Walserweg Gottardo

The first few metres of elevation gain after the Basodino hut require the utmost concentration: the mountain path is quite exposed and goes directly onto the steep rock faces. Following the Bavona, you reach Lago Bianco, one of many lakes here in the Robiei area. There is another valley level of 400 metres to negotiate. The sparkling lake Sfundau can soon only be seen far below the steep rocky couloirs that you cross high up on the slope. On the ride, you once again see the panoramic view of the Basodino with its extensive glaciers. Heading north along a steep slope, you slowly approach the Passo di Cristallina. This crossing can be difficult, especially if the path and gullies are still covered in snow.

Capanna Cristallina lies in a rather forbidding rocky desert. You can look forward to this: the pass, together with the Passo di Nefelgiù, is the highest point on the entire Walserweg trail at an altitude of 2575 metres. The modern and architecturally interesting hut has 120 beds and opened in November 2002.

The descent now extends across many kilometres: a first steep stage goes down into Val Torta and then along by roaring water to Alpe Cristallina, past a large alpine restaurant. You soon dive into a sparse larch forest and then a dense and shady forest of firs. After this, you finally reach Bedretto, the destination for this stage, 400 metres lower, at the top of the Leventina. In addition to the stone houses, wooden buildings are reminiscent of the Valais architectural style.