Hiking the Schanfigger Höhenweg: A Guide to Graubünden, Switzerland

The Schanfigger Höhenweg in the Graubünden mountains offers a rigorous physical journey designed to detach travelers from daily routines. The route traverses a diverse landscape of scree, rock, and alpine meadows, requiring significant endurance across its various elevations.

Did You Know? The “Tritt” is a spectacular rock staircase featuring 220 iron-framed steps that cling to the mountainside, requiring high concentration from hikers to navigate safely.

A Multi-Day Trek Through Graubünden

The journey begins in the historic Walser settlement of Medergen, characterized by traditional farmhouses adorned with geraniums. From here, the path leads toward the Chörbsch Horn and the challenging rock staircase known to locals as the “Tritt.”

The first stage covers 14.6 kilometers with an ascent of 900 metres and a descent of 1,068 metres, taking approximately six hours. Hikers typically conclude this leg at the Berggasthaus Heimeli, an establishment noted for its gourmet cuisine and a reported previous stay by King Charles.

Navigating High Passes and Ancient Settlements

The second day involves a 14.8-kilometer trek toward Strelapass and the Grünsee, involving a 914-meter ascent. This section passes through the Davos ski area before descending toward the Fondei region.

At Strassberg, the route highlights the legacy of the Walser people, a group that dispersed from the Upper Valais across the Alps during the late Middle Ages. The area is marked by restored small wooden houses that maintain the region’s original character.

Peak Elevations and Final Descents

The third stage reaches the Mattjisch Horn, which stands at nearly 2,500 metres, providing a 360-degree panoramic view. After crossing an exposed ridge from Blackter Fürggli, the path descends through pastures and blueberry bushes toward the Hochwanghütte.

Top 5 Hikes in Switzerland | Best Trails 2025

The final leg focuses on a sunrise ascent of the Cunggel peak, requiring a headlamp and an additional 400 metres of climbing. The trek concludes with a descent to Peist, where the Rhätische Bahn provides transport back to Arosa or Chur.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the integration of the Walser historical trail with high-altitude physical challenges creates a dual-purpose tourism model. The reliance on traditional guesthouses like Heimeli and Strassberg suggests that the region’s economic viability is closely tied to the preservation of its “originality” and cultural heritage.

Logistics and Route Specifications

The full Schanfigger Höhenweg consists of six stages totaling 47 kilometers, with a cumulative ascent of 2,200 metres and a descent of 3,200 metres. The route is bidirectional, starting in Arosa and ending near Chur, or vice versa.

Travelers are advised to visit between late June, and September. Due to high demand, particularly on weekends, advance reservations for mountain huts are recommended several weeks in prior.

Given the popularity of these routes, it is likely that reservation windows could tighten during peak summer months. Future visitors may find that early booking becomes a necessity for all stages of the journey to ensure accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Schanfigger Höhenweg?
The ideal travel period is from the end of June through September.

Is the route suitable for children?
Yes, provided the children are sure-footed and enjoy hiking.

How can travelers reach the starting point?
Visitors can take a train to Chur and continue via the Rhätische Bahn to Arosa, or travel directly to Arosa by car.

Have you ever completed a long-distance mountain trek?