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Intro

Witness the pioneering efforts of man and nature on the Path of the Pioneers, which takes you to the geographic centre of Graubünden. The Crap Furò natural forest reserve is home to one of the most diverse forests in Switzerland on such a small area.

Description

This theme trail runs along the side of the valley above the Albula River from Surava to Alvaneu Bad. Enjoy broad views into the Albula Valley. Along the way you will pass 14 information boards displaying fascinating details about the development of a mountain forest that defies the forces of nature. The forest can now develop undisturbed within the natural forest reserve because no trees have been felled there since 2008.

Along the way, you’ll pass through a forest unlike any you’ll have seen before in such a small space. It boasts a huge range of trees across its 120 hectares, with spruces trading places with mountain and forest pines. Alongside the older specimens and deadwoods, there are also plenty of young trees. Various slope orientations and subsoils, historical glaciers, the climate and human intervention have all contributed to the forest’s unique diversity. This makes the walk not only interesting for nature-lovers, but also adds an extra challenge with old stumps and strong roots to clamber over.

You will come across bizarre rock formations along the Path of the Pioneers. These consist of travertine, a porous, ochre-yellow-grey rock. There is a picnic area with barbecue site near the Crap Furò pinnacle. Crap Furò is the geographical centre of the canton of Grisons. Between the trees, you’ll catch glimpses of the Albulatal Valley.

And at the last post along the way as you head back along the Albula there is a unique attraction – the Arvadi sulphur springs, to which healing and alchemical abilities are attributed. Once you leave the spring, the trail takes you along the Albula and back to Surava.

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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Surava
Destination
Surava
Ascent
400 m
Descent
400 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
2 h 45 min
Duration back
2 h 50 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Easy
Theme
Along Water
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 754

Distance

9 km

Duration

2 h 45 min

Ascent

400 m

Travel information: Surava

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