Molinis brings together a changing landscape, hiking trails and historic details of village life. The earth pyramids, largely preserved weathered wooden houses and the church dedicated to Saint Bartholomew each add a distinct touch; there are also routes with their own conditions. If you want to combine natural formations and culture during your stay, it is worth distinguishing between the trails by season and character. Especially on partly alpine sections and steep climbs, the specific trail conditions are part of planning.
Earth Pyramids and Landscape
The Molinis earth pyramids are a natural monument in the Arosa Lenzerheide area. Their appearance is constantly changing: older earth pyramids collapse while new ones form. Near Molinis on the Plessur, unspoilt nature and imposing mountains shape the landscape. The changing formations of the natural monument thus stand alongside a landscape also characterised by mountains and the Plessur.
Hikes with Different Conditions
There are routes with a variety of profiles for hiking. The cultural hike between Tschiertschen and Molinis can be started in Molinis; along the way, meadow and forest paths alternate. Molinis is also a crossroads for hikes from LitzirĂĽti to Tschiertschen and St. Peter, and idyllic hiking trails invite you to linger. The partly alpine Via Son Giachen pilgrimage trail is passable all the way through only in the warmer seasons. Weather and trail conditions affect what to expect, so you should take both into account when planning.
The Hochwang–Peisteralp route leads from Arosa via the reservoir and Litzirüti to Molinis. From Molinis, this route begins a steep climb via Pagig and Triemal to the Skihaus Hochwang; climbing conditions can vary. On the Tschiertschen–Uf Wald–Earth Pyramids–Molinis route, you climb to St. Peter/Molinis railway station, which is at 1,157 m above sea level. These details show the different character of the trails, from alternating meadow and forest paths to a specifically described steep climb.
Village History and Threshing
Construction of the church in Molinis, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, took place from 1440 to 1509. In the summer of 1980, it was destroyed by a debris flow and rebuilt in 1982. Its construction and reconstruction mark two significant points in its history. Largely preserved, weathered wooden houses are also part of the village’s character.
Molinis is home to the sound installation «'Dräscht». Visitors can use flails to thresh grain in a rhythmic beat. The installation was conceived by Carla Gabrà and implemented by Hans Scherrer. As its status may change after 2026, check the installation’s current status before visiting.
Getting to Molinis
Tickets can be purchased from Rhätische Bahn ticket machines at St. Peter-Molinis station. As station facilities may change, check whether this option is available before setting off if you rely on these machines to buy your ticket. The Arosa Railway station was built in 1914, adding a historical note to the more recent travel information.
Discover more destinations: Sankt Peter, Castiel, LitzirĂĽti, Peist, Churwalden, Parpan, Pagig, Malix.
Go to the regional travel overview: Plessur.
