Surselva
The Surselva is a tourism region in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, stretching from the source of the Rhine in the west to the Rhine Gorge in the east, and from the Greina high plateau and Beverin Nature Park in the south to the high valley of Val Frisal in the north. It is a rural, alpine region of high mountains and deep valleys, dominated by the young Rhine and its side valleys such as the Lumnezia, the Safiental and the Val Sumvitg. The historic small town of Ilanz, the first town on the Rhine, lies at the centre of the region and is its lively hub, surrounded by numerous villages. The region is known for its intact nature and cultural landscape, with Walser and Romansh traditions, mountain lakes, and protected natural areas. It offers a rich cultural life centred on places such as Trun, alongside extensive nature and outdoor experiences.
Summer activities
In summer the Surselva offers over 1,200 kilometres of marked hiking trails, from gentle walks to demanding high-alpine tours. Highlights include the Greina high plateau, the Val Frisal, the Rhine Gorge and the ridge walk from Obersaxen Mundaun to the Lumnezia. The region is a paradise for mountain bikers and e-mountain bikers, with countless trails, flow trails, pump tracks and bike parks, as well as the Via Glion long-distance trail through the municipality of Ilanz/Glion. Swimming lakes such as the Badesee Brigels, Davos Munts and Rufalipark, rafting and kayaking in the Rhine Gorge, golf in Brigels and trail running round off the summer offer.
Winter activities
In winter the Surselva offers around 165 kilometres of well-prepared ski slopes across the ski areas of Brigels, Obersaxen Mundaun and the Lumnezia, plus smaller lifts in Trun and the Safiental, including the world's first solar ski lift in Tenna. The region is a paradise for cross-country skiers with over 100 kilometres of prepared trails for classic and skating styles, including several illuminated night trails. Snowshoe tours, winter hiking on over 120 kilometres of prepared trails, ski touring with local mountain guides and tobogganing complete the winter offer, supported by several ski and snowboard schools and family-friendly practice areas.
Culture and entertainment
The Surselva has a distinctive cultural life rooted in Romansh and Walser traditions. Trun is the cultural centre, home to museums and galleries that present the region's artistic history, complemented by contemporary art in public space. Ilanz, the first town on the Rhine, offers a historic old town, a weekly market and a lively programme of theatre, cinema and concerts. The region hosts festivals such as the DAPERTUT performing-arts festival in Trun, the Openair Lumnezia, the Breil glischa light and art festival, and traditional events like the Scargada alpine descent in Brigels, alongside numerous exhibitions and cultural walks.
