Calanda Challenge

This physically demanding tour starts in the center of Chur. The Calanda massif is exposed to the sun, so the tour can be ridden far up in spring (an early start is recommended in summer). At the start, follow the national signposting for Rhine Route 2 north to Haldenstein. Cross the Rhine bridge and see the proud Haldenstein Castle at the entrance to the village. In the village center, the narrow road branches off to the right to your destination, the Calanda hut, situated at 2073 m above sea level. You need to pace yourself, as you have to conquer the 1500 meters of altitude. Passing many mountain pastures and alpine meadows, you reach the Calanda hut via Arella and Funtanolja to the Neu- and Altsäss Alps. Numerous cows and cattle graze on the two alps in summer. This strenuous and panoramic tour promises well-deserved views of the Prättigau mountain range, the Weisshorn and Rothorn, Dreibündenstein, Piz Beverin and the Signina group, to name but a few.

The Calandahütte SAC is open during the summer months. You can recharge your batteries with food and drink. Of course, you can also spend the night at the top and optionally climb the proud Calanda summit on foot (730 vertical meters from the hut).

The return journey from the hut is on a single trail before following the ascent route again for a short stretch. Turn left at Alp Neusäss and follow the narrow and technical hiking trail to the Vazer Alp. After a descent on the alpine road, another trail branches off to the right at point 1515 to the beautiful settlement of Batänja. From there, follow the alpine road downhill until you pass Lichtenstein Castle ("Katzenburg") on the left. A little further down, a hiking trail branches off to the left again for the last part of the descent on a trail before you return to the village of Haldenstein.