Valserberg - Walser Trail

The trail leads past one of the oldest houses in Vals, the "Abersch Hus" (pure round timber joinery). In the Peil Valley you come across farmsteads scattered about as well as "Tachli" (thatched roofs) and can find lush green hay meadows that extend right up to the alp land. Rugged ridges, numerous streams and the valley floor's flood plain vegetation give the far end of the Peil Valley its wonderfully stunning countryside. On Mount Valserberg you then enjoy wonderful views over the San Bernardino Pass as well as fantastic views over the peaks of Vals and its surrounding areas.

Mount Valserberg is a historical transit route: Until the new road to Ilanz was built in 1879/ 80 all goods headed south were transported to the Hinterrhein over the Valserberg. The legendary mountain haulers mainly carried their heavy loads over the Valserberg during the winter months. The people of Vals also took livestock over the mountain to Bellenz (Bellinzona) and Lauis (Lugano) to be sold at southern markets.

Also possible: Take the Vals hiking bus to Peiltal. Start the walk at the Kiosk Peil. For the Vals hiking bus registration is required. phone 081 935 16 49. Timetable see www.vals.ch

From Dorfplatz, the path leads left around the church and up the steep Dorfgasse until you reach Hotel Valserhof. From here there is a wonderful view over the village with its characteristic stone roofs. Soon you will come to a small street, continue on, passing to the right of a double barn and along a little stream until it merges with a dirt road. Follow this to the right until you reach the signs.

From here, there will be a path that starts out steeply and leads across green meadows to the Aberschhus spring pasture. From here the path becomes less steep as it takes you above and past the spring pastures Kartütscha (1,668 m) and Fulplatta and on to a lovely grassy plateau where you will find a fourth spring pasture called Maiensäss uf der Matta (1,734 m). From here, the trail is almost level, leading past the Tschifera spring pasture (1,764 m). Although the trail is marked from here to Wallatschalp it is not easy to see everywhere. From here, hike across alpine meadows to the Balmatachli (group of old barns for storing hay), perched above a rocky cliff. The trail then leads back into the valley. Cross the Wallatschbach stream and after a short climb, you will arrive at the Wallatsch mountain farm, which has a wonderful view of the Peil Valley.

From here, the path leads along the slope over mountain pastures to a cairn dubbed the Steinhirt [“Stone Herdsman”]. After you pass the Furtboda, the trail becomes increasingly rocky and you must cross a scree field to get up to the pass (2,504 m). Along the way you will see old military bunkers. From the summit you can see the Rheinwald, Hinterrhein, and San Bernardino Pass. Going back down to Hinterrhein, you descend a steep path past the Piänetsch mountain farm, from here, follow the road to Hinterrhein (1,650 m) via Tristel, Wald, and Cassana .

Hinterrhein: postal bus service connection to Splügen-Thusis. Then by train via Reichenau-Tamins to Ilanz and back to Vals by postal bus service. Alternative: From Hinterrhein via Misox to Bellinzona.