The Greina High Plain

The Greina Plain is a unique alpine plain at about 2,200 meters. It is south and east of Andermatt, mostly in the kanton of Graubunden. It was saved by citizen action from being turned into a dam and power lake. We crossed the Greina Plain in the early morning light.

Alan walks through a field of stone monuments.

On the south side, a steep gorge leads down into Ticino and the Lake of Luzzone, which does have a power dam and lake on it.

Terri Hut, 2,200 meters

Terri hutt, seen in the dawn light above, is a Swiss Alpine Club hut that can accomodate 100 people. It was full the day that we stayed there, with all ages of hikers. Below are a series of views looking north: sunset, twilight, and the path in daylight.

Vorder Rhine: Hike Up Sumvitg Valley, 900-2100 meters

Cyane and Alan enjoyed the hike from Rabius at 900 meters up the Sumvitg Valley.

Maeschenboden Hike

Andres met Walter the carpenter and his grandson near the alpine village of Maeschenboden, below.

The Crummhorrli peak below, stands above the glacial valley.

Hike Rinerhorn to Ludenbach

We took the Rinerhorn cable car up to hike at about 1,800 meters through the forest.

Hike Up Staffelalp

Andres took Alan and Cyane up to an Alpine village of Stafelalp at about 1,800 meters. There we visited an old cheesemaking hut originally built in 1644. It had been one residence of the German Expressionist artist EL Kirchner in the 1920's when he was living in the Davos area.

There was a celebration at the local Gastohof attended by all ages and with accordian music.

Hike Up Schiahorn with Andres

The story of St Ursula: Alan got frightened from height and exposure on this hike not far from the top. He decided to stop and wait for Andres and Cyane to return from the summit. About 10 minutes later a very nice Swiss lady came along and encouraged him to continue. With Ursula's help, Alan made it bravely to the top of the mountain and down. So was born the legend of St. Ursula!

Bike from Lenzerheide to Davos

The ruins of the Belfort castle show the remains of a powerful group who collected tolls and controlled the Landwasser Valley bridge, and thus all the way up to San Bernardino Pass. It was built in the 1200's.


After a dramatic trip along the Landwasser River and Viaduct, Andres welcomed us 'Im Langsi.'

Cyane Hikes to Ramoz for Edelweiss

Cyane took a suggested alternate route to look for Edelweiss. Not only were the flowers there at the top of a cliff, but Cyane was thankful to meet a Swiss couple (below) who took her picture with the valley.

Ramoz Hut of Swiss Alpine Club

We reached this unstaffed hut in the mountains above Arosa near twilight. The other visitors were all Swiss but were very helpful in helping when discussing possible routes.