Walserweg
Overview
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Distance 21 km
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Duration 8 h
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Ascent 1600 m
Intro
The Walser people settled in Schlappin in the 14th century. Through the protective forest up to the area of Saaser alp. Karst landscape on Rätschenjoch, former mining area in «Butzchammera», rockfall landscape in Gafital, scattered settlements on the slopes, at the end a closed-off settlement in St. Antönien Platz.
Description
Klosters, a chalet-style alpine resort, lies at the top of the Prättigau. The village's 800-year history has been shaped by Walserism. The tough, hard-working Walser people are said to have been good-natured, direct, freedom-loving and in tune with nature. With their hard work, they shaped the landscape and people of Graubünden.
From Klosters railway station, the well-secured trail zigzags steeply up the Schlappintobel. The mountain stream flows below the path. For a few metres, the route continues along Schlappinsee lake, which invites you to fish, splash around and linger. After the tiny Walser settlement of Schlappin, the trail branches off to the left and continues uphill, albeit somewhat less steeply.
Continuing through a fairy-tale forest with beautiful streams, giant mushrooms and lush green grass, you leave the tree line behind. It is worth looking to the east, where the Schlappiner valley now opens up. Wine and cattle, among other things, were traded via the mule track over the Schlappiner-Joch. In 1622, this was a war zone during a conflict between Graubünden and Montafon.
Along the steep slope, you reach the Zügenhüttli. At the next junction, the trail continues to the right. Turning left would take you to the Madrisa cable car with its adventure park for families. The long stage could be divided into two parts here.
Further uphill, past the Obersäss, you reach the Chüecalanda, where the marmots sound the alarm if you get too close. In the back, you can see the three-thousand-metre peaks of the Grisons Alps, the Weissfluh above Klosters and the Pischahorn above Davos. The lush pastures contrast with the stony Saaser-Calanda and the Rätschenhorn. The hike's highest point is reached at 2,601 metres above sea level. On the Rätschenjoch, fantastic panoramic views open up to the north and south. The white Gafier Platte suddenly appears right in front of you.
Following the ascent via a lush green southern slope, the route descends again across a gravel landscape on the northern slope. Metre by metre, the scenery turns greener as you leave the Gafier slabs behind you. Affording views of the Madrisajoch and the Gafier Joch, the route continues. A little later, the Sulzfluh and the Drusenfluh are visible to the north. The latter two mountains are suitable for climbing.
Shortly before Hochstelli, at the source of the Gafierbach stream, you look down into the valley over the steeply dropping Plattenfluh. Following along the creek, you reach the Sunnistafel. Rockfalls characterise the primaeval landscape in the lower part of the Gafia valley, making farming difficult. It is still the most important economic sector in the high valley of St. Antönien. This very long, impressive and varied stage ends here.
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 |
Klosters
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|---|---|
| Destination |
St. Antönien
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
2500 m
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| Ascent |
1600 m
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| Descent |
1300 m
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| Distance |
21 km
|
| Duration |
8 h
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| Duration back |
7 h 35 min
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Season |
June - October
|
| Theme |
Over a pass, To an alp, With panoramic view
|
| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r... |
Quick Facts
Route number
