National Park: Val Mingèr – Sur il Foss – Fuorcla Val dal Botsch – Ofenpass road

A varied mountain pass hike that connects two regions of the Swiss National Park with different characters. Besides the diverse mountain flora, there is the possibility of observing deer in Val Mingèr, the witch’s head, the alluvial fans in the rear Val Plavna, and the magnificent view from the 2677 m a.s.l. high Fuorcla Val dal Botsch pass summit.

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

A visit to the Schmelzra Museum in S-charl with its bear exhibition is highly worthwhile. The experience-oriented exhibition offers insights into the past, lifestyle, biology, and return of brown bears. It is particularly suitable for children.

On the adjacent Bear Experience Trail, nine interactive stations amaze both young and old guests and provide practical tips on behavior in a bear area.

From the PostBus stop «Scuol, Val Mingèr», the path leads over the dam directly into the National Park. On the left, caves appear as if carved in stone, with the head of a witch visible. Idyllically along the stream, the path ascends to the Mingèr rest area. Many marmots inhabit the meadow at this rest area, while many deer often graze on the opposite slope. The path leads west to the Sur il Foss pass (2317 m a.s.l.). The route now leaves the National Park and passes through huge scree fields, first downhill and then slightly uphill to the Fuorcla Val dal Botsch pass (2677 m a.s.l.). Here the view opens to the north, to the Pisoc range, the distinctive peak of Piz Plavna Dadaint, and the valley floor of Val Plavna. From here, the route zigzags downhill over 400 meters across flowery meadows back into the National Park. Along the rushing Ova da Val dal Botsch, the path passes the Val dal Botsch rest area and continues to the PostBus stop «Stabelchod (P8)».