The Reformed Church in Langwies was founded in 1384; the tower and nave walls date from that time. The Langwies Viaduct offers a glimpse into the history of the Chur–Arosa railway line. Together with Walser culture and the trails in the Schanfigg, it gives you a concrete starting point for choosing the focus of your stay.
Langwies Viaduct: Railway Construction and Vantage Points
Built in 1912, the Langwies Viaduct is a reinforced-concrete bridge. It spans 284 metres and is 287 metres long. It stands 62 metres above the gorge where the Plessur and SapĂĽnerbach rivers meet. When it opened in 1914, the viaduct attracted attention worldwide.
You can view the structure on foot from Langwies station; walks around the village also offer ever-changing viewpoints. A train ride over the viaduct is an impressive experience on the Chur–Arosa route. This lets you appreciate the bridge both from the outside and during the journey.
The Langwies Viaduct Museum occupies several historically significant rooms near the station. It presents the history of the Chur–Arosa railway line and the viaduct through technical plans, photographs of its construction and original exhibits. One station uses a rotating timeline, a distinctive world map and historical advertising posters to explain why the structure is known as the “Bridge to the World”. The exhibits may change, so check what is currently on display before your visit.
The museum also includes an audio station in the waiting room, where you can listen to stories told by a former stationmaster and see his recreated workplace. This personal perspective complements the technical plans and photographs with the story of a former railway employee.
Walser Culture and Village History
The inner Schanfigg, including Arosa and Langwies, was settled by the Walser people in the 13th century. The farmers originally came from Valais and shaped the culture, buildings and language of the Schanfigg. One way to explore this tradition is the Holzzeichen-Hüttli above Langwies, which displays and explains decorative Walser wood-carving patterns collected by local folklorists Walter and Töni Engel.
The Kulturhuus Schanfigg is housed in the former schoolhouse in Langwies and serves as a cultural meeting place for locals and visitors. It houses the Schanfigg cultural archive, Sprecher Jenins’ Raetica library, and a book exchange for children and families. Exhibitions and visits to the archive and library are available. The association regularly organises film evenings, readings, lectures and exhibitions. The programme and access for visits may change, so check in advance if you would like to attend a particular event or see a specific collection.
Hiking Trails and Excursions in the Schanfigg
The Schanfigg Village Trail is a 53-kilometre network of hiking trails connecting the villages of the region. The route passes through LitzirĂĽti and Langwies to Peist. You can hike it as a circular route over several days or in sections as day trips, combining it with the Rhaetian Railway or the postbus. Check the route sections and public transport connections before your trip.
The Fondei, a well-preserved example of a typical Walser cultural landscape, lies in the upper Schanfigg. From Langwies, it is easiest to reach on foot or by car in summer and on snowshoes in winter; seasonal access depends on local conditions. The summer “Walserwanderung Langwies–Fondei” is an interactive themed trail accompanied by the Actionbound app, which can be installed free of charge. Check that the app is available and that the route is accessible before setting out.
For a hike through a different landscape, the Schanfigg High Trail passes alpine pastures and hay barns on the steep slopes of the Hochwang range. It also traverses moorland and dry meadows that extend as far as Mattjisch Horn. This route description refers to the wider Schanfigg region, not Langwies alone.
A toboggan run leads from Casanna back to the village of Langwies and is about five kilometres long. The Steinmannli in GrĂĽndjitobel are another natural attraction in the area.
Discover more destinations: Chur, Malix, Castiel, Praden, Parpan, Churwalden, Sankt Peter, Molinis.
Return to the main travel overview: Plessur.
