Walserweg
Overview
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Distance 13 km
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Duration 5 h 10 min
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Ascent 1200 m
Intro
Traditional and modern - wood and Valais quartzite shape the villagescape of Vals. View of the settlement of Leis below the Piz Aul. Lime kilns, turquoise pools at Alp Tomül. Views into the Safiental valley to Wisshorn and the Pizzas d'Anarosa.
Description
Vals is known for its thermal springs. It lies in a side valley of the Surselva which also takes its name from the village: the Vals Valley. In terms of surface area, the municipality is approximately the size of Liechtenstein, making it one of the largest municipalities in Switzerland.
The hike begins with the crossing of the Valser Rhine. After leaving the centre of the village with its church and restaurants, you immediately start the climb through the Riefawald. The ascent continues on the narrow path until you reach the treeline. After this, the rocky mountaintops rise up on the other side of the Vals Valley. You soon reach the Riedboda, a beautiful moorland with meandering waterways. After Alp Tomül it’s around a 200 metre elevation gain before you get to the mountain pass of the same name. This is where the climb ends – you’re now about two-thirds of the way through the hike. Time, then, for a break and a game of trying to guess which peak you might be looking at.
The pass also takes you across the boundary into the Beverin Nature Park. The heart of the nature park is home to the Safien-Rheinwald ibex population. The capricorn (the Romansh word for ibex) serves as a distinctive symbol of this wild, Alpine landscape.
Next comes the descent. The route from Turra to Alp Tomül was built in 1941, during the Second World War, by Polish internees. The historic path, which features numerous dry stone walls, was restored between 2018 and 2021. With glorious views over the mountains, including the glacial stream waterfall, the walk to the end of the leg at Turrahus seems almost effortless.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Vals
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Safien-Platz
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
2400 m
|
| Ascent |
1200 m
|
| Descent |
740 m
|
| Distance |
13 km
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| Duration |
5 h 10 min
|
| Duration back |
4 h 40 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
June - October
|
| Theme |
To an alp, With panoramic view, Over a pass
|
Quick Facts
Route number
