National Park: Fuorcla Val dal Botsch

A varied pass hike that connects two regions of the Swiss National Park with different character. Besides the diverse alpine flora, the magnificent view from the 2677 m a.s.l. Fuorcla Val dal Botsch pass height, the alluvial fans in the rear Val Plavna, the Hexenkopf, and the possibility of observing deer in Val Mingèr await nature lovers.

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

• A visit to the Schmelzra Museum with the bear exhibition is highly worthwhile. The experience-oriented exhibition provides insight into the past, lifestyle, biology, and return of brown bears. It is especially suitable for children. 
• On the adjacent Bear Adventure Trail, 9 interactive stations amaze both young and old guests and provide practical tips for behavior in a bear area. 
• Alternative tip: It is also advisable to hike from the Fuorcla dal Botsch into the scenic Val Plavna and further on to Tarasp.

From the starting point at the National Park Hotel Il Fuorn and the Il Fuorn postbus stop (P6) (1794 m a.s.l.), the hike follows the first section of the nature trail (details in the route description "Margunet").
From the former parking lot 7 (no postbus stop!) the route turns away from the Ofenpass road and ascends through the dense forest of the Val dal Botsch. Passing the Val dal Botsch rest area, which is almost completely covered with debris, and along the roaring Ova da Val dal Botsch, the path continues uphill to a junction (2176 m a.s.l.).
The path to the east would lead to the Margunet viewpoint, but our route turns north and changes into a zigzag path that crosses flower-rich meadows and gains 400 vertical meters in a short time. The higher the path climbs, the more magnificent the view becomes, stretching south to the Bernina massif and east to the Ortler and Stelvio Pass. Just before the Fuorcla, a circular sinkhole can be seen beside the path, a funnel created when rock underground is dissolved and the resulting cavities collapse.
Reaching the pass crossing (2677 m a.s.l.), the view also opens to the north, towards the Pisoc chain, the distinctive peak of Piz Plavna Dadaint, and the valley floor of Val Plavna.
The route now leaves the National Park and passes through huge debris fields, first downhill and then slightly uphill to the Sur il Foss crossing (2317 m a.s.l.). From here the path dives into Val Mingèr and again runs within the National Park. This section is detailed in the route description "Val Mingèr."
At Pradatsch (1654 m a.s.l.), the route flows into Val S-charl. There is the possibility to take the postbus to Scuol here. However, the route continues southeastward, north of the road. Passing the Schmelzra, the renovated administration building of the former S-charl mines and today's mining and bear museum, the path ends at the postbus stop in the picturesque village of S-charl (1810 m a.s.l.).