Nationalpark: Murtaröl

This versatile circular hike requires some beads of sweat and is undertaken relatively rarely. However, this is unjustified: it offers beautiful views of the Val Cluozza, towards the Upper Engadine and the king of the Lower Engadine, the dominant, 3410 m above sea level Piz Linard. With a bit of luck, observations of ptarmigans are possible, chamois are omnipresent along the route. In addition, old, brick avalanche barriers can be discovered on the way, which also makes the hike culturally and historically interesting.

Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Swiss National Park, not even on a leash. For more information and all protections, see nationalpark.ch/schutzbestimmungen.

From Zernez, the path through the forest flank «Las Valainas» is also suitable as an ascent option. It reaches the parking boundary at point 2110.

From Zernez station (1474 m above sea level) through the village eastwards towards the Ofen Pass and over the covered wooden bridge over the Spöl. From here two variants: The western path leads after a piece of tarred road on a dirt road against the forest, turns sharply to the east and then gradually climbs. The eastern path leads on a cart path through meadows into a larch forest, climbs steeply and finally meets the dirt road described above. From here, head east to Sarasinstein, located on the edge of the Cluozza Gorge, dedicated to one of the founding personalities of the Swiss National Park. The path zigzags up to Il Pra and continues to the Bellavista hut (2039 m above sea level). Through the tree line area and on alpine pastures, where trusting chamois are often spotted, further upwards, past the 44 dry stone walls from the 19th century, which were piled up here as avalanche barriers. Where the path turns southeast again, the view of the Val Tantermozza becomes clear. Arriving on the Murtaröl ridge (2579 m above sea level), a magnificent panoramic view of the Engadine, Val Tantermozza, Val Cluozza and the Murter saddle opposite awaits you (see route «Murter»). The trail ends at the Steinmann. For the way back from here directly to the north descending past bizarre rock formations back to Il Pra. From here way back as on the ascent. From Il Pra it is also possible to hike into the Val Cluozza (see route «Chamanna Cluozza»).