The municipality of Sumvitg has twelve chapels and four churches; the Caplutta Sogn Benedetg is known far beyond the municipal boundaries. For travellers, this makes sacred and architectural history a clear focus. The Stations of the Cross, an adventure trail and a mountain lake offer different ways to experience the area. When planning, it is worth considering cultural sites, landscapes and seasonal hiking connections as separate themes.
Churches, Chapels and History
The Caplutta Sogn Benedetg stands above the village of Sumvitg in the Surselva region of the canton of GraubĂĽnden. After an avalanche destroyed the old chapel in 1984, Peter Zumthor built the new one in 1989. The Caplutta is open during the day at all times, except when private events are taking place. Bear this exception in mind when planning your visit.
The ruins of the S. Benedetg chapel offer a different historical focus: it is a documented chapel dating from the 9th century, its choir is horseshoe-shaped, and it was restored in 2013. The parish church of St John the Baptist in Sumvitg also has written records dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries; it was later transferred to Disentis Abbey. Together, these places reveal different aspects of sacred history, from an early chapel to the history of a parish church and a later new building.
Trails with Different Stories
The Sumvitg–Clavadi Stations of the Cross comprise 14 illustrated stations. They depict Jesus’ path from his condemnation by Pontius Pilate to his crucifixion and burial. The stations give the route a clear visual sequence and make it a distinct way to engage with religious tradition. By contrast, the “Glimpses of Space and Time, Sumvitg” adventure trail focuses on personal memories: at the event stations, local interviewees tell stories from their earlier lives. This offers a choice between religious depictions and personal stories without reducing both trails to the same theme.
Landscape and Seasonal Planning
The mountain lake Lag Serein lies above Alp da Glivers at 2,260 m above sea level. From Alp Glivers, it takes about an hour and a half to reach the lake on foot. This approximate time refers to the walk to the lake; when planning, take mountain-hiking conditions into account. The lake therefore offers a different focus from the churches, chapels and trails in the village.
Cross-country skiing is also an option in the surrounding region: the Nordic Surselva trail runs along the Rhine from Trun to Disentis and back. It includes more than 30 km of groomed trails for classic and skating. Unlike cultural sites and the mountain lake, this excursion depends on seasonal trail-grooming conditions.
In summer, the Bus Alpin feeder service from Rabius to Runcahez runs directly to hiking trail starting points on the Greina plateau within the municipality of Sumvitg. Check the seasonal timetable before your trip and whether a reservation is required. Since August 2024, a local bus has also served the districts of the municipality of Sumvitg; since 15 December 2024, it has been integrated into the public transport timetable. It is also worth checking the timetable for your travel dates for this service.
These destinations offer different highlights: architectural and religious history, personal stories, a mountain lake, or seasonal hiking and cross-country skiing. Deciding which of these matter to you can help you choose when to travel and plan your days.
Discover more destinations: Rabius, Sankt Martin, Siat, Luven, Sagogn, Ladir, Surcuolm, Vella Gr.
For the broader travel overview: Surselva.
