Stage 14: Walserweg Gottardo

Let's go to the last stage of the Walserweg Gottardo! It starts in Val with its rustic inn and a chapel. Leaving the small settlement, the path runs through the steep valley flank down to the bridge over the Rein da Sumvitg. The impressive stream ditch testifies to the power of earlier storms in the area. The catchment area of the Rein da Sumvitg extends up to the protected plateau of the Greina.

The steep, sweaty ascent also goes up: the path zigzags through dense forest, then it slowly climbs up over cattle pastures and past mountain pastures and the Alps. From time to time you catch a glimpse of the opposite villages of Sumvitg and Rabius. Well-kept buildings and alpine pastures characterise the Alp Cuolms dil Run, which is only accessible by a material cable car. To the north, the Tödi is visible as the highest elevation. More or less keeping the altitude, you now cross the first torrent ditch on a narrow path. High above the valley floor, a forest road leads into Val Zavragia. The torrent ditch is crossed on a new wooden footbridge. Again and again, debris flows and flooding in the valley floor cause devastation, despite the many obstructions that slow down the course of the stream. The last steep ascent of the stage is on the agenda, in the forest up to Alp Criedi.

Field names such as "In da Maiasassa" then reveal that you are back in Walser territory. The settlement of St. Martin in the municipality of Obersaxen is the stage destination of the 200-kilometre long-distance hike and at the same time the connection to the Graubünden Walser Trails. Typical wooden houses, the chaplaincy church and a cozy inn can be found here. It is also worth taking a look into the distance: in the north, the Brigelser Hörner and the Kistenstöckli rise majestically into the air, while on the opposite side of the valley other 3000-metre peaks are enthroned. In neighbouring Friggahüs is the post bus stop to Ilanz.

The Ustria Val Sumvitg is not always open. Please reserve early.

Timetable for the post bus from Obersaxen Friggahüs can be found here

You can find out more about the entire San Gottardo Walser Trail from the International Association for Walserism.

Val - Surrein - Val Zavragia - Üsser Zavraga - St.Martin - Friggahüs