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Rohanschanze and Malans Vineyards

Grisons  >  Switzerland

One of the best spots for observing migratory birds in the Rhine Valley of the Grisons / Graubünden

Added* by Peter Wittemann
Most recent update 25 studenoga 2025
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Description

The Rohanschanze (1) is a barely visible defensive fortification dating back to the Thirty Years’ War. The former ramparts are now crowned with ancient oaks, and the Golub Dupljaš can be seen here and in the surrounding fields.

Right next to the site lies a traditionally managed meadow enclosed by hedges (2), offering breeding grounds for birds of the cultural landscape that have become increasingly rare, such as the Rusi Svračak and the Šumska Crvenperka. During migration, Smeđoglavi Batić and Crnoglavi Batić are often spotted, and there are records of the Veliki svračak from late autumn and winter.

The intensively cultivated fields around the area (3), visible from an observation platform facing north, provide resting places for migrating pipits, wagtails, and larks — mainly in spring, but also in autumn. Nearly every spring, the Eja Livadarka is sighted passing through this corridor. It’s worth scanning the more distant trees for resting Crvenonoga Vjetruša or Pčelarica — both rare species that are nonetheless seen here regularly. From these trees, you may also hear the distinctive song of the Vijoglav.

Those who follow the path further east reach the southernmost vineyards of the Bündner Herrschaft (4), home to characteristic birds of these landscapes such as the Crnogrla Strnadica and Žuta strnadica, both of which breed here.

Nearly 200 species have been recorded in total — owing to the fact that the area is regularly visited by Graubünden’s most dedicated birders. Among the very rare sightings are two records of Sivi Svračak (1967 and 1974), three of Riđoglavi Svračak, one of Ćukavica, and, more recently, two of Kratkoprsta ševa, a species that will likely appear here more often in the future.

Details

Access

The area is best reached either from Landquart train station (it's a bit tricky to find the way across the motorway and railroad tracks) or from Malans train station. Those are also the best parking spots if you arrive by car.

Terrain and Habitat

Plain , Agriculture , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring migration

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

To the north, the Siechenstuden and the Maienfeld vineyards can be visited (see the respective entries on this page).

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