Mountains

In terms of area, Vals is the largest community in the Surselva district. Geologically speaking, most of it belongs to the Adula massif (part of the Penninic nappes). These mountains consist of various gneisses, mica schists, and amphibolites, covered mainly with dolomite and limestone deposits. The crystalline Adula nappe extends into Ticino and is part of the central chain of the Western Alps.

The Vals mountains are also well known for their rare and beautiful minerals. The left valley wall from Piz Seranastga and Piz Aul to the Soreda pass via the Dachberg, Frunthorn, and Piz Scharboda is a veritable treasure trove: quartz, cairngorm or smoky quartz, orthoclase, calcite, hematite, rutile, anatase, brookite, pink fluorite, pyrite, chlorite, amethyst, damburite, epidote, garnet, monazite, synchysite, tourmaline, titanite. The Valserrhein originates at the Rheinwaldhorn (3,402 m above sea level), the highest peak of the Adula massif. On three sections of the steep slopes of the Länta valley you will find a number of climbing routes. The spectacular Zervreilahorn is often referred to as the Matterhorn of Grisons.

There are some 50 mountain peaks in Vals, a wonderful choice of destinations for all your glacier climbing, ridge trekking, and rock climbing expeditions. The Länta hut (Swiss Alpine Club) is the perfect point of departure for you to climb the Rheinwaldhorn and any of the surrounding peaks of the Adula massif.