Tujetsch, the Tomasee, the source of the Rhine and Andermatt

28 August 2025

Tujetsch (Tavetsch in German) is a region in Surselva (canton of Graubünden). In this area lies the cradle of the Rhine: the Tomasee. The Oberalp Pass connects the Val Tujetsch with the Urseren Valley,  Andermatt and the Romanesque St. Kolumban Church.

Andermatt

Tujetsch is the name for both the entire valley and the corresponding political municipality. Tujetsch is therefore not a village, but rather comprises the following 11 fractions: Tschamut, Selva, Dieni, Rueras, Zarcuns, Camischolas, Gionda, Sedrun, Bugnei, Surrein, and Cavorgia.

The first settlement of Tujetsch took place after the founding of the Disentis Monastery in the 8th century. In the 12th century, the Walser came over the Oberalp Pass and settled in Tujetsch.

Sedrun around 1930. Picture: Hotel-Restaurant La Cruna

Hotel Krone around 1930

Hotel-Restaurant La Cruna today

Tschamut is the village that lies furthest west in the valley. This upper part of the valley was inhabited by Walser, who had immigrated from the Urseren Valley. Up to Sedrun, the valley is German-speaking.

The name Sedrun is Romansh, and thus even the small municipality of Tujetsch has a language border: Romansh from Sedrun onwards. Sedrun is the political centre of Tujetsch, and the Drun stream divides the village into two parts: Sedrun and Gionda.

 

Types of rock from the Gotthard Base Tunnel

Impressions from Andermatt

The Wendelin-Chapel

The Oberalppass