Walserweg Gottardo

The journey through the world of the Walser people begins in Binn. Starting from the Upper Valais, they settled in the Alpine region from the late High Middle Ages. The starting point of the Walser hike is now the centre of the Binntal Regional Nature Park. Binn has long been a popular tourist destination. Proof of this is the traditional Hotel Ofenhorn, which was built in 1883 in Belle Époque style. The hiking trail crosses the village and then winds along the slope above the Binna. You cross the first impressively steep avalanche runways. Uphill all the way in the scattered settlement of Fäld with its traditional wooden buildings. Options for accommodation and a break are available here.

Afterwards you hike on the geological trail for a while: at some stations, you can find out more about the unique diversity of rocks and minerals in the valley. Over 300 different ones have been found to date, and 30 of them are only deposited in the Binn Valley. The geological trail branches off to the Lengenbach pit, while the Walser mule track continues to follow the Binna River. It crosses several wild streams, an open forest and boulder area, and then climbs up a steep, alder-covered slope.

The idyllic Halsesee lake takes you completely by surprise in its boggy hollow. Equally incredible is the strange white landscape in which you find yourself shortly after this. A band of white dolomite rock abounds here, interspersed with dark Grisons slate. Dolomite marble is known for its mineralisation, in which a globally unique variety of rare minerals has been found. The trail now leads partly over the large stone slabs of the former mule track. The individual valley levels are streaked with sparkling streams. One flows out wide in front of the Oxefeld moor, over a rocky outcrop. The stone path now leads you to the Binntal hut, where refreshments await you.

One more kilometre, and you have reached the highest point of this stage: through a scree landscape, you go up to the Albrun Pass (Bocchetta di Arbola), an important Walser crossing that was used as early as the 13th century. At that time, the Walser people moved to neighbouring Pomatt, known nowadays as Val Formazza, in order to create a new life for themselves in higher areas. It was the first place where the Walsers settled after crossing the Swiss border. Today, this area of Italy is part of the Alpe Veglia and Alpe Devero National Park.

You now go down a first valley step through blocky terrain. The walls of the former dam at Pianboglio have been left to nature. The stream follows the large Lago di Devero, with dense larch forests stretching along its banks. The dam was constructed in 1912 as one of the first energy facilities in the valley. Shortly before the lake, the path leads across a small concealed wooden bridge to the left bank, which you follow to the dam. Following a wide gravel path, this stage ends in Crampiolo. Old and new buildings give the impression of an intact residential area. Several places to stay overnight and shopping options make the attractive Walser-style Alpine village the ideal destination for this stage.