One day – two countries and countless views – the Madrisa Round Tour
Active, scenic, and steeped in history: The Madrisa Loop takes you along historic smugglers’ trails across the border between Austria and Switzerland. Whether you choose a challenging day hike or a more leisurely two- or three-day trek, you’ll be treated to stunning mountain scenery and unforgettable views.
There are hikes where the destination is the main focus. And then there are tours like the Madrisa Loop, where every single kilometer becomes an experience.
The adventure begins as soon as you take the Schafbergbahn up to the mountain station in Gargellen. Step by step, you leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in a high-alpine mountain world that could hardly be more impressive. Rugged cliffs, lush green alpine meadows, sparkling mountain lakes, and a panorama that changes with every meter of elevation gain.
The one-day Madrisa Loop takes you along the historic trails once used by pack animals and smugglers. Crossing the Gafierjoch, you hike from Austria into Switzerland, into the Madrisa region above Klosters. The return route takes you over the Schlappinerjoch to Gargellen. What was once an important crossing point for transporting goods across the border is now one of the most beautiful and varied circular hikes in the region.
With a walking time of about seven hours, this tour is physically demanding and challenging. Sure-footedness, good physical conditioning, and alpine experience are required. But every bit of effort is rewarded: time and again, spectacular views open up onto the peaks of the Rätikon, expansive high plateaus, and quiet valleys. It is precisely this blend of alpine challenge and unspoiled nature that gives the Madrisa Circuit its special appeal.
Want to enjoy the mountain experience even more intensely? No problem—the Madrisa Circuit can also be done as a two- or three-day multi-day hike. This leaves more time for cozy evenings in mountain huts, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and the diverse mountain landscape surrounding the Madrisa massif.
If you’d like to learn about the history behind the trails, a Montafon mountain guide is your best companion. They’ll tell you about the pack animals, the smugglers, and the people who have shaped these mountain passes over generations. This turns a hike into a journey through nature and history.
The Madrisa Loop is no walk in the park—it’s a mountain adventure for anyone seeking exercise, sweeping views, and truly exhilarating experiences. Whether you tackle it in a single day or as a multi-day tour, the Madrisa Loop offers unforgettable moments in a unique border region and leaves you wanting more.
