A 156-metre-long steel cable connects the Historic Gebrüder Giger Workshop in Schnaus to the waterwheel in the Siaterbach and powers the workshop’s machines. Together with the Mulin forest nature trail, hiking paths through the village and the climbing garden near Schnaus, it shows the area from different perspectives. During your stay, you can choose between craft history, nature and outdoor activities.
Schnaus and its landscape
Schnaus is a hamlet in the municipality of Ilanz/Glion in the canton of GraubĂĽnden. Until the end of 2013, Schnaus was an independent municipality. It lies west of Ilanz, on the left bank of the Vorderrhein. This riverside location is a reference point for the lower southern area, which extends from the Vorderrhein to Mulin and covers elevations from 700 to 1,220 metres.
Separate from this area lies the northern exclave of Alp da Schnaus. It extends from 1,700 metres up to Crest da Tiarms at 2,412 metres and consists largely of mountains and forest. Those interested in the landscape can distinguish two different areas of Schnaus: the southern area between the river and Mulin, and the higher-lying northern exclave.
The village’s history also goes back a long way: Schnaus was mentioned around 840 under the name Scanaues. This early form of the name and the later history of its churches provide a historical backdrop to a visit, alongside the hiking and nature attractions.
Forest nature trail and paths through Schnaus
The Mulin forest nature trail focuses on trees and shrubs: 43 are labelled, and information boards provide brief explanations in German and Romansh. The Giger Seeli is marked on the trail as a spot to stop for a short break. Parcel 10213 in the municipality of Ilanz/Glion is privately owned, but visitors are still welcome to explore the forest nature trail. Please note that you enter the section with the Giger Seeli at your own risk.
If you want to compare different hiking options, the routes do not all pass through the area in the same way. Official hiking trail 905 runs through the village. The Via Glion lists the Historic GebrĂĽder Giger Workshop as a point of interest. The Ilanz circular hike starts and ends at Ilanz railway station and passes the historic GebrĂĽder Giger site in Schnaus. This gives you two different ways to plan: a route through the village, or a loop starting and finishing in Ilanz.
Ilanz is accessible from Chur and Disentis/Mustér by the Rhaetian Railway. If you are planning the Ilanz circular hike, check its current route status before setting out. No precise walking time is provided here for the routes mentioned, so plan according to the relevant route information.
Workshop history and churches
The famous “Schnaus ploughs” were made for over 100 years in the plough forge at the Historic Gebrüder Giger Workshop. Its connection to the waterwheel in the Siaterbach brings the technical side of the village to life: a 156-metre-long steel cable powers the workshop’s machines. The workshop also offers blacksmithing demonstrations. Technology, craftsmanship and a long history of production are distinct cultural themes in Schnaus.
The Reformed church in Schnaus is a protected historic monument. Its rectangular nave and three-sided apse define its architecture; the west façade features a round-arched, Late Gothic portal. Another chapter in the area’s church history concerns the Church of St Sebastian, Mary Magdalene and George: it was mentioned in 1480 and was a subsidiary church of St Remigius in Falera. The date refers to this historical mention.
Climbing as another activity
The family-friendly climbing garden near Schnaus has been open since 2007. All routes are suitable for top-rope climbing, and the climbing garden can be reached on foot or by bike. This gives you the option of planning a trip around climbing rather than focusing exclusively on hiking trails or cultural sites.
When looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Schnaus, you can start by considering what you want your days to revolve around: the paths and landscape, the workshop and churches, or the climbing garden. The options described offer different starting points for planning, without prescribing a fixed daily schedule.
Discover more destinations: Andiast, Ruschein, Sumvitg, Surcuolm, Breil-Brigels, Suraua, Morissen, Igels
For the overall travel guide: Surselva.
