We Walser Hiking and Culture Days

A visit to the highest settlement in the Alps, inhabited all year round:

Vibrant, over 700-year-old Walser cultural landscapes
Hikes and gourmet delights
In Avers / Juf - the highest settlements in the Alpine region that are inhabited all year round

Avers is a decidedly high valley. Campsut is the lowest settlement at 1670m, Juf at 2126m the highest settlement and at the same time the highest, permanently inhabited settlement in Europe. 8 fractions and individual farms make up the municipality. As of 2023, it has 171 inhabitants on an area of 9309 ha.

1292 - Charter of Como:
On the Alps de Bregalia et de Zouo valis Anue (Mountain Alga and Juf in the Avers) were stolen: 613 head of cattle and 2750 head of small livestock, fourteen conchas (containers of various contents?), a copper cheese kettle, a large quantity of cheese, butter and goats. In order to compensate the settlers, they were given the power to levy customs duties for 15 years.

The settlers mentioned in 1292 were probably direct descendants of the Walser colony of the Rhine Forest. It was founded in 1270 by Walser colonists from Pomatt (Ossolo Valley). As early as 1286 it was called the "neighbourhood and community of Rheinwald" and the settlers spread further downstream towards Splügen and Sufers. At that time, only one of the sons of each generation remained on their father's farm, while the siblings moved on to establish new settlements in other valleys and alpine areas. That's how they came to the Avers. The Walser settlement was initially protected by the city of Como, but in the early 14th century the diocese of Chur became the sovereign. Within the framework of the Church League (from 1367), Avers became independent, concluded an alliance with the Swiss Confederation in 1498 and was part of the Three Leagues from 1524-1526.

Anyone who has been there more often will have noticed: The arrival is one day earlier, namely on Sunday. This is because the journey to Avers is long for many. This leaves enough time to explore the landscape.

In the narrow valley, accommodation capacities are limited! You will spend the night in the two neighbouring accommodations, the Hotel Avers and Hotel Bergalga. The two hotels are less than 1 minute away from each other on foot, so that all participants can feel comfortable as a community.

Due to limited capacity, a maximum of 40 guests can participate per trip. There are only 7 single rooms available per travel date.

Dinner: together, alternately at the Hotel Bergalga and Hotel Avers. The Hotel Avers spoils you with a 5-course gourmet menu (don't worry, the portions are small, so you can enjoy the whole menu).

Breakfast and packed lunch: Breakfast is reserved at the hotel where you have the room. The packed lunch is also provided here.

It is also possible to choose between a pleasure hike or a mountain hike.

These hiking and cultural days are exclusively for members of the International Association for Walserism "Wir Walser". or one of the member associations.

If you are not yet a member, you can simply become a member via the registration form (single: CHF 40.00 / couple: CHF 60.00).