Are there food options for vegetarians and vegans?

Vegetarian meals are usually available in most accommodations. Vegan options are harder to be found in huts, but we're happy to let you know about them in advance so you can plan accordingly.

Chur Terrace Hike

5 days / 4 nights

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Discover the untouched beauty of Graubünden’s alpine landscapes, where secluded trails and historic mountain huts create a one-of-a-kind Swiss hiking experience.

Starting point

Chur

Finish point

Chur

Season

From May to October

Technical level

4/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Discover the untouched beauty of Graubünden’s alpine landscapes, where secluded trails and historic mountain huts create a one-of-a-kind Swiss hiking experience.

Starting point

Chur

Finish point

Chur

Season

From May to October

Technical level

4/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Experience the untouched beauty of Graubünden, one of Switzerland's most scenic regions
Discover the unique balance of challenge and accessibility
Marvel at the imposing cliffs of Schafberg as you hike through pristine alpine landscapes
Take in the breathtaking views of the Ringelspitz, the highest peak in the region
Stay in historic mountain huts that offer an authentic taste of Swiss alpine culture
Hike along secluded trails, away from the more crowded routes

Itinerary of the trip

Upon arrival in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, there’s an opportunity to explore the town's charming streets and historic landmarks. The evening can be spent settling into accommodation and enjoying local cuisine, offering a restful start to the upcoming adventure.

Accommodation

Ambiente Hotel Freieck

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The hike begins with a path that gradually ascends past Vorder Säss and Hinter Säss, reaching an altitude of 1,666 meters. The route will take you deeper into the valley, crossing a stream beneath the imposing Schafberg cliffs. Your first day will conclude at Ringelspitzhütte, after traversing a grassy slope, providing a cozy place to rest.

Hiking

11.5 km and 1440 m of elevation gain / 60 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Ringelspitzhütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Today, you’ll move on towards Calandahütte, starting with a descent from your accommodation and back up towards the Haldensteiner Calanda. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take on an optional challenge to climb its peak, standing at an imposing 2,805 meters. Regardless of your choice, the path will take you across the massif and its sunny terrace, providing spectacular views of the valley below. The day will end at Calandahütte, where another night in the mountains awaits.

Hiking

12 km and 900 m of elevation gain / 820 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Calandahütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

The steep descent from Calandahütte to Haldenstein passes through serene landscapes, showcasing the natural beauty of the region. The trail will feature a mix of tranquil forests and panoramic mountain vistas, making it a peaceful conclusion to the hiking adventure. The day ends in Haldenstein, with a transfer back to Chur for a final night.

Hiking

10.5 km and 20 m of elevation gain / 1530 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Ambiente Hotel Freieck

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The hiking journey concludes with a departure from Chur. Depending on timing, the morning might allow for a final exploration of the town or a relaxed breakfast. You can also choose to extend your stay and continue venturing through the beautiful landscape on your of before returning home.

Gallery

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

2 nights in (mountain) huts with half-board

2 nights in a 3-star hotel with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Private rooms

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 45-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings
Down jacket
Gloves
Shade hat/cap

Warm headwear
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Sleeping liner
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Small first aid kit

The Chur Terrace Hike is a hidden gem in the heart of Graubünden, one of Switzerland's most captivating regions.

While popular routes in Switzerland can sometimes feel crowded, the Chur Terrace Hike takes you through quieter, more secluded areas where the connection with nature feels intimate and uninterrupted.

The route traverses an area where the natural beauty is complemented by the presence of historic mountain huts, each with its own story and charm. These huts provide more than just a place to rest; they offer a window into the past, where hikers can experience the warm hospitality and time-honored customs of the region.

What makes the Chur Terrace Hike truly special is its balance between challenge and accessibility. The trails are well-maintained and marked, making them suitable for a range of hiking abilities. Yet, the hike remains rewarding, with each section offering its own set of breathtaking views and unique natural features.

From the sight of distant glaciers to the sound of alpine streams, every aspect of this hike is a reminder of why Graubünden remains a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

We take care of all the logistics, from booking your accommodations to providing detailed itineraries, GPS tracks and support. This way, you can focus entirely on enjoying the journey without any worries.

Ready to experience the magic of the Swiss Alps? Join us on the Chur Terrace Hike and discover a world of breathtaking vistas and peaceful solitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

The summer season for hiking is usually from mid-June to mid-October. Its start depends on the amount of snow left on the high mountain passes from the winter. The Walker’s Haute Route and Via Alpina have some high passes, which are usually free of snow only in July. Hiking before that could be dangerous without proper skill and equipment. In October, there is usually the first bigger snowfall, and the huts close to prepare for the winter ski season.

Read more about the hiking season in the Swiss Alps here.

We've rated our tours on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 — with 1 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult.

The difficulty level of a tour tells you how fit you need to be and how much hiking is involved. Most of our tours are appropriate for people who are regularly active and can hike for about five to seven hours per day.

Technical difficulty means how skilled you need to be to hike on the path. Level 1 means the trail is smooth and wide (like a gravel road), while 5 means the surface is uneven and exposed, and you have to use your hands to help yourself move forward. In practice, that means that the higher the level, the more surefooted and skilled in scrambling you need to be.

It is best to book your tour early because most accommodations along the trail fill up quickly. That way, you can ensure that you have a place to stay.

Even though the routes are usually quite close to at least a farm or a small village, they also feature lots of wild and remote sections where you cannot just stop. In case of injury, it’s best to call the local emergency services.

On the other hand, if you just feel that you cannot hike anymore, you can always stop in any of the towns and villages along the way and use public transport to get to a bigger Swiss city.

Showers in Swiss mountain huts are rare and are only offered for an extra charge. That’s why it’s wise to bring wet wipes with you for the days that you are staying in one of them.

No, because the huts provide their blankets and pillows. Still, you should bring a sleeping liner instead.

Cell connection is very changeable in the mountains. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see a town, you’ll have a reception. Mountain huts are the same — the signal usually doesn’t reach the insides, so try catching it outside. Wifi is available only in some huts, while most don’t have it.

If you dress accordingly, most stages can be done in light rain. However, do not hike if a storm is forecasted. In that case, you can take public transport to the next point when possible to make up for the lost time.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+19

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer · 1 year ago

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Nachiket Mor

Verified customer · 2 years ago

Daja Gorišek was the travel agent from here who meticulously organised the trek all the way from Meiringen to Lenk im Simmental. She took care of all the details -- from planning the actual trek route, the detailed GPS map for each stage, to the hotels. The actual experience was entirely consistent with what was promised.

Claudia Ossa

Verified customer · 2 years ago

9 day hiking trip including rafting and mountain biking. Sadly the weather didn’t help, we had a lot of rain, but Klemen modified our plans, making it a great experience after all. Klemen is an excellent guide and I highly recommend him!!!

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Ann Swainson

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. It was absolutely stunning, well organised, and a brilliant trip. Special thanks to Jan for his kindness & support on what was a personally challenging trek.

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Robert Backlund

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Our Guide Luka was amazing! And the three-day hike was a Memory for life, really beautiful. Cant recommend it enough.

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Julio Duran

Verified customer · 18 days ago

A great experience, especially since it was our first hut-to-hut adventure. Everything went according to plan, quick and efficient responses, a great route with beautiful landscapes. I would definitely do it again.