Our weekend in Savognin, Bivio and Albula

Do you have any plans for next weekend? How about the «Römer Trail»? The Savognin Bivio Albula region has this and much more to offer. We've put together a list of the highlights for a short break with the kids.

Switzerland’s largest nature park, several mountain passes and a wide range of activities can be found in Savognin Bivio Albula

Discover ...

... Parc Ela is situated in the mountain pass landscape of Albula, Julier and Septimer in Central Graubünden. Switzerland's largest regional nature park covers around 550 square kilometres, 200 of which are unspoilt wilderness. One of the most beautiful hikes in the park is the Exploratour. This mountain hike takes you from the Julier hospice La Veduta through the Val d'Agnel, over the Fuorcla digl Leget to Bivio. Along the way, you experience geological history at first hand: you hike, so to speak, from the continent to the ocean that once separated Africa and Europe, and see where the supercontinent split apart and reformed. Here, the former ocean floor is now overgrown with grass and moss. With the Exploratour kit , available for hire, you and your children can play at being researchers. It contains research tools and instructions for experiments and observations.
Length: 11.4 kilometres; walking time: approx. 5.5 hours; for families with children aged 12 and over; www.parc-ela.ch, www.savognin.ch.
The informative and helpful Parc Ela app is available for Android or iPhone.
Exploratour kit hire: CHF 18.–

There’s plenty to learn on the discovery trail.

... Would you like to devote yourself entirely to exploring? Then the Alp Flix nature trail is the perfect choice. The walk through the moors by the lakes takes you to six stations where your children can learn more about nature and explore biodiversity in a fun way. With Professor Fix's research kit, you can build a water wheel, make plaster casts of animal tracks, suck up spiders and observe them under a magnifying glass. You'll find fascinating information in the research diary. Refreshments are available at the Piz Platta mountain hut or at the Cotti family's agritourism farm, which features a yurt hotel and horse ranch.
Research trail for ages 7 to 12, www.agrotour.ch, www.flix.ch
Research kit CHF 38.– available at local tourist offices and hotels

Experience ...

... The «Römer Trail» is a gentle bike ride to warm up, not too strenuous, and suitable for families and beginners . The route takes its name from the Roman road and the archaeological sites. From Savognin, the trail follows the River Julia, climbing gently towards Tinizong. It then becomes a little steeper, but the Roman road to Rona is still easy to cycle along. The route continues to the mountain pastures of Plaz Beischen and on to Pensa, with views of the Val d'Err and towards Proschen and Rudnal, where various finds from the Roman and Bronze Ages have been made. The descent through the forest back to Savognin completes the tour.
«Roman Trail» Savognin–Rona–Tinizong–Savognin. Start: Savognin mountain railway car park. Difficulty: easy; length: 17 kilometres; duration: 2 hours; ascent/descent: 640 metres. Bikes can be hired from sports shops in Savognin

Lai Barnagn Lake is the perfect place to cool off.

... Or is your family more in the mood for a day of fun, games and relaxation? Then head to Lai Barnagn swimming lake. It is situated in the heart of Savognin and, in summer, has a pleasant temperature that invites you to linger whilst also offering a refreshing dip. Children can not only swim there but also discover a water play area. The kiosk sells almost everything you need for such a day.
Lai Barnagn swimming lake, Veia Barnagn, Savognin. Kiosk open from 13 May, weather permitting, without food; from 25 May from 10 am to 5 pm, with food; 8 July to 20 August from 9 am to 7 pm, with food. End of season: 22 October 2017.

Accommodation ...

... The Aparthotel Ela is situated in a quiet location at 1,300 metres above sea level above Savognin, in Salouf. Studios and apartments are available to rent, each with a bathroom/WC, TV/radio, and a south-facing balcony or seating area. Guests have access to the indoor swimming pool and sauna facilities within the hotel. The restaurant serves regional specialities, organic meat, fresh vegetables and salads, and a generous breakfast buffet.
Children up to 5 years old stay free in their parents’ room, 6 to 11 years 50 per cent, 12 to 16 years 30 per cent.
Hotel Ela, Salouf. Price example: 2 nights for 2 adults and 2 children (9 and 13) incl. breakfast: CHF 358.–.
... If you prefer a more private setting, Hof Collet in Riom is highly recommended . The cosy two-bedroom flat on the ground floor can accommodate 5 to 6 people. The flat comprises a bedroom with a double bed and a bunk bed, a living room with a sofa bed, TV/radio and a separate kitchen. Bathroom with shower/WC and washing machine. The organic farm is situated in a sunny spot near Rätia Ampla Castle. The farm shop sells meat from their own Natura-Beef calves, sausages from their own cows and products from Gran Alpin, i.e. from organic mountain farming.

Hof Collet, Cadra 7, Riom. Price per day in summer: CHF 60, in winter: CHF 80 to 100.

Good to know ...

... with the Ela Card from Savognin Bivio Albula, you can enjoy a range of discounts. Terms and conditions