Schanfigger Höhenweg

At first, you follow the wide gravel road along the Haupertällibach stream, until it turns into a narrow path. Across Alpine meadows and gentle grass slopes the old mule track winds steeply upward to the Strela Pass which used to be a transport connection of significant importance. As the shortest connection between Chur and Davos and into the Engadine, the Strela Pass was often used by the Walser for the purpose of trading cattle and goods with the Walser settlements in Davos.

The remarkable passage along the cliff trail on the Gross Schiahorn is followed by a climb of about one hour up to the watershed. At 2,628 metres above sea level, this is the highest point of the route. Surrounded by Weissfluh and Weissfluhjoch, the two mountain stations are visible to the right and to the left. While the area has a lot of skiing activity in the winter, the beautiful mountain valley is peaceful and quiet in the summer.

During the descent you slowly leave the bleak, high Alpine countryside with its ledges and scree slopes and drop down into the picturesque Fondei valley. Few mountain valleys in the Alps have such a well-preserved cultural Walser landscape. Sunburned wooden buildings are scattered over the meadows, while Grüensee Lake on Duranna Pass sparkles in shades of green and blue. After around four hours, you will arrive at a good spot to rest. The panoramic view towards the Madrisahorn and the other mountain peaks reflected in the lake is magnificent. The Weisshorn and Plattenhorn peaks sit enthroned above Arosa.

The descent is accompanied by an amazing panorama of the Prättigau. It leads through moorlands and past countless mountain streams whose individual forks are carving a path down into the valley. Unlike many other Walser settlements the Fondei valley was found to be inhabited all year round for 600 years and had a population of up to 200. The depopulation of the valley did not begin until the transport routes were built up and the hay yields collapsed at the end of the 19th century.