National Park: Munt la Schera

A varied and scenic circular hike. Along the route, highlights await such as the old mining tunnels above Buffalora, the earth flows at Munt Chavagl, or the view from Munt la Schera that extends far into the neighboring Italian Stelvio National Park. Especially in early summer a striking diversity of alpine flowers attract attention. Edelweiss can even be found in large numbers at Munt la Schera. Depending on interest and fitness, the hike can be done with or without climbing the summit.

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.

The route starts from the PostBus stop at the Wegerhaus Buffalora (1968 m above sea level) with a crossing of the stream bed of the Ova dal Fuorn. Through a beautiful moorland it goes to Alp Buffalora. Then on a wide path steeply through an old stone pine stand to the fork at Alp Marangun (2195 m above sea level). The path southwards would lead over Jufplaun into the Val Mora and further to Sta. Maria in Val Müstair.
The route to Munt la Schera turns westwards instead and ascends slightly along the northern flank of the Munt Buffalora. After a short time, a tunnel entrance right next to the path indicates medieval iron ore mining in this area. The path continues ascending and crosses a small saddle (2378 m above sea level) which marks the border to the National Park.
From Munt Chavagl, earth flows run down here, looking like a pour on a cake. After a short section with a beautiful view into the Val Chaschabella and the Italian Stelvio National Park, a fork (2370 m above sea level) is reached where the decision is made whether to climb Munt la Schera.
Hikers who skip the summit continue straight west on a flat path and later rejoin the trail coming down from the summit.
The summit route leads upwards along the southeast edge and upon reaching the elevation, continues along the elongated ridge of Munt la Schera to the summit (2586 m above sea level). The descent goes through flowery meadows and past a small meltwater and rainwater pond down to the path that goes around Munt la Schera.
Back at the hill's base, the route passes through the first pine stands and steeply down along heavily eroded slopes. Shortly after entering the first larch stands, the large clearing of Alp la Schera (2091 m above sea level) opens up with its distinctive hay meadow and the old alpine hut, which now serves as a shelter for park rangers.
After the alpine hut, the route turns northwards and quickly descends through a varied mixed forest towards the Ofenberggut. At parking lot 5, the path crosses the Ofenpass road, turns east, and after a short distance reaches the PostBus stop «Il Fuorn (P6)» (1794 m above sea level) and the Hotel Parc Naziunal Il Fuorn.