This short trail wraps around the rocky landscape at the top of the Parpaner Rothorn peak (2,865m) above Lenzerheide. We liked this hike because the landscape is so different from other alpine hikes that are at a lower elevation. The trail is relatively short, but with lots of up and down and uneven rocky terrain. So it’s a good choice for kids that are improving their hiking skills but still need a short hike. We also love the restaurant at the top, whose menu is similar to the typical mountain fare, but better quality.
For more family-friendly activities in Lenzerheide, see Globi Theme trail.
| Location: | Graubünden Switzerland |
| Address: | Lenzerheide Rothorn Bergbahnen, Canols, 7078 Vaz/Obervaz |
| Car: | 1hr30 from Zurich to Lenzerheide Parking: Dieschen sot 2, 7078 Vaz/Obervaz |
| Train: | 2hr from Zurich to Lenzerheide/Lai, Rothorn |
| Trail: | 2.5 km loop |
| Condition: | rocky, dirt path, no strollers |
| Skill: | moderate |
| Open: | late June thru October |
| Prices 2019: | Adult CHF 42, Child CHF 21, under 6 & Junior card free GA & SBB Half-fare get half-fare |
| Services: | restaurant |
| More info: | arosalenzerheide.swiss |
Trail Map
This trail starts the top of the Parpaner Rothorn cable car and loops around 2.5 km back to your starting point. There is a restaurant and toilets at the cable car station but no services along the trail.
The trail is a 2.7 km loop, estimated 1.5 hrs. We took about 2.5 hrs, walking slow, taking lots of breaks, getting lost. It is very rocky, no strollers. There are some short steep ups and downs, which made our boys complain a bit, but it’s not particularly difficult or dangerous. Best for kids aged 5+.
Getting There
By car: Drive to Lenzerheide and follow signs to Rothorn, a cable car station on the east side of the valley. It has two huge metered parking lots.
By public transport: Take a train to Chur, then a bus to Lenzerheide/Lai, Rothorn. The cable car station is adjacent to the bus stop.
Tickets
Buy return tickets to the top of Rothorn, which includes a gondola to the Scharmoin middle station and cable car to the top of the Rothorn. GA & SBB Half-fare get a half-fare discount. Junior card accepted.
Trail Details
Once you make it to the top, take your time and enjoy it. The trail isn’t very long, there’s no hurry. Here’s are some of the views at the top of the Rothorn. Even if you don’t do the hike, the views are worth the ride up.
The first signboards for the geology trail are directly outside the doors when you exit the cable car station. When we did this trail, it was a geology theme trail with informational signboards along the way. Although some of the signboards are still there, they are in disrepair and not a focus on the trail anymore.
The trail starts just past the restaurant on a rocky ridge, as shown below. The pic on the left is looking back at the restaurant from the start of the trail. The pics on the right show the beginning of the trail.
Another look at the beginning of the trail, this time in sun. On the right, you can see the trail heading straight along the ridge and to the right.
The entire trail is rocky, some on loose shale, which can be a little slippery and tricky to navigate for little feet.
As I said before, in 2014, we were there on a very foggy, cloudy day. So some of my pics might seem a little gloomy. Don’t let that stop you. We had a great time, even in the clouds. The clouds added some drama and made it really exciting when they parted briefly to reveal the view.
The second half of the trail is in bowl, a little hidden from the panoramic views. But this part has its own charms, including a stream and little ponds.
Even though the landscape is barren, there were lots of little flowers poking through the rocks. We also saw several animal tracks in the snow, including these bird prints from some strange bird that was nesting in the rocks nearby.
The last section of the trail was quite steep, with some switchbacks. It’s not very long, but my kids had to take a lot of breaks. Maybe they need more practice.
Rothorn restaurant
Finally, time to eat! I had a faint memory of a good meal here back in 2007, when I was nine months pregnant and not hiking, but just enjoyed the view and a delicious meal. I’m pleased to report that the food is still great. I’ve had so many below average meals in Switzerland that now we usually just picnic. But I’ll happily pay Swiss prices at this restaurant.
They have lots of local specialties and Swiss classics that are well prepared, attractively plated, and very tasty. My husband and I both had wild game, which came with lots of yummy sides like housemade spätzli, glazed chestnuts, braised brussel sprouts, baked pear, etc. That was a meal to write home about. You can click on the images to see a larger version so you can read the menu.
There’s indoor outdoor seating with glass windows as a windbreak, so you can enjoy the view and not freeze. The indoor seating has floor to ceiling windows and a glass ceiling so you can enjoy the view and sun from almost any table. Can you tell that I love this place?
A last little note about the mountain biking at Lenzerheide. Mountain biking is the main attraction here and the whole place is busy with bikers. They have special tracks for families and bike classes and camps for kids. I haven’t done it yet. But if any of you have, please let me know, especially how it is for kids.
