Nationalpark: Murtaröl

This versatile circular hike requires a few beads of sweat and is undertaken relatively rarely. However, this is unjustified: it offers beautiful views of the Val Cluozza, towards the Upper Engadine and the King of the Lower Engadine, the dominant, 3410 m above sea level Piz Linard. With a bit of luck, ptarmigan observations are possible, chamois are omnipresent along the route. In addition, old, brick avalanche barriers can be discovered along the way, which also makes the hike culturally and historically interesting.

Hint: Dogs are not permitted in the Swiss National Park, not even on a leash. Further information on this and all protective provisions can be found under nationalpark.ch/schutzbestimmungen.

As an ascent variant, the path through the forest flank "Las Valainas" from Zernez is also suitable.

From Zernez station (1474 m above sea level) through the village eastwards towards the Ofen Pass and over the covered wooden bridge over the Spöl. From here there are two variants: The western path leads after a stretch of tarred road on a dirt road towards the forest, turns sharply to the east and then gradually climbs. The eastern path leads on a cart path through meadows into a larch forest, climbs steeply and finally meets the dirt road described above. From here head east to the Sarasinstein, located on the edge of the Cluozza Gorge, which is dedicated to one of the founding personalities of the Swiss National Park. The path zigzags up to Il Pra and continues to the Bellavista hut (2039 m above sea level). Through the forest border area and on alpine pastures, where trusting chamois are often spotted, further upwards, past the 44 dry stone walls from the 19th century, which were piled up here as avalanche barriers. Where the path turns southeast again, the view becomes clear into the Val Tantermozza. Once on the Murtaröl ridge (2579 m above sea level), a magnificent panoramic view of the Engadine, the Val Tantermozza, the Val Cluozza and the Murter saddle opposite awaits you (see route "Murter"). The trail ends at the Steinmann. For the way back from here directly to the north, descending past bizarre rock formations back to Il Pra. From here on the way back as on the ascent. From Il Pra there is also the possibility to hike into the Val Cluozza (see route «Chamanna Cluozza»).