Flums - Chapfensee - Mels

From the late Middle Ages to the 18th century, Flums' main square was the site for smelting Gonzen ore. This is still commemorated by numerous wrought-iron grave crosses from the 17th to 19th centuries in the cemetery, as well as the Eisenherrenhaus (iron master's house) from 1567.
We hike along Flumserbergstrasse to the Flumserei. Before the bridge over the Schilsbach, we turn left and reach the hiking trail above the Flumserei, which leads into the forest. After leaving the forest at Bünt, Portels on Kleinberg lies ahead. Continuing upwards, we reach Kurhaus Sässliwiesen via Margess - Sässli. On the almost flat, wide alpine path we hike to Alp Cafröa, always accompanied by the magnificent view over the Seeztal valley and the Alvier mountain range towering above. At Ingerli, we cross the Röllbach, then walk through pleasantly cool forest to Cholschlager Bach. From the bridge, we spot small glacial mills in the stream. Soon we reach the idyllic Chapfensee, a reservoir whose water is conveyed down to Plons through a pressure pipe. The nature reserve around the lake features remarkable flora from spring to autumn. We walk to the southeastern end and take the path leading down to Mels in the valley. On the somewhat steep old Vermölerweg, we descend to Rüfi, then walk past vineyards to St. Martin with its famous chapel and Nidberg castle. A short final descent to the Seez river, and via the village bridge, we arrive at Mels village square, where the cantonal assembly took place from 1831 to 1861.