis, is 10 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The route includes around 56 metres of ascent and descent. The two trails therefore differ in both theme and the distance and time involved.
A narrow, very steep path leads to Falkenstein Castle ruins from Point 640 in the upper part of Igis; the walk takes about 45 minutes. The steep route and the risk posed by wet ground are factors to bear in mind when planning. The remains of Falkenstein Castle show evidence of at least two building phases. The castle was first mentioned in a document dated 11 December 1338, under the name “Valkenstein.”
Church, Castle and Building History
The year 1486 is engraved above the main entrance to Igis Church. That same year, the nave was extended to the south and a new choir with a three-sided end was built. The church has been a listed monument since 1973. The date above the entrance and the building work carried out that same year bring a specific chapter of the church’s history to life.
Marschlins Castle is a former moated castle on the plain northeast of Igis. The rectangular castle complex is arranged around an inner courtyard and surrounded by moats; it also features notable Baroque furnishings. Its layout and furnishings offer different ways to explore the castle’s architecture.
Nature and Seasonal Experiences
The Gruobhof wetland habitat contains four shallow pools. Fourteen dragonfly species have been spotted there. On the Igis–Ganda–Landquart hike, the trail to Landquart passes numerous biotopes, crosses the Mühlebach and Malanser Mühlbach streams, and follows the banks of the Landquart River. This longer route therefore connects several named natural areas and stretches of water. The biotopes at Gruobhof and along the hike are specific nature attractions, each worth considering in its own right.
The Birkholz ski area is located above Igis. Every winter, the Igis Ski Club installs a drag lift; seasonal operation depends on snow conditions. The Birkholz recreation area also caters to walkers and sledging enthusiasts. If you plan to enjoy these winter activities, keep an eye on seasonal conditions.
Another event on the local calendar is the “Gschnellschta vo Igis” race. For more than two decades, it has been held on the second Sunday in September on the running track at the Igis school complex. Children and adults from Igis, Landquart and Mastrils can take part. Its regular date and location make it easy to factor the race into plans for a September stay.
Cycling Tour and Getting Here
The “Fünf Dörfer” culinary cycling tour goes via Chur, Fürstenwald, Trimmis, Zizers, Igis, Landquart, the Rhine Route and Haldenstein before returning to Chur. The experience includes a three-course meal at different restaurants. The tour combines cycling through several towns with a culinary focus, while the Igis–Ganda–Landquart hike highlights biotopes and waterways.
The RhB railway station in Igis is served every half hour from Chur or Landquart. Landquart offers numerous connections towards Chur, Klosters/Davos and Sargans. Check the current timetable before you set off. This will help you coordinate your rail journey with the themes that matter to you during your stay, such as culture, nature or seasonal activities.
Discover more destinations: Zizers, Untervaz, Jenins, Landquart Fabriken, Mastrils, Fanas, Malans, Says.
Back to the main travel overview: Landquart.
