The first elevation meters are made with the Schafbergbahn cable car. The hike starts at the Schafberg Hüsli mountain restaurant. You follow the signs towards Gafierjöchli. You pass by the Schafbergsee (reservoir lake). You reach the Gafierjöchli from the mountain station in about 1 hour. Upon arrival at the Gafierjöchli, the Austrian/Swiss border is crossed for the first time. The hike continues on Swiss soil. Now there is a short and somewhat steep descent before you begin the ascent towards Rätschenjoch. From Gafierjoch you reach Rätschenjoch in about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at Rätschenjoch, you have reached the highest point of the hike. You can enjoy views of the Bernina group, the Rätikon, and the Silvretta. From here, the route continues over the Schafcalanda and the Älpli - following the hiking signs towards Schlappiner Joch. It passes the mountain station of the Madrisa drag lift and the trail leads over alpine meadows past several small mountain lakes. After a short ascent, you reach Schlappiner Joch and cross the border again to Austria. From Schlappiner Joch the descent begins and the hike leads through the Valzifenztal. Shortly after, you reach the customs hut. According to the signpost at Schlappiner Joch, you reach the upper Valzifenzalpe in about 45 minutes. From the upper Valzifenzalpe, you reach Madrisahütte in about 40 minutes via a wide path. Upon arrival at Madrisahütte, you can turn left over the bridge. A beautiful hiking trail runs along the river. From Madrisahütte you reach the valley station of the Gargellen cable cars in about 35 minutes.
