In Sevgein, sacred architectural history meets hiking routes. The parish church of St. Thomas and the Sontga Fossa pilgrimage chapel represent different chapters in the village’s history; at the same time, the seventh stage of the Via Glion passes through Sevgein. When planning, it is worth noting the differences: a stage through several villages, a hike to Crap da Sevgein, and historic buildings, each with its own story.
Churches and Chapels in Sevgein
The Catholic parish church of St. Thomas is considered a cultural landmark worth visiting in Sevgein. It was first mentioned in a document from 1340. The present church is in the Baroque style and was completely rebuilt between 1687 and 1691; the older choir was retained. The building thus brings together an early mention and its late-17th-century Baroque form.
Another historic site is the Sontga Fossa pilgrimage chapel, also known as the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre. It stands on a prominent hill in Sevgein. It was built in 1679 and consecrated on 7 July 1683. In the past, around 5,000 pilgrims visited the chapel each year. The parish church and pilgrimage chapel thus offer two distinct ways to explore Sevgein’s sacred history: the building phases of St. Thomas on the one hand, and the story of a pilgrimage site on the other.
Hiking the Via Glion and to Crap da Sevgein
The Via Glion is around 75 kilometres long, divided into seven stages, and passes through all 13 subdivisions of the municipality of Ilanz/Glion. The seventh stage runs from Riein via Sevgein to Castrisch and Ilanz. Thirteen information panels along the hiking trail share stories about people, events and buildings; audio and, in some cases, video are also available. This stage therefore links several place names with cultural and historical insights along the way. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Another option is the “Into the Mountain World of Ilanz” hike. It crosses the Glenner and passes through Sevgein to Crap da Sevgein. The climb is rewarded with wide-ranging views over the Surselva. Unlike the seventh stage of the Via Glion, this hike centres on a specific destination with a viewpoint; the Via Glion, by contrast, is designed as a multi-stage route through all the municipality’s subdivisions. These descriptions can help you choose between a stage with information panels and a hike to a viewpoint.
Picnic Site and Longer Routes
The Chischlatsch picnic site lies in the forest above Sevgein, beside the hiking trail at Crap da Sevgein. From there, you can enjoy views over Ilanz and the surrounding mountains. The best way to reach the picnic site is from Riein. Check local access notices before visiting, as forestry work or fire restrictions may affect access and use.
The Dutjer Alp–Crap da Sevgein route is rated difficult and covers 34.3 kilometres. It passes through Sevgein and Riein to Crap da Sevgein; on the return, it runs through Sevgein, Castrisch and Ilanz again. Its length and stated difficulty set it apart from the hikes described above, for which no comparable scale is given. Check current route conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Siat, Lumbrein, Igels, Safien, Ilanz, Sumvitg, Vignogn, Sumvitg.
Back to the main travel overview: Surselva.
