Innerferrera - Lai Grand; Mutterkuh frei

The starting point is the picturesque mountain village of Innerferrera at 1480 m above sea level. We leave the village and follow the signs towards Val digl Uors. The path leads us past the southern edge of the village, crosses the Ragn da Ferrera on a wood-concrete bridge and then runs through a short rock gallery, the so-called "Mut d'Avers". This is where the wild Val digl Uors opens up, characterised by rushing streams and steep grassy flanks. The path winds through sparse fir and pine forest, past lush alpine roses, while whistling marmots break the silence again and again.

After about two kilometers we reach the Val digl Uors bus stop. Below the cantonal road, we reach a tunnel portal, where a particularly charming section of the historic Averserstrasse begins. This old mule track from the late 19th century impresses with ornate brick dry stone walls and bridges. The trail leads along imposing natural beauties – waterfalls cascade down from Val Starlera, and warm springs (up to 18 degrees) form strange sinter formations. Deep below, you can see the spectacular, 70-metre-long Starlera suspension bridge – a worthwhile detour.

We continue hiking, past the mighty concrete arch of the cantonal road, and cross the Reno di Lei on the lovingly renovated natural stone bridge Punt di Val di Lei. Here, directly at the bridge, we briefly enter Italian territory. The path then climbs steep, rocky slopes and metal stairs, crosses the Bleika forest and leads above the cantonal road.

After a final climb, we reach the Lai Grand (Lago di Lei) at about 2162 m above sea level. The mighty reservoir with its mighty dam wall is embedded in a very stony, high alpine mountain world. When the surrounding peaks – some of them on Italian soil – are reflected in the turquoise blue water, the excursion becomes an unforgettable experience. Directly on the lakeshore, the Italian restaurant Baita del Capriolo invites you to stop for a bite to eat. With an original Italian coffee or a fresh meal, you can enjoy the soothing, quiet atmosphere in the middle of this impressive landscape and the magnificent view over the lake.

This hike is particularly suitable for families, as it is considered a "suckler cow free" – you don't have to cross pastures with herds of suckler cows, which makes hiking with children or for those who prefer to avoid encountering cattle particularly enjoyable. However, you will have to take the hiking bus from the Valle dei Lei to Innerferrera, as the descent on foot leads through some pastures with suckler cows.

The way back to the starting point can be easily covered with the Valle di Lei hiking bus. The bus runs from the dam wall back to the Ferrera Valley on weekends. Reservations are required by 8 p.m. the evening before at +41 81 630 75 75. The trip from the reservoir to Innerferrera costs CHF 10 for adults and CHF 5 for children. This saves you the long descent, avoids pastures with suckler cows and allows you to relax and enjoy the impressions of the mountains.

Hiking bus:

• The way back to the starting point can be easily covered with the Valle di Lei hiking bus.

Information on travel times and prices here: Hiking bus

Refreshment stops:

• Walserstube in Inneferrera
• Inns of the Avers Valley

Places of interest:

• Mining Museum Innerferrera, A visit gives exciting insights into local history