Stage 14: Walserweg Gottardo

The steep, sweat-inducing ascent is also uphill: the path zigzags through dense forest, then slowly climbs over pastures and past mountain pastures and alps. Every now and then you catch a glimpse of the villages of Sumvitg and Rabius opposite. Well-kept buildings and alpine meadows characterize the Alp Cuolms dil Run, which is only accessible by a material cableway. Towards the north, the Tödi becomes visible as the highest point. More or less maintaining the altitude, you now cross the first torrent ditch on a narrow path. High above the valley floor, a forest road leads into Val Zavragia. The torrent ditch is crossed on a new wooden footbridge. Debris flows and floods on the valley floor repeatedly cause devastation, despite the many obstructions that slow down the course of the stream. The last steep ascent of the stage awaits, in the forest up to Alp Criedi.

Field names such as “In da Maiasassa” then reveal that you are back in Walser territory. The settlement of St. Martin in the municipality of Obersaxen is the stage destination of the 200-kilometre-long long-distance hike and also the connection to the Graubünden Walser trails. Typical wooden houses, the chaplaincy church and a cozy inn can be found here. It is also worth taking a look into the distance: to the north, the Brigelser Hörner and the Kistenstöckli tower majestically into the air, while on the opposite side of the valley there are further 3000-metre peaks. The post bus stop to Ilanz is located in the neighboring Friggahüs.

Timetable for the post bus from Obersaxen Friggahüs can be found here

You can find out more about the entire San Gottardo Walser Trail from the International Walser Association.