Dreibündenstein

Dreibündenstein is a summit above Chur and the municipality of Malix in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. Official tourism sources give its height as 2160 m, while some hiking apps list the viewpoint at 2176 m. It is best known for a stone monument that marks the point where the borders of three former Rhaetian leagues met.

Why is Dreibündenstein historically important?

The name means roughly "three-leagues stone". Here the territories of the Gotteshausbund (League of God's House), the Grauer Bund (Grey League) and the Zehngerichtebund (League of Ten Jurisdictions) came together. These leagues formed the old Alpine republic of Rhaetia. A first border stone was set in 1722 and is now displayed in the Rätisches Museum in Chur. In 1915 the Swiss Alpine Club replaced it with a 2 m obelisk. A summit book beside it invites hikers to sign in.

How do you get to the top?

Most walkers start at Brambrüesch (1590 m), reached by gondola from Chur. From there the trail climbs past Malixer Alp and Hühnerköpfe to the Furggabüel saddle. At about 2174 m, Furggabüel is the highest point of the area and has a broad panorama.

Three common options:

• Panoramaweg Brambrüesch to Feldis: about 12 km, roughly 4 hours, around 690 m up and 814 m down, grade T2. It ends in Feldis (1469 m), where a gondola runs down to Rhäzüns and its railway station.
• Loop from Brambrüesch: about 12.5 km and a little over 5 hours, returning via Galtialp and Edelweisshütte.
• Brambrüesch to Pradaschier: an easier walk of about 3 hours 15 minutes with an optional summit detour. You return by bus from Churwalden or ride the toboggan run.

What can you see from the summit?

The view takes in the Graubünden ranges and the Tectonic Arena Sardona UNESCO area. Several mountain huts line the route, including Battagliahütte at Brambrüesch and the VIVA Bergbeiz near Malixer Alp, so a meal stop is easy to plan. The wider area offers over 60 km of marked hiking trails.

When should you go?

Trails are generally clear of snow from June to October, and the gondolas run during that season. Check current trail conditions and lift times before setting out, as they change from year to year. Bring a windproof layer and water, since most of the route lies above the tree line.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Dreibündenstein?

Official tourism sources say 2160 m. Apps such as Komoot show 2176 m for the viewpoint, and the Furggabüel saddle is about 2174 m.

Is the hike difficult?

The Panoramaweg is graded T2: a standard mountain path without exposed sections. You still need stamina for several hours on foot.

How do you get back to Chur?

From Brambrüesch take the gondola down. From Feldis take the gondola to Rhäzüns, then a train. From Pradaschier take the bus from Churwalden.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes. The shorter route via Pradaschier is the easiest, and the toboggan run there makes a fun finish.