A 1461 wall painting, a cross-shaped linear village and the mountain landscape of the Fideriser Heuberge give Fideris its distinctive character. The village lies in the central Prättigau, in the Prättigau/Davos region of the canton of Graubünden. When planning your stay, you can choose between village history, walking trails and seasonal mountain activities. In winter in particular, getting to the Heuberge is an important part of planning.
Village Centre and Landscape
The main settlement of Fideris is a cross-shaped linear village on a terrace above the confluence of the Arieschbach and the Landquart. The municipality extends from the Landquart in the north to the watershed towards the Schanfigg. The extensive alpine pastures of the Fideriser Heuberge shape the landscape at the semicircular head of the valley. Beyond them are the 2,461-metre-high Mattjisch Horn and Chistenstein, at 2,473 metres the highest point in the municipality.
The winter walking trail in Fideris village passes through the historic village centre and its patrician houses. This lets you combine a walk with a look at the local architecture, without confusing it with the mountain activities. Wildlife watching has its own conditions, too: red deer can be spotted near Glattwang early in the morning; sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. On the rocky slopes, with a little luck and favourable wind, you may see chamois with their young at close range.
Architectural History and Culture
The Reformed Church of Fideris was rebuilt in 1461 as a Late Gothic building on the foundations of an earlier Gallus Chapel. A wall painting from the same year survives in the choir; it was uncovered in 1938. The former Valär house still contains a wood-panelled room from 1644 with inlays and a richly furnished buffet dating from 1696. Fideris’ architectural and decorative history spans the 15th-century Late Gothic church and the 17th-century wood-panelled room and buffet.
At Strahlegg Castle, the tower serves as an exhibition space for the owner’s carved artworks. Castle and studio tours are offered for individuals and groups; prior arrangements may be required. Check the visiting arrangements in advance. The historic sites and the winter walking trail offer different ways to explore Fideris’ history: through preserved architectural and artistic features, or along a route through the village centre.
Walking Trails and Excursions
The Bluamäwäg in the Fideriser Heuberge is an easy, 4.6-kilometre walking trail with 221 metres of ascent and descent. More than 80 plant information boards stand along the trail near seven wooden figures; they show plants in their natural habitat. The trail is signposted throughout and can be walked in either direction. As details may change if the route is altered, it is a good idea to check the current route before setting out.
The Bluamäwäg thus combines a clearly described, manageable route with botanical information; the winter walking trail in the village, by contrast, focuses on the houses of the historic village centre. If you plan to visit the Heuberge in winter, bear in mind the special access rule: the area can then only be reached by buses operated by Heuberge AG, as the mountain road is closed to other traffic. Check the seasonal operating arrangements before your trip.
Seasonal Activities and Local Dining
The Heuberge has a 12-kilometre downhill run on bikeboards; seasonal availability may vary. The Solarsauna is also located there, at an altitude of 2,000 metres, and is powered entirely by direct solar energy. Its availability may also depend on the season. In winter, the sledging route starts at the Arflina and Heuberge mountain inns and winds 1,100 metres downhill into the valley. Winter conditions are an important factor for this activity.
In the village centre, the Ritterhof serves regional specialities in a knightly setting; restaurant offerings may change. Fideris tart is one of the specialities of the Gujan bakery and is included in the “Culinary Heritage of Switzerland” list. Its availability during your visit may vary. For a splash of fun, the Fideris outdoor pool has two children’s paddling pools with water mushrooms and a 17-metre waterslide. The pool also has a garden restaurant with a pergola and a kiosk. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.
If you plan to visit the Heuberge in winter, travelling by bus is one of the practical details to consider.
Discover more destinations: Valzeina, Davos, Pany, Davos Wolfgang, Pragg-Jenaz, Furna, Klosters Serneus, Saas.
Return to the main travel overview: Prättigau-Davos.
