Cumbel lies in Val Lumnezia, southwest of Ilanz, in the municipality of Lumnezia in the canton of GraubĂĽnden. The village stretches along the southeastern slope of Piz Mundaun as a roadside settlement. Its elongated village centre has preserved its historic character through the retention and careful renovation of older buildings. Architectural history and art shape the village alongside its hiking and biking opportunities.
Churches, Architectural History and Art
The parish church of St. Stephen is Baroque in style; its original late Gothic structure dates from the early 16th century. Inside, early Baroque sgraffiti featuring architectural motifs and wall paintings can be found. Among other scenes, they depict the Battle of 1352 and are believed to be the work of the Davos itinerant painter Hans ArdĂĽser. The church thus brings together a late Gothic origin and later layers of Baroque art.
The Sogn Murezi Chapel is in the hamlet of Valgronda at the entrance to Val Lumnezia. It first appears in the Carolingian land register around 840 and is one of the oldest places of worship in the valley. Another art form can also be found in Valgronda: La Piedra is a stone sculpture by Mexican artist Paloma Torres. Cumbel itself is also known for four pre-Christian graves, archaeological traces of earlier settlement.
Hiking and a Winter Tour
The Cumbel–Vella–Peiden–Cumbel circular hike passes through meadows, pastures, and coniferous and deciduous forests. It is 9.9 kilometres long and graded T1, meaning easy. Check trail conditions before setting out. The Cumbel–Sogn Carli snowshoe tour also starts in Cumbel; its starting point is shortly before the Plaun Rueun picnic area. Access to this tour in winter depends on conditions.
The two tours offer different starting points for planning: the circular hike is described by its distance and difficulty grade, while the starting point and winter conditions matter for the snowshoe tour. If you would rather spend time outdoors on a bike, Cumbel also has the Lumnezia cross-country training course.
Bike Course and Facilities at Plaun Rueun
The trail network of the cross-country training course is 2.4 kilometres long. It includes two downhill trails of varying difficulty, an uphill trail and two traverses. Natural obstacles include rock gardens, root sections and hairpin turns; bike park features include banked turns, jumps, drops and North Shore-style features. Access and safety conditions may change, so check them before use.
The 1.7-kilometre Vita course starts at the Plaun Rueun barbecue area. Mobility exercises alternate with strength and endurance exercises along the route. The Plaun Rueun fire pit is at the edge of the forest and offers a covered barbecue area, a semi-open hut and a fire pit with seating. There is also a playground with a swing, slide and playhouse, as well as tables, benches and a toilet. As the facilities may change, check them before your visit if any particular amenities are important to your plans.
The churches and sculpture highlight architectural and art history, while hiking, snowshoeing and biking offer other ways to spend time in Cumbel. When looking for a suitable hotel, you can tailor your stay to the interests that bring you to Cumbel.
Discover more destinations: Versam, Vignogn, Ilanz, Laax, Igels, Lumbrein, Waltensburg, Luven.
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