Alpine Passes Trail: Stage 5

The assumption that this is a short stage because of the number of kilometers is not quite correct. So much in advance: the hike will not be easy, but it is definitely worth it. The starting point Ausserferrera is located at the lower end of Val Ferrera. As the name suggests, the Ferrera valley has a mining history that shaped its older history. The extraction and smelting of iron, copper, and lead ores only ceased in 1869. The entrances to the mining tunnels and mines are still visible.

Crossing the river Ragn da Ferrera, which soon flows into the Hinterrhein, you are already in the forest. A bit further down, it is called the “Magic Wood.” Boulder fans from all over the world come here for bouldering. There are over 1200 routes in this small area. The path branches off, now the steep ascent to Alp Nursera begins – it is 550 meters in elevation over 1.5 kilometers.

If you like mushroom risotto, you will possibly find the main ingredient along the way, as mushrooms sprout all over. However, you should also keep an eye on the path, otherwise you might suddenly find yourself on a game trail instead of the hiking trail. Alp Nursera is reached in just over an hour and a half. In the summer months, goats and cattle graze here.

Over rugged terrain, the path leads uphill to the highest point of the stage at just over 2000 meters above sea level. The view back to Piz Grisch, northward to Haldensteiner Calanda and further left to the Teurihorn is wonderful. The flora is also wonderful: for example, the rare, protected silver thistle can be found. The wild path towards Schwarzwaldalp is repeatedly crossed by ant trails.

At the alp, a different scene: in the coniferous forest, the babbling of streams drowns out the birdsong. An old wooden bridge crosses the raging Surettabach. Still on a very natural path, you reach the Rosschopf. Past the avalanche protection works, the Sufnersee lake can be seen in the valley. Under the pass road, the trail continues on the right side of the Hinterrhein towards Splügen. On the left are visible the remains of the Splügen ruin, while in front of you stand Einshorn (2944), Guggernüll (2886), and Pizzo Tambo (3278).

After a little more than five hours, the stage ends in Splügen. The pass village has a well-preserved village appearance with proud palazzi and sun-tanned Walser houses. Despite tourism development, it has largely retained its character. For the preservation of the village appearance, Splügen was awarded the Wakker Prize by the Swiss Heritage Society in 1995.