Schiers combines architectural history with hikes through gorges and destinations in a mountain landscape. The municipality is in the canton of Graubünden and belongs to the Prättigau/Davos region. In the Vorderprättigau, it lies at the confluence of the Schraubach and the Landquart; the Landquart flows through the municipal area for about five kilometres from southeast to northwest. To the north, the area extends from the Landquart to the peaks of the Rätikon, the watershed with the Montafon and the national border with Austria. When choosing your stay, you can focus on different themes: the church and bridge construction, trails through rocky landscapes, or seasonal mountain activities.
Church and Salginatobel Bridge
The Reformed Church of St. Johann in Schiers was first mentioned in 1101 and was the mother church of the Prättigau. The present church building was constructed in 1519–1522. Another striking destination is the Salginatobel Bridge. It is the centrepiece of the connecting road from Schiers to Schuders and spans the Salgina Gorge in an elegant arch more than 90 metres above the ground. In 1991, the ASCE declared the bridge a “World Monument”.
The historic circular trail to the Salginatobel Bridge is signposted from the village centre. On the right-hand side of the Salginatobel, the trail climbs to a viewing platform. There is a large fire pit with drinking water along the way. The circular trail combines views of a significant structure with a specific hike; however, signs and local access may be affected by maintenance or weather. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Hiking trails and gorge landscapes
The Schraubachtobel offers a different focus. On the hike through the gorge, interesting rock formations provide a glimpse into Alpine folding. There is a fire pit at the ChalchofenhĂĽtte; another picnic spot is about one kilometre before the turn-off to Schuders. The hike begins at Schiers railway station, and the signs initially direct you to the Salginatobel Bridge circular trail. This is a different route from the bridge circular trail itself: follow the signposted route and bear in mind that trail conditions can change after the snow melts, storms or high water.
Cycling offers another way to explore the area. The Rätikon Bike Tour descends steeply along the Sagenweg into the Schraubachtobel and ends in the valley village of Schiers after passing through the wild gorge. The Schraubach is one of Switzerland’s largest mountain torrents. This means that a hike with geological insights and picnic spots and a bike tour with a steep descent are two distinct options.
Stelserberg and Stelsersee
Activities at Stelserberg vary with the seasons: in summer, there are opportunities for hiking and biking; in winter, for snowshoeing and ski touring. Stelserberg offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Berghaus zum See is located there at 1,640 metres above sea level and is accessible by car; check road conditions before driving.
Stelsersee is a mountain lake with valuable shoreline habitats and a rich variety of animal and plant life. Rare dragonflies found there include the small whiteface and the northern damselfly; sightings are seasonal. The lake can be reached by taking the Rhaetian Railway to Schiers, then the postbus to its last stop, Mottis in Stels, followed by a walk of about 50 minutes. The approximate walking time makes the final leg an important part of your planning.
Getting there and finding your way
Schiers railway station, served by the Rhaetian Railway, is unstaffed. Step-free platform access and a ramp or lift are available there; confirm these facilities before travelling. If you plan to visit Stelsersee, also check train and postbus timetables and conditions for the walk. This makes it possible to plan destinations according to their respective focus: history and bridge construction, a hike through the Schraubachtobel, or a seasonal excursion to Stelserberg and Stelsersee.
Discover more destinations: Furna, Jenaz, GrĂĽsch, Saas, Pragg-Jenaz, KĂĽblis, Klosters Serneus, Davos Wolfgang
For the regional travel overview: Prättigau-Davos.
