Stay overnight in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona

In the deep black mountain night, far away from any cities, countless stars twinkle in the sky. And when the first rays of sunlight illuminate the mountain peaks in the early morning, an unforgettable night ends with another highlight.

UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona

There is hardly any other place where the history of the Alps and their formation can be traced as clearly as in and around the Sardona Tectonic Arena above Flims. For this reason, the 32,800-hectare area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. When the European and African tectonic plates collided around 10-20 million years ago, the older rock layer was pushed over the younger one.

This unusual thrust fault – the Glarus Thrust – is particularly evident on the nine rugged peaks of the Tschingelhörner, as the dividing line runs through the mountain range like a bizarre predetermined breaking point. The upper and older layer consists of 260-300 million-year-old Verrucano rock, while the lower and younger layer is formed of 35-50 million-year-old schistose flysch.

For those interested, the history of the Alps is impressively illustrated using simulated images and other visual aids in the Sardona visitor pavilion near the Segneshütte, or explained by trained GeoGuides during guided hikes in the area.

Flims starry sky in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site

Spend the night outdoors under the starry sky at 2,100 meters above sea level. This World Heritage experience offers visitors an outdoor overnight stay at the Sardona visitor pavilion, half board at the Segneshütte, participation in the nature tour "Experience UNESCO World Heritage Sardona," packed lunches, mountain railway and shuttle tickets, and the perfect mountain panorama.