Calfeisental circular route in the Sardona World Heritage

Whoever arrives in Sankt Martin has already left behind a lot, certainly all bustle, road traffic and everyday life. The old Walser settlement in the Calfeisental seems to be frozen in time. The little church among the few houses dates from 1312, built by the free Walsers who immigrated from Upper Valais. They farmed the remote mountain valley until 1653, when they abandoned their settlement here due to the increasingly harsh climate.

Before the hike, have a coffee in the small inn room by the open fireplace or on the terrace with a view of the sparkling Gigerwald reservoir. Then walk upstream, cross the Malanserbach and zigzag up above the tree line to Malanser Alp (1832 m above sea level). A few years ago, the first bearded vultures were released here in the Northern Alps. The summit beauties Heidelspitz, Sazmartinshorn, Gigerwaldspitz, Simel, Orglen and the Panärahörner can be admired. The famous Glarus thrust is exceptionally well visible on many World Heritage summits, for example on Ringelspitz or Piz Sardona.

Through a charming raised bog landscape, continue to the Alp Platten Obersäss, from where the front Calfeisental with the turquoise shimmering Gigerwald reservoir opens up. Past Untersäss, hike to the valley floor, where drinks and simple meals are offered at the Zizerser Alp Sardona. The view uphill reveals one of the many geological phenomena of the Tektonikarena Sardona. The rock wall on whose edge the Sardonahütte (2158 m above sea level) stands alternates bright sandstones and dark clay shales of the flysch.

One last ascent, and the hut at the foot of Piz Sardona and its glacier is reached. Arriving here is beautiful! Staying here as well. The return walk takes place on the other side of the valley via Schräawisli. 3.5 hours later you are back in St. Martin, richly blessed by the wild romantic beauty of the Calfeisental.

E-Bike variant: E-bikes can be rented in St. Martin, easily ride to Alp Sardona and from there walk to the SAC Sardonahütte in about 40 minutes.