Walserweg Gottardo

The Walserweg Gottardo trail follows the migrations of the Walser people between the 12th and 14th centuries in 14 stages. At that time, the people of Upper Valais settled in the Alpine region in search of new areas to inhabit. There are currently around 150 Walser settlements scattered across the Alps over a length of around 300 kilometres. Starting at the Binn Valley, the Walsers moved to the adjacent Valle Antigorio, the Valle di Morasco and the Val Formazza (Pomatt). From here, they moved on to Bosco Gurin, the only Walser settlement in Ticino. The first four stages follow these historic hikes.

We now hike in the Alps for the sheer joy of hiking. We can only assume what once motivated the Walsers to migrate, since there is a lack of available sources. Was it ...? Large numbers of children leading to overpopulation? Natural disasters or the plague? The dryness of the warm climate around 700 years ago, or the wish to become free settlers? Or did the feudal lords encourage the settlement of inhospitable areas so that their domains could grow? Anything is possible …

It is clear that there are scarcely any traces of Walser culture to be found between Bosco Gurin and the Urseren Valley. The primeval Bavon Valley, the Alpine Cristallina Pass crossing and the Bedretto Valley are fascinating with their scenic beauty. Once you are on your way to the Gotthard Pass, modern civilisation catches up with you once again, with its many transport lines, dams, high-voltage lines, tourist trains and resorts. Walser settlements have also been identified above Hospen Valley, and at Andermatt the route goes into an original Walser settlement area.

From the burgeoning tourist resort you reach the Oberalp Pass, high above the pass road and past the installations of the Andermatt-Sedrun ski area. Away from large villages, you hike to Obersaxen in Grisons, a typical Walser area, which is apparent from the place names and the traditional architecture. Once you reach the destination, after 14 stages and over 200 kilometres, you might wonder at the courage, determination and endurance of the Walser families and clans who took on these hikes back then.