Calanda

Calanda is a mountain massif in the Glarus Alps, rising above the Rhine valley near Chur and the village of Vättis. Its highest summit, the Haldensteiner Calanda, stands at 2,805 m (sources vary between 2,804 and 2,806 m) on the border of the cantons of Graubünden and St. Gallen. Reaching the top is a full-day mountain outing.

What is Calanda?

The massif has four main peaks: Haldensteiner Calanda (2,805 m), Felsberger Calanda (2,697 m), Taminser Calanda (2,390 m) and Berger Calanda (2,309 m). The highest is also the highest point within the municipality of Chur. This mountain is unrelated to the Calanda beer brand and to the town of Calanda in Aragon, Spain.

Why go?

The area belongs to the UNESCO Sardona Tectonic Arena. Here, immense forces pushed rock about 300 million years old over far younger layers, and the effect is visible on the slopes. From the ridge you look across to Crap Mats (2,947 m) and Ringelspitz (3,247 m). An ibex colony lives on the massif, so you may spot the animals on the way up.

How do you climb it?

From Chur (eastern route). The most popular approach starts in Haldenstein and leads to the SAC Calandahütte at 2,073 m. The hut takes roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours to reach, and the summit is about 2.5 hours beyond it.

From Vättis (western route). This is a steeper, more demanding loop: about 16.2 km, around 8 hours of walking and roughly 2,344 m of ascent. It passes through Gonscherolaboden and Tüfelschilchli and finishes along an exposed ridge. Some sections turn slippery when wet.

One-day traverse. A variant via Schaftäli covers about 13 km with 2,000 m of ascent in around 9 hours. It calls for very good fitness, sure footing and a head for heights, with short scrambles up to grade T4.

How do you get to Vättis?

Take the train to Bad Ragaz, then bus 451 toward Vättis. By car, leave the motorway at Bad Ragaz and follow the mountain road toward Pfäfers and Valens.

When should you visit?

Trails are best in summer and early autumn, when snow has gone. Start early: the days are long, and wet rock gets slippery.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Calanda? The highest summit, the Haldensteiner Calanda, is 2,805 m above sea level.

Is the climb difficult? Yes. The route from Chur is long but technically moderate. The Vättis loop and the traverse are considerably harder and need mountain experience.

Where can I stay overnight? At the SAC Calandahütte, 2,073 m, the usual base for the summit.

Will I see wildlife? An ibex colony lives on the slopes, so sightings are possible.