The best walks and hikes around Waltensburg/Vuorz

The Flem is an approximately 16-kilometer-long mountain stream in the Surselva region. It originates in the Crap Grond area at an altitude of around 2,540 m above sea level and flows through the Val Frisal and the municipality of Breil/Brigels. On its way, the Flem also feeds the Lag da Breil, the Brigelsersee, before continuing downstream and finally flowing into the Schmuér stream. The stream, with its watercourses and gorges, shapes the landscape around Brigels. The Flem is particularly impressive in the upper valley area around Val Frisal, where an original alpine landscape with valuable moorland and floodplain areas is located.

Above Brigels lies the small pilgrimage chapel Sogn Sievi, dedicated to Saint Eusebius. Its history dates back a long way: it was first mentioned in documents as early as 1185. The striking Romanesque tower dates from the 11th/12th century. Particularly worth seeing is the late Gothic winged altarpiece from 1486, created by the Memmingen master Ivo Strigel. In the 17th century, Sogn Sievi was a popular place of pilgrimage, especially for sick people. A quiet, historically rich place above Brigels, which offers a beautiful insight into the long religious history of the region.

In the middle of Brigels, by the Pradas Resort, lies the naturally landscaped swimming lake. The small lake is a maximum of 1.60 m deep and is pre-warmed to a pleasant 20–22 °C by solar collectors. Admission is free. Around the lake, there is a sunbathing lawn, a barbecue area with seating, as well as showers, changing rooms, and toilets. For families, there is also a paddling pool and various play and leisure facilities. A nice way to cool off on warm days after a hike – although the swimming lake, due to its location near the resort, already seems quite touristy and family-oriented.

Brigels, in Romansh Breil, lies on a sunny terrace at around 1,300 m above sea level and, with its old houses around the parish church, has certainly retained its original village character. However, I also noticed today that Brigels is significantly more tourist-oriented than I had expected. Numerous holiday apartments, hotels, and tourist facilities are located around the village. As a result, the place sometimes seems less quiet and original than one might expect from a mountain village. Nevertheless, Brigels is beautifully situated in terms of landscape and offers a good starting point for hikes in the Surselva.

The Lag da Breil, in German Brigelsersee, lies at around 1,255 m above sea level, directly above Brigels. The lake, approximately 500 meters long and up to 140 meters wide, was created as a reservoir in 1946 and is used for energy production. The lake is fed and drained by the Flem. Despite its function as a reservoir, the Lag da Breil appears very idyllic and blends beautifully into the landscape around Brigels. A pleasant walking path leads all the way around the lake. Important: Swimming is not permitted in the reservoir.

The lovingly designed farm shop of Biohof Demvitg is a perfect stopover for hikers and cyclists. In the self-service area, open around the clock, you will find regional organic specialties such as Black Angus beef, potatoes, honey, and cider, as well as delicious Surselva Gelato. Payment is easily made in cash or with TWINT. A beautiful place for an enjoyable break with high-quality products directly from the farm.

Beautiful barbecue spot with wood, a well, picnic areas, and a portable toilet.

The Kropfenstein Castle ruins are one of the most extraordinary castles in the Surselva. It was built on a striking rocky outcrop and seems to literally cling to the steep rock face. Access is via a rather narrow hiking trail that requires sure-footedness. Once at the top, the impressive remains of the walls and the spectacular view of the Rhine Gorge and the surrounding mountain landscape reward the short detour.