A settled terrace stretching approximately 14 kilometres defines Obersaxen. The scattered settlement lies in the municipality of Obersaxen Mundaun in the canton of GraubĂĽnden, on the right side of the young Rhine and on the northern flank of Piz Mundaun. Its elevation ranges from about 1,000 to 1,430 metres. At 2,890 metres, Schwarzhorn is the highest mountain in Obersaxen.
Scattered Settlement and Walser Culture
Obersaxen is a Walser German-speaking enclave in an otherwise Romansh-speaking area. Its dispersed development is considered typical of a Walser settlement. Rather than a single compact townscape, this settlement pattern is one of the defining features of the area. Historic chapels and a lively village culture also characterise the Obersaxen Mundaun visitor area.
Those who enjoy exploring on foot will find numerous hiking trails in the visitor area, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes with far-reaching views. The distinctive red benches serve as rest stops and scenic photo spots. They offer a simple reason to plan a break; according to the description, the trails themselves range from easy walks to more challenging routes.
Winter Trails and Outdoor Activities
The Obersaxen Mundaun Lumnezia ski area offers around 120 kilometres of pistes. A ski circuit links Obersaxen Mundaun and Lumnezia. The piste length is an approximate figure; infrastructure and the extent of the offer may change. It is therefore worth checking the latest operating information before your trip.
Those who prefer to experience winter on foot will find an extensive network of groomed, pink-marked winter hiking trails through Obersaxen Mundaun and Val Lumnezia. Grooming depends on the weather and the season. One specific alternative on a shorter route is the moderately difficult Plaun Sura cross-country ski trail in Flond, Obersaxen Mundaun: it is 3.24 kilometres long. Snow and grooming conditions vary by season.
The hiking bus takes you directly and free of charge to the Wali, Cuolm Sura and Triel base stations. As the service is seasonal, check the latest operating details before travelling. This makes it possible to include travel to these three base stations in your day’s plans without confusing it with a statement about other trails or destinations.
Leisure Activities in Different Seasons
The Rufalipark in the Obersaxen Mundaun visitor area offers more than 700 square metres of indoor space and more than 30,000 square metres of outdoor space for play, sport and leisure. The outdoor area includes a bathing lake, a children’s playground and a beach volleyball court; these facilities are particularly seasonal. In winter, there is an artificial ice rink for ice skating, ice hockey and Bavarian curling. Operating conditions may vary.
This brings together different kinds of leisure activities: spacious outdoor areas with play and sports facilities, a bathing lake and, in winter, the artificial ice rink. If a particular facility is important for your stay, confirm its availability in advance. In summer, Surselva Tourism also arranges guided tours of the Erzbergwerk Platenga show mine; it is advisable to check current availability for these as well.
Chapels, Art and History
The Chapel of the Three Kings in Platenga was built in 1593 and moved to its present location in 1695. Its wall paintings were created in 1704 by Johann Jakob Rieg and restored by Alois Carigiet in 1942/43. The building history and paintings therefore mark different points in time: the chapel was moved to its present location after it was built.
The Chapel of St. George in Meierhof can be visited individually; you can obtain the key from the Meierhof information office. The chapel was probably built in the early 17th century and was certainly standing before 1643. Its winged altarpiece was originally in the parish church of Obersaxen in Meierhof. The construction date is therefore uncertain, while its existence before 1643 is established.
Castle ruins are also among the historic traces in the Obersaxen area: Moregg, Schwarzenstein, Saxenstein and Heidenberg. Together with the chapels, they offer another glimpse into the area’s history, but this does not imply a single sightseeing route. Depending on your interests, you can focus your stay more on the landscape and trails, seasonal activities or culture.
Discover more destinations: Giraniga, Platta, Affeier, FriggahĂĽs, Morissen, Trun, Schluein, Sagens.
For the broader travel overview: Surselva.
