Madrisa Round Route ​(​2​-​day Gargellen​)​ ​-​ On the trail of the smugglers

Difficult
Rundtour
Hiking · Round trip
07:30 h duration
21,6 km Length in km
2602 m Highest point
1430 m Lowest point
1007 m gain Ascent
1290 m gain Descent
Stamina
Difficulty
Adventure
Scenery

Tour description

Day 1: Gargellen - Gafierjoch - Rätschenjoch - Madrisa Land

Day 2: Madrisa Land - Schlappiner Joch - Valzifenztal - Gargellen

For centuries, lively trade developed between Montafon and Prättigau. Due to the state border, this exchange became illegal, and important goods had to be smuggled between the valleys. Today, the route is open and offers you unique natural experiences and exciting stories.

The two-day mountain hike around the Madrisa takes you on a journey into the past and leads you into a world full of smuggler stories and mule tracks. Embark on a fascinating route where you cross the Swiss border twice and experience magnificent panoramic views, diverse geology, and rich plant life on the partly historic paths between Austria and Switzerland.

The journey starts from the mountain station of the Gargellen mountain railways over the Gafierjoch into the Madrisa Land above Klosters. After an overnight stay in the charming Swiss village, you return the next day via the Schlappinerjoch back to Gargellen.

Note: Please note that a valid travel document must be carried on this tour.

Approach

Take the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit and continue on Montafonerstraße L188 to St. Gallenkirch. There, turn right onto Gargellnerstraße and follow it to Gargellen until you reach the Gargellen mountain railways.

Public transport

Just leave your car behind

The Montafonbahn regional buses run throughout the Montafon area. The main lines run every half hour from Schruns station.

Bus stop for start/finish of the route: Gargellen Schafbergbahn / Line 670

Timetable: www.vmobil.at

Arrival by train to Montafon

From Bludenz station the Montafonbahn runs hourly (partly every half hour). There are also direct connections from Lindau (D) and from Bregenz.

Timetable: www.oebb.at

Parking

Parking spaces for multi-day routes (free) are located at the entrance to Gargellen near the large sign.

Note: parking your car overnight is not permitted at the valley station of the Schafbergbahn.

Directions
Equipment

Since there are no serviced huts on the route, sufficient provisions should be taken along. Hiking poles and headwear (on hot days) are recommended.

Tips

Choose your desired route and book your package online at www.madrisa-rundtour.com and you will receive discounted mountain railway tickets and our goodie directly at the valley station in Gargellen.

You book your desired accommodation yourself directly at one of our partner accommodations and with the password "Madrisa" you get special conditions.

Detailed information at www.madrisa-rundtour.com

Destination

Gargellen, Schafbergbahn valley station

Starting Point

Gargellen, Schafbergbahn valley station

Sicherheitstipps für Wandern in Vorarlberg

EN NOTRUF:

EN 140 - Alpine Notfälle österreichweit 

EN 144 - Alpine Notfälle Vorarlberg 

EN 112 - Euro-Notruf (funktioniert mit jedem Handy/Netz) 

Properties
Route type Hiking, Round trip
Difficulty Difficult
Elevation profile
Best months
Jan
Feb
Mar
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May
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Dec