Viamala
Viamala is a tourism region in the heart of the Swiss canton of Graubünden, spanning several valleys along the young Hinterrhein river. The region is predominantly rural and mountainous, combining deep gorges such as the famous Viamala gorge with high alpine valleys, mountain lakes and the unspoilt nature of the Beverin Nature Park. It is not dominated by a single large lake but by rivers, streams and countless mountain lakes, and it is rich in cultural heritage, from historic pass villages and Walser settlements to castles and Romanesque churches. There are no big cities; the regional centre is the trading town of Thusis, while Splügen is a historic pass village at the foot of the Splügen Pass. The destination is divided into the sub-regions Rheinwald, Schams, Avers & Ferrera, Thusis & Mutten, Heinzenberg and Domleschg, offering a wide range of outdoor activities in both summer and winter.
Summer activities
In summer, Viamala offers extensive hiking through gorges, legendary valleys and over high mountains, with many mountain lakes and mountain inns along the way. The region is a destination for mountain bikers, gravel and road cyclists, with trails for every level, and is home to the famous Magic Wood bouldering area in Ferrera. Water plays a central role, from swimming lakes and outdoor pools to canyoning in the Viamala gorge and fishing on the young Hinterrhein and its tributaries. Themed trails and family paths, trail running routes and the Transviamala race round out the summer offer.
Winter activities
In winter, Viamala offers six ski areas, including the snow-sure Splügen Tambo resort with 30 kilometres of pistes, as well as Tschappina, Sarn, Feldis, Avers and Obermutten, ranging from family-friendly slopes to demanding descents. Cross-country skiing is well developed, with trails in the Rheinwald, Avers and around Splügen, and there are marked snowshoe routes such as the Dreibündenstein arena and the Panell trail. Tobogganing is a highlight, with long runs in Feldis, Splügen and Sarn, while winter hiking, ski touring, freeriding, ice climbing and natural ice rinks round out the winter offer.
Culture and entertainment
Viamala has a distinctive cultural life rooted in its history as a transit region. The Domleschg valley is known as the land of castles, with more castles and palaces on a small area than anywhere else in Switzerland, and the region is dotted with museums and exhibitions, from the Romanesque painted ceiling of the church of St. Martin in Zillis to mining and fortress museums. Historic pass villages such as Splügen and the trading town of Thusis preserve their heritage, while events such as the viaSpluga anniversary, the Piazza Culinaria and summer concerts bring the region to life.
