Mastrils combines Rhine floodplains with hiking destinations on Pizalun and a history that dates back to the early crossing of the Rhine. The Mastrils Rhine floodplains are the only remaining floodplain areas between Reichenau and Lake Constance. Since 2009, more than 90 different bird species have been recorded there. On a walk through the green floodplain forest, visitors can spot rare orchid and butterfly species. This makes a nature-focused stay by the river a complement to hiking in the higher terrain.
Rhine floodplains and scattered hillside settlement
Mastrils lies on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Landquart. The houses are scattered along the hillside rather than forming a compact village centre; the Isla district lies right by the Rhine. When planning your visit, it is therefore helpful to decide what you want to focus on: the river floodplains, hiking or winter sports. The area of the former political municipality stretches from the Rhine at the foot of the slope to the ridge of the Calanda massif. Near Zweierspitz, the highest point is 1,825 metres above sea level; to the north, the terrain gradually descends via Chimmispitz (1,813 metres) and Pizalun (1,478 metres).
Hiking on Pizalun
Pizalun is a striking rock formation and forms a boundary between Graubünden and St. Gallen. The final ascent to the approximately 20-metre-high rock tower is via a vertical iron ladder and is recommended only for those who are not afraid of heights. Check conditions before setting out and take this restriction into account when planning your hike. A challenging, steep route leads from Mastrils Tretsch via Jägeri, Pizalun and Furggels to Pfäfers Dorf. The recommended way to reach the start of this route is to take the train to Landquart and then the bus to Mastrils Tretsch; check the timetable before your visit. Another climbing option is Rappenfluh, a climbing wall above Nussloch at the foot of Pizalun. It is accessible from Restaurant Piz Alun in Mastrils and is still frequently visited by mountaineers today.
Winter at the Mastrils ski lift
The family-friendly Mastrils ski lift is just under 1,000 metres long and runs from 720 to 940 metres above sea level, mostly along the edge of or through the forest. Its pistes are groomed mechanically using a Kässbohrer Pistenbully PB270 with a tiller. Operations may vary by season. At the bottom station, there is a ski hut where food is available and a ski room. Skis and snowboards can be stored there free of charge during the season; facilities and services at the bottom station may change seasonally. Winter activities thus offer a distinct focus for your stay alongside hiking and nature watching.
Church and Rhine crossing
The Catholic parish church of Mastrils stands on Chilchabüel and was built between 1686 and 1688. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua and is a pilgrimage site. The village’s history is therefore connected to the Catholic pilgrimage tradition. The Rhine crossing has also left its mark on local history: Restaurant Tardisbrücke is a historic building from the time when tolls were charged for crossing the Rhine by bridge. The first bridge was built in 1529 and was rebuilt several times after floods. Together, the church and the history of the bridge offer a cultural counterpoint to Mastrils’ nature and hiking themes.
Discover more destinations: Maienfeld, Jenins, Zizers, Says, Malans, Landquart Fabriken, Fanas, Igis.
Return to the regional travel overview: Landquart.
