Hiking in the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona – Segnes Trek

This spectacular hike through the mountains is also a journey into the past. The Segnes Trek leads you through the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and shows you geological phenomena in a magnificent alpine landscape with wonderful trails, breathtaking views and magnificent peaks.

In the Tectonic Arena you discover how the Alps were formed. Of particular note is the Glarus Thrust (Glarner Hauptüberschiebung), a major fault line and an awesome spectacle. When the European and African continental plates collided, an older layer of rock was pushed over a younger one. This phenomenon is clearly visible at the prominent Tschingelhörner peak. This is also the location of the famous Martin's Hole, through which the sun shines for two minutes in spring and autumn.

When water joins rock, natural phenomena are created, such as the whirlpool pots on the Alp Mora and the two Segnesböden plateaus, through which the water is constantly seeking new paths. You can find all these features high up in the mountains west of Chur. There’s a treat in store for wildlife lovers too. If you’re lucky, you can observe golden eagles here, so it's worth bringing a pair of binoculars.

The Segnes Trek starts at the train station Reichenau-Tamins and, almost immediately, you find yourself immersed in the mountain environment. Surefootedness as well as alpine hiking experience are required. The highest point of the hike is the Grischsattel, at 2,760 metres (8,760 ft). High up, between the peaks, you spend the night in mountain huts and inns. You should book your accommodation well in advance and we recommend that you start your journey on a Sunday to avoid the crowds. Four of the five nights are spent above 2,000 metres (6,560 ft). Not all of the stages have stops along the way, so we recommend that you bring provisions from the valley or pack some breakfast at the huts.

Climb high, look far into the distance and travel deep into the past in this uniquely revealing mountain landscape.

Please note: Due to maintenance work, the Segnespass Mountain Lodge will be closed in summer 2023. As an alternative, the Tschinglen Inn on the Tschinglen Alp is available. During the construction work of the FlemExpress, the Segneshütte will also be closed for overnight guests. Instead, you can spend the night in the cosy cotton tents of TCS Glamping on Alp Nagens.