4.6
(1720)
10,969
hikers
241
hikes
Hiking around Nufenen offers access to alpine landscapes characterized by high mountain passes, glacial valleys, and the headwaters of the Rhine river. The region features a mix of challenging ascents and more moderate paths through varied terrain. Elevations range significantly, providing diverse hiking experiences across the Swiss Alps.
Last updated: October 8, 2026
36
hikers
10.4km
03:48
660m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(7)
81
hikers
10.0km
05:48
1,030m
1,030m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(4)
24
hikers
15.2km
04:07
200m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
36
hikers
18.6km
08:53
1,530m
1,530m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
3.5
(2)
20
hikers
10.8km
03:01
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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An intact village center and a turbulent history.
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Beautiful walk, 11 km through pines and pastures.
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Since 2025, this section of the Hinterrhein has been undergoing renaturation. The pine forest is history, but the renaturation is not yet complete.
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Directly in the village lies the historic mineral spring of San Bernardino. The crystal-clear water has been emerging here for centuries and can still be tapped fresh today. A short stop is worthwhile – not only for the history, but also for a refreshing break at the beginning or end of your tour.
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The stone-paved pass route connects the San Bernardino Pass at 2065 meters with the village of San Bernardino. The Romans already used this pass crossing.
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Hotel Bellevue, San Bernardino since 1858 The Hotel Bellevue was first mentioned in 1858 and was built by the landowner Gaspare Motto, a landowner from Mesocco. Motto built the mineral spring building together with Paolo Battaglia. At the beginning of the 19th century, the resort hosted numerous spa guests, mainly from nearby Ticino, Lombardy, and Piedmont. The Desteffanis family is also mentioned, but the details of their management are unclear (probably around 1870). Luigi Toschini (1832–1915) bought the hotel in 1896 and later handed over the business to his sons Samuele (1857–1943) and Giovanni (1873–1925) and their respective families. At that time, the Bellevue's capacity was limited, consisting of 18 rooms (for tourists) and 4 for staff. A special feature of the hotel's cellar was a room called "giazéira" in the local dialect, which was filled with snow and ice in the spring to keep drinks and food cool. In 1932, the hotel was sold to the Thorner-Blatter family from the Canton of Bern, who are also the current owners of Villa Flora. In 1937, the Thorner-Blatter family decided to sell the building to the Studer family, who later resold it to Mr. Oldenburg. In 1955, the Thorner-Blatter family repurchased the hotel. In 1965, the Schmidlin family bought the hotel and ran it until 1984. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Schmidlin family was known in San Bernardino for breeding several St. Bernard dogs, which lived in the garden next to the hotel, where the terrace is today. The Schmidlin family later bred up to 15 St. Bernards and became the symbol of their business during those years. In 1984, Hans and Meta Wellig, the former owners of the Hotel National Ravizza, purchased the Hotel Bellevue with the intention of continuing the family tradition. Text / Source: Hotel Bellevue, San Bernardino https://bellevue-sanbernardino.ch/
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S.Bernardo Mineral Water, San Bernardino Quality water since 1926 S.Bernardo represents the perfect union of quality, tradition, and elegance. Its spring originates in the Maritime Alps, at an altitude of 1,300 m, in a healthy and unspoiled environment. Text / Source: S. Bernardo S.p.A., Via O. Rovere, 41 – 12075 Garessio (CN) https://www.sanbernardo.it/azienda-san-bernardo/
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There are over 200 hiking routes around Nufenen, offering a wide range of experiences from moderate valley walks to challenging alpine ascents. The komoot community has explored these trails over 10,000 times.
Yes, Nufenen offers 42 easy hiking routes suitable for families or those seeking a less strenuous walk. These trails often feature gentler gradients and well-maintained paths. While no specific family-friendly route is highlighted here, many of the easy trails are suitable.
The best time for hiking in Nufenen is typically from late spring (June) through early autumn (October). During these months, the alpine passes are usually clear of snow, and the weather is generally more stable, offering ideal conditions for exploring the high mountain landscapes and valleys.
Yes, Nufenen has several excellent circular routes. One popular option is the San Bernardino Village – View of Fontanalba Waterfall loop from San Bernardino, which is a difficult 10 km trail. Another moderate circular route is the Medels im Rheinwald – Splügen loop from Rheinwald, covering 15.7 km through the Rheinwald valley.
Absolutely. The region is home to several beautiful waterfalls. You can experience the impressive View of Fontanalba Waterfall on the loop trail from San Bernardino Village. Other notable waterfalls include the Waterfall in Safiental and the Waterfall on Guggernüll.
Most hiking trails in the Nufenen region are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in alpine pastures where livestock may be present, or near wildlife protection zones. Always carry water for your dog and be mindful of their paws on rocky terrain.
You'll find various huts and restaurants in the Nufenen area, providing opportunities for refreshments and overnight stays. Examples include the Gadastatt Panorama Restaurant and the Zervreila Restaurant and Dam. For a more rustic experience, the Cufercal Hut (SAC) offers mountain refuge.
Public transport access to the Nufenen region is generally good, with PostBus services connecting many villages and trailheads. The Nufenen Pass itself is accessible by bus during the summer months. It's advisable to check the current SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and PostBus timetables for specific routes and connections to your chosen starting point.
The Nufenen region offers a diverse range of difficulty levels. There are 42 easy routes, 113 moderate routes, and 80 difficult routes. Difficult trails often involve significant elevation gain and rugged terrain, such as the San Bernardino Pass Trail – San Bernardino Village loop from San Bernardino.
The hiking trails in Nufenen are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,400 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning alpine scenery, the well-maintained paths, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.
While many trails are popular, the vast network of over 200 routes means there are always quieter paths to discover. Exploring the smaller side valleys or trails leading to less-frequented alpine lakes can often reveal serene and beautiful 'hidden gems' away from the main routes. For example, the area around Ober Surettasee and Seehütte offers tranquil surroundings.
Winter hiking in Nufenen is possible, but it requires careful planning and appropriate gear. Many high-altitude trails and passes, including the Nufenen Pass itself, are closed or become impassable due to snow. However, lower-altitude trails and designated winter hiking paths may be accessible. Always check local conditions, avalanche warnings, and trail status before heading out in winter.
Yes, you can hike towards the source region of the Rhine. A notable route is Hinterrhein to the Zapporthütte in the Rhine source region. This moderate 10.4 km trail takes you into the high alpine environment where the Rhine originates, offering a unique experience.


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