Alpine Passes Trail

This long stage begins at the Berggasthaus Turrahus restaurant in the Safien Valley. The influence of Walser culture is very strong in this secluded tributary valley in Graubünden's Surselva region. Scattered hamlets and farms tell the story of settlement in this valley over time. Following the Rabiusa, you’ll reach the church in Thalkirch, surrounded by a traditional “Stegelzuun” slanted fence. Then you’ll head upwards through the Bawald to Camaner Hütta. Just one bend further down – but a good 200 metres lower – is Camanboda, the highest settlement in the Safien Valley to be inhabited all year round. Camanaboda is a beautiful example of a typical Walser settlement.

On the steep trail to Zalöner Alp, the view opens up over the Beverin Nature Park and the eponymous peak of Piz Beverin (at 2,998 metres). The park, which covers an area of 412 km2 around the peak, is home to ibex (capricorn). The meadows are strewn with heather. Climb through meadowland – where marmots sound the alarm – to reach the Güner Lückli pass (2,470 metres above sea level) a short while later.

A transit route across this pass used to lead from Safierberg pass via the Safien pastures to Pitasch and Castrisch. This was one of the first crossings in Graubünden from the Vorderrhein (Anterior Rhine) to Chiavenna. Then comes a rather poorly marked path down to Alp Gretg settlement. With a little luck, you will spot some chamois on Piz Radun mountain. The sweeping view extends from Val Lumnezia to the Surselva Valley, taking in Oberalpstock mountain and the Tödi massif. Continue through the forest above Val da Pitasch to reach Duvin after well over two and a half hours.

After this small hamlet, there a steep path down to Planezzas. Further along the main road, you cross the river Glenner (Glogn in Romansh) at Peiden-Bad. This whitewater river, which rises between Piz Terri and Piz Scharboda, flows through the Val Lumnezia. A better-known and larger river is the Valser Rhine: at Suraua, it flows into the Glenner, which then joins the Vorderrhein at Ilanz. Stay on the asphalted road to continue climbing towards Peiden. Now comes the last hour of this hike: you pass below Cumbel village to reach Vella, the end of this long stage with over 3,000 meters of altitude gains and losses.