Ilanz can be explored on very different scales: a walk begins at Landsgemeindeplatz and then leads straight into the Städtli (Old Town); the Via Glion divides its seven stages across a network of trails through the municipality. There are also cultural venues, outdoor activities in Paradiswäldli and the Rhine Gorge. When planning, it helps to distinguish between a walk through the Old Town, activities in Ilanz and longer routes.
Städtli, City Gates and Culture
Ilanz’s Old Town combines history, culture and a lively urban atmosphere. At the Obertor, also called Porta Sura in Romansh, the ground floor dates from 1513; it is the city’s actual entrance. The upper part of the gate was built in 1717 and displays the coats of arms of the Three Leagues. The Ecktürmli and its loopholes are part of a Baroque fortification built between 1715 and 1717.
The Church of St. Margarethen also brings together different periods: the Late Gothic church contains richly painted panels featuring Early Renaissance motifs and a distinctive depiction of the Dance of Death. A religious disputation took place in the church in 1526, preceding Ilanz’s conversion to the Reformed faith. The Museum Regiunal Surselva offers insights into the region’s history, crafts and traditions. All exhibition rooms and the sanitary facilities on the ground floor are wheelchair accessible. Individual opening hours and guided tours can be arranged for groups.
Cinema Sil Plaz offers films, concerts, cabaret and literature. It is housed in a converted old blacksmith’s workshop in the centre of Ilanz and includes a bar, a stage for concerts and cabaret, and a cinema auditorium. As the programme changes, it is worth checking the current listings. Another special feature is the Sauerstofffabrik (oxygen factory): it is the last surviving facility of its kind in Switzerland.
Via Glion and the Rhine Gorge
The Via Glion comprises seven stages that lead around and through Ilanz. The route is about 75 kilometres long and passes through all 13 districts of the Ilanz/Glion municipality. Information boards along the way provide facts about the history, culture and distinctive features of the places. QR codes activate audio features about locations, buildings and personalities along the route. This means both written information and audio content are available to help you find your way.
The Ruinaulta stretches for around 13 kilometres between Ilanz and Reichenau and reaches depths of up to 400 metres in some places. It can be explored on foot, by bike or by train. On Route 656 Trans Ruinaulta, you can also shorten the journey by taking the Rhaetian Railway or the Rhine Gorge/Ruinaulta bus. Ilanz itself can be reached by Rhaetian Railway from both Chur and Disentis/Mustér.
Outdoor Activities in Ilanz
In the Fontanivas area, a pump track and skate park covering around 1,500 square metres sits next to the swimming pool; it meets Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) standards. The pump track is suitable for toddlers with balance bikes, teenagers with scooters or skateboards, adults with bicycles, and whole families. These users and equipment give a concrete impression of the different ways the facility can be enjoyed.
Paradiswäldli offers several outdoor activities: a forest trail for the whole family, a Vita Parcours fitness trail, the Balance Cross and a barefoot path. The Balance Cross consists of four exercises that intersect in the middle; each exercise has several difficulty levels. The barefoot path in the activity area is surfaced with a variety of natural materials. There is also a bocce court in Paradiswäldli. It is free to use, and the municipality provides a set of balls. Check on site whether the set is available.
Weekly Market and Encounters
The Ilanz weekly market offers fresh local produce directly from the producers. Visitors can also chat directly with farmers there. The market thus complements the cultural and outdoor activities with a taste of local produce and an opportunity for personal exchange.
Discover more destinations: Igels, Disentis/Mustér, Ruschein, Sevgein, Vrin, Schluein, Waltensburg, Vella Gr
Return to the regional travel overview: Surselva.
