Fuorcla Val Sassa: to the longest block glacier in Switzerland

The hike leads from the scenically beautiful, green Val Müschauns with good observation opportunities for ibexes over a mountain pass at 2857 m above sea level with magnificent views of the Bernina massif to the barren and lonely Val Sassa, whose name “valley of stones” is no coincidence. Partly huge scree slopes line the path, and in the upper areas of Val Sassa, snowfields often remain even in summer. The path leads down over the block glacier into the Cluozza valley and on to the hut of the same name. The Chamanna Cluozza was built in the early years of the National Park as a park ranger’s house and today serves as accommodation for hikers. From Chamanna Cluozza, the path continues (usually after an overnight stay) to Zernez.

Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Swiss National Park, not even on a leash. More information and all protection regulations can be found at nationalpark.ch/schutzbestimmungen.

From S-chanf train station (1662 m above sea level) via Prasüras parking lot (1668 m above sea level) in the valley floor of Val Trupchuns to Alp Purcher. After a wooden bridge, the path branches off to the north, away from the valley trail in Val Trupchun, into the impressive Val Müschauns. Through larch-swiss pine-pine forest and later through stone pine stands uphill.

From the stream crossing (just under 2100 m above sea level), the path becomes steeper, and between 2300 and 2500 m above sea level, quite rough. This section is responsible for the classification of the route in the difficulty level white-blue-white. The ascent at individual points requires the use of hands. At a key section, a fixed rope gives additional support. From 2600 m above sea level, the view opens into the valley basin of Val Müschauns. The path continues through scree slopes up to the Fuorcla Val Sassa (2857 m above sea level). Just below the Fuorcla is the Lai da Müschauns, one of the few standing bodies of water in the National Park. On the other side of the Fuorcla, the not always clearly visible path descends into the valley of stones, the Val Sassa. Soon it crosses an impressive geological feature, the longest block glacier in Switzerland. At the small valley floor of Plaun Sassa, Val Sassa and Val dal Diavel (Devil’s Valley) meet. The route merges into the Val Cluozza and follows the stream to a bridge (1835 m above sea level). Then a short ascent to Chamanna Cluozza. It is recommended to stay overnight here – advance booking is urgently required (www.cluozza.ch / Tel. +41 (0)81 856 12 35). From Chamanna Cluozza, the path leads in a further 2:30 hours walking time to Zernez (see route “Chamanna Cluozza”).