National Park: Animal Paradise Murtersattel

With this hike, the tour from Zernez to Chamanna Cluozza can be extended to an attractive round trip. Leisurely hikers are welcome to stay overnight. On the way, the Murter saddle is not only one of the best points for observing animals in the National Park, but also offers an excellent panorama and a view of the plateau with dinosaur tracks on Piz dal Diavel. The trail is interesting, especially during the descent, it is a challenge for the knees and requires sure-footedness and concentrated walking in some exposed areas.

Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Swiss National Park, not even on a leash. Further information on this and all protection regulations can be found at www.nationalpark.ch/en/visit/hiking/protection-regulations/. 

If you have problems with long descents, it is better to take the route in the opposite direction and spend the night in Chamanna Cluozza.

From Zernez railway station (1474 m a.s.l.) through the Val Cluozza to the Chamanna Cluozza (see route "Chamanna Cluozza"). There you have the possibility to stay overnight. Be sure to book early (www.cluozza.ch / Tel. +41 (0)81 856 12 35)!

In the morning from the Chamanna Cluozza (1882 m a.s.l.) through pine-larch forest and later through pine fields uphill. At 2200 m a.s.l. through a steep scree trough - a fixed rope provides support here - and then across the alpine pastures of the Murter. Cattle used to graze here, but today numerous marmots, which are ideal to observe, inhabit the area near the path. At the level of the ruins of the old alpine building, the dinosaur tracks on the Piz dal Diavel can be spotted with good binoculars. Shortly afterwards, the trail reaches the Murtersattel (2545 m a.s.l.), where a brisk wind often blows. Now the view opens up to the Spöltal valley and the Engadine Dolomites. The descent begins steeply and on Plan dals Poms leads past ruins of former alpine buildings once again. After this terrace, the seemingly endless zigzag path begins through stands of Scots pine and later through a magnificent larch, stone pine, spruce and pine forest. At the clearing of Plan Praspöl (1690 m a.s.l.) the valley floor is almost reached. Only 10 more minutes to the bridge over the Spöl, where the final ascent to the post bus stop Vallun Chafuol/P3 begins.